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The Spokesperson for the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, has criticised President John Dramani Mahama for abolishing the betting tax.
He explained that, as a Muslim, he frowns upon the act of gambling, which he does not want people of his faith to engage in.
Sheikh Aremeyaw said he would have advised Mahama to do otherwise if consulted.
“One thing I’m not enthused about, due to my religious orientation, is betting. The betting tax should have remained, as it would have served as a disincentive. I don’t want to see any young Muslim engaging in any form of betting or game of chance, as my religion strictly prohibits it.
“If the president had sought my opinion, I would have said, ‘Your Excellency, when betting become ingrained in our culture, they erode our spirit of hard work,'” he said while speaking on GTV.
Sheikh Aremeyaw also expressed frustration that President Mahama’s decision to cancel the betting tax would promote laziness among the youth, rather than encouraging them to work diligently to earn a living.
“There’s a reason God created us to work and earn our living. We shouldn’t have a system where young people lack the desire to appreciate the value of hard work and instead seek to make money quickly. I’m not enthused about this, and it’s based on my religious beliefs, not politics,” he added.
On April 2, 2025, President Mahama signed into law the repeal of the betting tax after its approval by Parliament following extensive deliberations.
The repeal implies that the 10% withholding tax on betting, gaming, and lottery winnings has been officially canceled and will no longer be in force, exciting most sports fans in the country.
source: Ghana Web
