Presidential hopeful Hassan Ayariga has stirred up controversy by stating that he intends to eradicate and outlaw betting in Ghana if he attains the presidency.
In the midst of public outcry over the government’s 10 percent betting tax, Ayariga has publicly supported this move, arguing that betting primarily appeals to individuals without jobs and should be abolished entirely.
The contentious betting tax became effective on August 15, 2023, and has triggered a nationwide debate. The tax has been met with widespread opposition, especially from Ghana’s youth, many of whom engage in sports betting as a form of entertainment and, in some instances, a source of income.
In an interview on 3FM, the All People’s Congress Party leader said, “I will cancel betting [if I become president] because betting is an avenue for lazy people. Why do you bet? Because they have no jobs. I will cancel betting, [and make it] illegal in my country. What do you mean by betting when I need young people like them to sit behind computers and design things and build a country where we have the highest technology in Ghana and the world?”.
Betting is for Lazy people. I will abolish it when I become president – Dr Hassan Ayariga on #3FMDrive pic.twitter.com/l2E59bku7d
— #3FM927? (@3fm927) October 24, 2023