Former GIMPA Rector, Professor Stephen Adei, has called on Ghana’s President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, to reconsider his campaign promise to abolish the betting tax. Instead, Professor Adei has suggested that the government should increase the tax to 50% as a measure to discourage what he describes as a “disastrous habit” with significant societal consequences.

The betting tax, introduced in 2024 under the Nana Akufo-Addo administration, currently imposes a 10% levy on winnings. However, Mahama has pledged to scrap it entirely upon assuming office. Professor Adei, however, believes this approach could undermine efforts to curb betting addiction and its associated harms.

“Sin taxes like betting tax must be increased and not scrapped,” Adei argued, emphasizing the importance of using fiscal policies as tools to deter harmful behaviours. He proposed a steep increase in the tax rate to 50% as a more effective strategy.

Beyond betting, the renowned economist also commented on broader fiscal policies, stating that he would retain the controversial e-levy introduced by the outgoing administration but at a reduced rate. “I would rather reduce other taxes and keep the e-levy, maybe at a lower rate, while removing the multiplicity of taxes,” Adei noted.

His remarks challenge the incoming government to carefully evaluate its tax policies, balancing the need for fiscal responsibility with the imperative to address harmful societal behaviours.