Former President John Dramani Mahama has announced that if elected in the December 7, 2024 elections, his next government will explore alternatives to the controversial Betting Tax.

Speaking in pidgin English at a town hall meeting with some youth in Accra on Monday, John Mahama emphasized his commitment to addressing key issues that affect Ghanaians, particularly the youth.

During the event at Bukom Arena, Mahama reiterated his campaign promise to abolish both the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy) and the Betting Tax introduced by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.

He criticized the E-Levy, stating, "The E-Levy no reach the revenue target, and e just dey put unnecessary pressure on the people demma pocket."

In a discussion with the youth, Mahama acknowledged the economic hardships faced by many young Ghanaians, noting that betting has become a means for survival.

"Boys dey hustle, jobs no dey, so dem dey do small betting to chop. I understand the matter because e concern the youth well well. So, we don talk am say, when we come office, we go scrap the betting tax," he declared.

Mahama also touched on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions that led to the introduction of the betting tax, conceding that the government had to find alternative ways to raise revenue.

"We know say this government and IMF don sign agreement, na why dem bring the betting tax. But we for find other ways to plug the hole the betting tax go create," he explained.

As the 2024 election approaches, Mahama’s pledge to abolish the betting tax has resonated strongly with many young people who see it as a way to alleviate some of the economic pressures they face.

"If government no fit provide 24-hour jobs, make we hustle small for some beans," Mahama added, urging the government to allow the youth to earn a little income through betting.

In August last year, the Ghana Revenue Authority announced new taxes that would be automatically deducted at the point of payout for all betting, games, and lottery wins, which were later passed by parliament.

Mahama's promise to scrap these taxes has become a key point in his campaign, highlighting his focus on youth-oriented policies.

"But we go remove the betting tax, E-levy too we go remove am." - Flagbearer of the NDC, John Mahama. pic.twitter.com/8YUBN4q4DT

— EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) August 12, 2024