Sammi Awuku Applauds Mahama Government for Scrapping Controversial Betting Tax
Sammi Awuku, the former Director General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) and Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, has endorsed the Mahama-led government’s decision to abolish the betting tax.
In an interview on Adom FM, Awuku expressed his longstanding disapproval of the tax, introduced under his party, the NPP.
“I am thrilled that the betting tax will be abolished. I have consistently opposed it, even during the NPP administration, as it has proven ineffective in many regions,” Awuku stated.
Awuku elaborated on how the tax negatively impacted the lottery sector, emphasizing its unintended consequences.
“The inclusion of lottery activities in the betting tax framework backfired, encouraging illegal gambling and reducing revenue streams for the government-owned NLA,” he explained.
As a former leader at the NLA, Awuku highlighted policies meant to preserve the institution’s integrity, such as barring staff from engaging in lottery activities. He noted that these measures were designed to maintain accountability.
However, he stressed that the betting tax undermined these efforts by fueling underground betting operations.
“Lottery was included in the betting tax, and the National Lottery Authority should contribute to national revenue. But imposing a tax on oneself is counterproductive. It strengthens underground operators, who avoid government levies while offering full payouts,” Awuku remarked.
He pointed out that government-regulated betting faces a 10% tax, while illegal operators evade these charges, making them more attractive to participants.
Awuku concluded by applauding the Mahama government’s move, noting that abolishing the betting tax is a step toward curbing illegal gambling and boosting the legitimate lottery sector.
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SOURCE : VIBEZANDTRENDZ.COM
