Member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Sammi Awuku, has squeezed out contentment with the settlement of the Mahama-led administration to offcut the betting tax.
The one-time Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) expressed that the tax was inefficient and failed to attain the longed for results.
“I have been consistent with my position under both the Akufo-Addo government and now Mahama’s that the betting and lottery tax is counterproductive and will not help the nation. It is a voluntary tax,” Mr. Awuku made these comment in a discussion with Parliamentary Correspondent, Ohene Amponsah.
He also recommended that the authority should engage with appropriate shareholders in the gaming industry and set accurate targets for them. He stressed that the government should avoid passing the tax burden onto players, as this would make unlawful betting operators more attractive to bettors.
“Government must sit with the shareholders and set targets for them to pay, rather than passing it on to the player. The tax will make illegal betting operators more attractive to players,” he mentioned.
Also, he called for an investigation of Ghana’s laws, noting that illegal operators arrested and indict in court must face rigorous punishments as a deterrent.
“It is considered a financial crime in some jurisdictions, so punishments must not be based on the judge’s discretion,” he stated.
Mr. Awuku disclosed that during his time at NLA, the team was not conferred before the tax was administered.
Source:chaleradio.com
