Kennedy Agyapong, a candidate for the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), staunchly supports the government's recent implementation of a 10% withholding tax on winnings from gambling, games, and lotteries, despite widespread public outrage.
On August 15, 2023, the controversial decision went into effect, sparking impassioned debates across the nation. Many Ghanaian adolescents use sports betting as a source of entertainment and income.
While many have criticized the tax, Agyapong argues that it is reasonable, citing the United States, where lottery and similar games of chance are subject to substantial taxation.
Agyapong told 3Xtra, "[The 10% tax on betting] is appropriate, and it should have been higher." "If you went to America and won a billion dollars in the US lottery, you'd take home about $600 million because it's free money and taxable, so 10% has been donated to charity."
"I will be honest with [youth]: wagering is not good for your future, which is why punitive measures should be enacted to dissuade young men and women from taking their destiny into their own hands instead of spending time on video games and other activities. Regardless of how much money you will earn today, it will be temporary and bet-related; what will you gain from that? Therefore, we must be cautious," he continued.
Further, he urged the youth to grant him the opportunity to serve as president, asserting his capacity to resolve the country's urgent unemployment problem.
Agyapong believes that his leadership can contribute to empowering the younger generation to pursue more fruitful and enduring paths through the provision of meaningful solutions.