The Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), Michael Harry Yamson, has advised Ghanaians, particularly the youth, not to view betting as a source of income, insisting it is meant purely for leisure.
His caution follows public outcries following the scrapping of taxes on betting winnings - a move that Civil Society Organizations and religious groups warn could fuel gambling, particularly among young people.
Speaking in an interview with Citi News, Yamson defended the government's position, stating that the removal of the tax is aimed at supporting the growth of the betting industry, not encouraging irresponsible behaviour. "The Betting Tax was seen as frustrating an industry, and we have removed it to drive that industry and to drive the volume of economic activity in that sector. "That said, the idea is not to increase irresponsible behavior.
What we firmly believe is that betting is a leisure activity; betting is not meant to be a livelihood.
