By Fuvi Kloku
In the wake of the 2025 Budget presentation, the NPP Minority in Parliament has made a bold claim: they never implemented the Betting Tax. This assertion, however, stands in stark contrast to an earlier promise made by their former flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who vowed to abolish the tax if elected President. This contradiction raises a critical question: if the NPP never implemented the Betting Tax, what exactly did Dr. Bawumia intend to abolish?
According to data from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Akufo-Addo administration did indeed implement the 10% betting withholding tax, contradicting former Finance Minister Mr. Mohammed Amin Adam’s assertion that the previous government did not enforce the tax.
For example, the Domestic Tax Revenue Division of the GRA reported in October 2023 that it collected GH¢15 million from the betting tax within the first month of its implementation.
This glaring inconsistency casts serious doubt on the credibility and integrity of the NPP Minority. When faced with scrutiny, their immediate response seems to be to resort to falsehoods. It appears that dishonesty has become second nature to them. Fortunately, Ghanaians have become increasingly aware of these deceptive tactics and are no longer easily misled. The political landscape has evolved, and the intelligence of the electorate cannot be underestimated or insulted without consequences.
If the NPP Minority does not change its ways, it risks remaining in opposition for an extended period. The days of easily deceiving the public are over, and Ghanaians are prepared to hold their leaders accountable. It is imperative for the NPP supporters to recognize the need to weed out dishonest leaders if they hope to regain power.
The myriad of falsehoods propagated by Dr. Bawumia, which contributed to his significant electoral loss, should serve as a cautionary tale. A word to the wise: honesty and transparency are essential for political success in this new era. The NPP Minority must learn from past mistakes and strive to rebuild trust with the Ghanaian people.
Source: Fuvi Kloku
