Elvis Osei Mensah Dapaah, the MP for Ahafo Ano South West, claims the NDC government’s abolition of the betting tax encourages Ghanaians, particularly youth, to engage in gambling instead of maintaining employment. He warns that while betting can be financially tempting, it ultimately detracts from productive work. Dapaah emphasizes the government’s intention could harm Ghanaian youth by promoting gambling.
Elvis Osei Mensah Dapaah, the Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South West, has accused the current administration of promoting betting among Ghanaians by eliminating the controversial betting tax. He contends that this action encourages citizens, particularly the youth, to forgo their jobs in favor of gambling as a method of making money.
Dapaah acknowledges that while betting can generate income for some individuals, it is essential to discourage young people from engaging in such activities. He asserts that the government’s removal of betting taxes will likely lead youth to neglect their employment in pursuit of gambling opportunities.
In an interview on Oyerepa TV on March 17, 2025, he stated, “The cancellation of the betting tax says a lot to us…betting is a scam. We should not encourage the idea of abolishing the betting tax.” He continued to express concern about the potential societal implications, stating, “I will say the NDC government wants to destroy Ghanaian youth by forcing them into betting.”
When questioned about whether young individuals in his constituency might abandon farming for betting in light of the tax abolition, he remarked, “Obviously, the majority of them will go and bet.”
The remarks made by Elvis Osei Mensah Dapaah highlight significant concerns regarding the potential societal consequences of the NDC government’s decision to abolish the betting tax. He argues that this policy may lead to increased gambling among youth, which could result in abandoning traditional jobs. As the debate continues, the implications for Ghanaian society remain vital considerations for both policymakers and the public.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
