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Presidential hopeful, Hassan Ayariga, has sparked controversy with his declaration to eliminate and forbid betting in Ghana should he secure the presidency. Amid a growing public uproar over the government’s introduction of a 10 percent betting tax, Ayariga has thrown his support behind this measure, contending that betting predominantly caters to jobless individuals and should be completely eradicated.
The controversial betting tax, which took effect on August 15, 2023, has ignited a nationwide discourse. The tax has encountered widespread resistance, particularly from Ghana’s youth, many of whom engage in sports betting as a form of amusement and, in some cases, a means of income.
In an interview on 3FM, the leader of the All People’s Congress Party articulated, “I will abolish betting [if I become president] because betting is an avenue for indolent individuals. Why do people bet? Because they lack employment opportunities. I will annul betting and render it illegal in my country. What’s the point of betting when I require young people like them to sit behind computers, devise innovative solutions, and contribute to a nation where we boast the highest level of technology in Ghana and globally?”
Hassan Ayariga’s audacious proclamation comes at a time when the betting tax policy has ignited fierce debate and divided public opinion. His assertion raises concerns about the potential implications of such a ban on the betting industry, which has become a significant source of entertainment and, in some cases, income for a substantial portion of Ghana’s population. Ayariga’s stance underscores the broader issue of unemployment and the need to foster alternative opportunities for the country’s youth.
