Elvis Osei Mensah Dapaah, MP for Ahafo Ano South West, accuses the NDC government of encouraging betting among Ghanaians by abolishing the betting tax. He posits this decision will lead to job abandonment among the youth, promoting gambling instead. Dapaah warns of the adverse effects on society, stating that even older generations may become involved in betting.
Elvis Osei Mensah Dapaah, the Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South West, has strongly criticized the current government’s decision to abolish the betting tax, claiming it promotes gambling among Ghanaians. He asserts that such a policy encourages citizens, especially the youth, to forgo traditional employment and pursue betting as a financial alternative.
Dapaah expressed concern that while betting can offer monetary rewards, it ultimately harms the youth by distracting them from their jobs. He suggests that the government’s actions could lead more individuals to engage in gambling, negatively affecting their livelihoods.
In a discussion on Oyerepa TV on March 17, 2025, he stated, “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.” He further claimed, “I will say the NDC government wants to destroy Ghanaian youth by forcing them into betting.” He also noted the potential widespread appeal of betting, remarking that even older individuals will likely partake in it.
When prompted about the impact on youth in his constituency, particularly in the farming sector, he concluded, “Obviously, the majority of them will go and bet,” indicating a clear concern over the shift in priorities prompted by the policy change.
In summary, MP Elvis Osei Mensah Dapaah asserts that the NDC government’s decision to abolish the betting tax will lead to increased gambling among the youth, detracting them from stable employment. He emphasizes the detrimental effects of promoting betting as a financial opportunity and warns about the negative influence on entire communities, including the elderly. Dapaah’s critique highlights the potential long-term risks associated with government policies that encourage gambling over employment.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
