The CEO of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Pius Enam Hadzide, has criticized the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for protesting against the recently introduced 10% betting tax.
He expressed that the NDC’s actions suggest their support for activities that could negatively impact the nation’s values.
Populism Over Policy: NDC’s Motives Questioned
In an interview with Citi FM on August 16, the former Deputy Information Minister condemned the NDC for what he sees as their populist approach, primarily driven by election motives.
He emphasized that relying on betting to address employment challenges is concerning.
Bipartisan Concerns: Betting’s Impact on Values
Mr. Hadzide highlighted that both the Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu and the Minority Leader Ato Forson have expressed concerns about the effects of betting on societal values.
He further criticized the NDC for influencing the youth against the government.
Promoting Hard Work: Focusing on Policy
He stressed the importance of policy-focused discussions for leading the country and supporting hardworking young entrepreneurs.
NDC Youth Wing’s Demand and Threat of Protests
On the other hand, the NDC Youth Wing has demanded the immediate elimination of the 10% withholding tax on gaming winnings, considering it an insensitive policy that exacerbates the plight of impoverished youths. The NDC Youth Wing has threatened a series of protests, including picketing at government offices, to push for the abolition of the tax.
Dismissal of Emotional Manipulation
Mr. Hadzide dismissed the NDC’s actions as an attempt to manipulate the emotions of Ghanaian youth.
Background: New Betting Tax Implementation
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) began implementing a 10% withholding tax on gross gaming winnings on August 15.
The tax is applied to profits earned after each win, replacing the previous 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) on each stake.
The GRA explained that this policy change aligns with an amendment to the Income Tax Act 2023 (No.2), Act 1094.