The Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), Michael Harry Yamson has urged Ghanaian youth not to view betting as a sustainable source of income, stressing that it should remain strictly a recreational activity.
His caution follows public outcry from civil society and religious groups after the government scrapped taxes on betting winnings.
Critics argue that the move could fuel gambling addiction, especially among young people.
In a recent interview, Mr. Yamson clarified that the removal of the tax is intended to stimulate economic activity within the betting industry, not to encourage reckless behaviour.
“The betting tax was seen as stifling growth in the sector. Its removal is meant to stimulate economic activity—not to endorse gambling as a way of life. We must be clear: betting is a leisure activity, not a livelihood,”he explained.
He stressed that while the policy aims to support the sector’s growth, it must be matched with responsibility and regulation.
Mr. Yamson also called on betting companies to strictly enforce laws against underage gambling, noting with concern the increasing access of minors to betting platforms.
“We need operators to obey the law, 10 and 11-year-olds have no business betting,” he said.
To tackle the issue, he revealed that the government is working with tech partners to introduce digital safeguards, such as integrating the Ghana Card, to restrict access to betting sites for underage users.
“We’re exploring tech-driven solutions to ensure only those legally allowed can access betting platforms,” he added.