Scrapping of betting tax: Move gives government good political scorecard — Prof. Seidu

The Head of the Political Science Department, University of Ghana, Legon, Prof. Alidu Seidu, says scrapping the controversial betting tax in the 2025 Budget gives the government "a good scorecard politically" at least, in the short term.

However, he said it was important for the government to create lasting job opportunities for the youth to channel their energies into them.

"Much as I applaud the government for walking the talk, it also raises the issue of correctional behaviour and religious concerns, which has to be looked at.

"Because betting itself is addictive and a lot of people see it as a lazy way of making money, which could eventually affect the moral fibre of the country," Prof. Seidu told the Daily Graphic in an exclusive interview on Wednesday.

Youth employment policies

The political scientist said much as there could be good moral reasons for introducing the tax, it was seen more as exploitative, against the backdrop of the high unemployment rate.

He urged the government to develop its youth employment policies, including start ups support to build a more resilient and independent economy.

On the other nuisance taxes, including E-levy, the professor said they were too burdensome and affected the general governance architecture of the country.

"One interesting thing in the budget is the fact that while abolishing such taxes, the Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, has introduced measures to shore up internal revenue generation in order not to create any funding gap.

"I urge him to focus on job creation for that is the only solution to all these brouhaha," he said.

Prof. Seidu said: "In all these, the Ghanaian voter has demonstrated that they have come of age and could not be taken for granted. Once they disagree with you and you fail to heed their call, they will punish you at the polls."

120 days promise

On whether the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) could fulfil its manifesto promises in the first 120 days, the professor said: "Even if they are unable to fulfil all, the way they have started is encouraging."

"Even if they are unable to fulfil all within four years, I'm sure they would have been able to address some of the key promises," he said.