Elvis Osei Mensah Dapaah, MP for Ahafo Ano South West, claims the NDC government is promoting gambling among the youth by abolishing the betting tax, urging them to abandon jobs for betting. He argues that betting should not be encouraged, fearing it will lead many to neglect their work. He believes the decision will severely impact the youth’s future.
Elvis Osei Mensah Dapaah, the Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South West, has criticized the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government for promoting betting among Ghanaians by repealing the contentious betting tax. He asserts that the administration is inadvertently urging workers to leave their professions in favor of gambling as a means of income.
Dapaah contends that while betting might offer financial benefits to some, it poses significant risks to the youth, who should be discouraged from this practice. He maintains that the elimination of betting taxes will only incentivize young individuals to abandon their jobs and engage in gambling instead.
During an interview on Oyerepa TV on March 17, 2025, he expressed his concerns, stating, “The cancellation of the betting tax says a lot to us…betting is a scam. We should not encourage the idea of abolishing the betting tax.” Dapaah further expressed, “I will say the NDC government wants to destroy Ghanaian youth by forcing them into betting. Now, even old women and men will engage in betting. It is clear that the NDC government wants to promote gambling.”
When probed on whether the youth in his constituency might abandon their agricultural roles to pursue betting due to the tax’s removal, he confidently replied, “Obviously, the majority of them will go and bet.”
In conclusion, Elvis Osei Mensah Dapaah has raised significant concerns regarding the NDC government’s decision to remove the betting tax, suggesting it promotes gambling among the youth. He believes this policy may lead to detrimental consequences, urging for measures to discourage gambling rather than facilitate it. His comments highlight the potential negative impact on traditional employment, particularly in agriculture, and provoke a broader conversation about government policies influencing youth engagement in betting.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
