“We Did Not Implement Betting Tax” Was A Miscommunication, We Are Sorry – Patrick Boamah
Patrick Yaw Boamah, the Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, has issued an apology to Ghanaians for the confusion stemming from the Minority Caucus’s claim that they had neither imposed nor collected the betting tax.
This misunderstanding arose after the announcement to eliminate the betting tax in the 2025 budget presentation. The Karaga Minister and former Finance Minister led the Minority Caucus in accusing the current administration of misleading the public. Dr. Amin Adam raised questions about how a policy that was never enforced could be repealed, emphasizing that the previous Akufo-Addo-led NPP government had neither collected nor implemented the levy.
In an interview with Lawson TV that BigFamily News on X was able to witness, MP Boamah responded to the allegation by saying that former Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam’s comment was the result of a communication breakdown. He said the former minister will clarify the matter in his next press conference by addressing the misunderstanding.
Related To This: Betting Tax: Shatta Wale Drops Diss Song For Former Finance Minister
“There is an issue, and we will delve into it tomorrow by explaining the position. I don’t speak for him, but I believe there was a communication gap, which I hope he will address in his engagement with the press and handle carefully and reasonably. I apologise to the youth for the miscommunication,” Boamah stated.
Boamah, however, confirmed the existence of a 10% withholding tax on gaming (often referred to as the betting tax), as well as a tax on winnings. He suggested that the former minister was likely referring specifically to the tax on winnings and attempting to explain that it was never implemented. However, this distinction was lost due to the miscommunication.
“… We have betting, casinos, football bets, and all, and I’m sure that is what the youth is referring to. First off, the 10% withholding tax on gaming, which many refer to as the betting tax, exists. The tax on winnings, which [Amin Adams] sought to explain, was never implemented,” he said.
The lawmaker called for a thorough explanation of the taxes to establish a common understanding and eliminate any confusion surrounding the betting tax issue. “I’ve also listened to the Deputy GRA Boss for Domestic Tax, who also provided an explanation. I believe we all need to reach a common ground and consensus on these two tax policies: the 10% withholding tax on big betting companies and the small deductions on bet winnings from football,” he concluded.
Dr. Amin Adam has faced significant public scrutiny and criticism following his initial claims.
