The youth wing of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has issued a warning that they will engage in a series of protests at the Ministry of Finance and various government agencies nationwide unless the newly introduced 10% sports betting tax is immediately stopped.
This comes on the back of the Ghana Revenue Authority’s announcement to charge 10% withholding tax on gross wins from patrons of sports betting and other lotteries effective August 15. The GRA said it had instituted necessary measures to ensure full compliance to the amended Tax Act.
A statement issued and signed by the NDC National Youth Organiser, George Opare Addo, said it would instigate the youth to demand an end to corruption by the government.
“In the face of the unjust 10% taxation on bet wins, we, the young people of Ghana and the NDC youth, declare a resolute series of actions to resist this burdensome and insensitive policy”, the statement said.
The statement stressed that the NDC’s unity is unwavering, and its determination to protect the funds young people secure through betting is unyielding.
“Picket at the Ministry of Finance and occupy government offices across the country. Start and scale up nationwide conventional and unconventional lawful agitations as a measure of the resistance. Instigate young people to confront officials of this government and demand AN END to the CORRUPTION and Insensitivity of the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia-failed brigade, and Occupy Parliament and other government agencies,” the NDC statement said.