Ghana moves to scrap betting tax as Finance Minister presents bills on 13 March

Ghana’s Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has presented eight bills to Parliament, including plans to abolish the 10% betting tax on individual winnings and the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy). The move, announced on March 13, aligns with the government’s pledge to streamline taxes and ease financial burdens. During an interview on ChannelOne TV, Dr. Forson clarified that the betting tax, which deducts 10% from individual winnings, would be removed, while betting companies would still pay corporate taxes.

He also dismissed claims by former Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adams that the previous NPP government never implemented the betting tax, revealing that GH₵ 80 million had been collected since its introduction in late 2024. Earlier reports from the Ghana Revenue Authority indicated monthly betting tax revenues of GH₵ 15 million, with projections to reach GH₵ 60 million by the end of the football season.

The proposed tax reforms aim to stimulate economic activity and provide relief to citizens. The bills to repeal these taxes are expected to be laid before Parliament soon, marking a significant shift in Ghana’s fiscal policy. The move has been welcomed by bettors and stakeholders, who anticipate positive impacts on the betting industry and the broader economy.