Sammi Awuku back removal of betting tax

The former Director-General of the National Lottery Authority, Sammi Awuku, has backed the government’s decision to scrap the controversial betting tax.

A long-time critic of the tax, even during the previous NPP administration, the Member of Parliament for Akuapem North labelled it a counterproductive measure that has failed to generate the desired results in other regions.

Introduced in August 2023, the 10% withholding tax on all gambling winnings was aimed at boosting government revenue.

During his vetting before the Appointments Committee of Parliament, Finance Minister-designate Ato Forson also acknowledged that the tax had not met its objectives and should be repealed an opinion shared by Awuku.

“I’m excited that the betting tax is going to be scrapped,” Awuku stated during an interview with Daily Guide Network.

“I’ve been consistent about it, even during the NPP era, and I said it is something that personally has not worked in many of the jurisdictions anytime you have introduced taxes on betting.

“Lottery was part of the betting tax. The National Lottery Authority, for instance, is owned by the government, and apart from the things that they do, at the end of the day, they must also contribute to the national kitty.

“If the government is taxing itself, then what will happen is that the underground operators that we call the illegal operators will become emboldened,” Awuku continued.

“If you play with the government, you attract a 10% tax on what you win. But if you play with the illegals, you get your full money. So, I told them that, for me, it was counterproductive.”