Michael Harry Yamson, the Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), has issued a strong warning to young Ghanaians about the dangers of viewing betting as a viable source of income. He emphasized that betting should remain a form of entertainment rather than a means of livelihood.
Yamson’s comments come in response to criticism from civil society and religious organizations following the government’s recent decision to eliminate taxes on betting winnings. Many fear that this move could lead to increased gambling, particularly among the youth.
In an interview with Citi News, Mr. Yamson explained that the removal of the betting tax aims to enhance the sector’s contribution to economic activity, not to encourage reckless behavior. “The betting tax was seen as frustrating an industry, and we have removed it to drive that industry and to increase economic activity in that sector,” he stated. However, he stressed that the intent is not to promote irresponsible gambling. “Betting is a leisure activity; it is not meant to be a livelihood for anyone.”
Furthermore, Yamson urged betting operators to adhere strictly to laws that prohibit underage gambling, highlighting the importance of preventing minors from accessing gambling platforms. “We encourage compliance with the law to ensure that young people, especially those as young as 10 or 11, are not participating in betting,” he noted.
To combat the issue of underage betting, the government plans to collaborate with technology stakeholders to implement digital safety measures. This includes the potential integration of the Ghana Card as a tool to restrict access to online betting sites for minors. “We need to work with those in the technology space to ensure that when people go online to bet, we can use mechanisms like the Ghana Card to prevent young people from gaining access,” he revealed.
As the conversation around betting continues, Yamson’s comments serve as a crucial reminder for young Ghanaians to approach betting with caution, keeping it within the realm of leisure rather than a financial necessity.
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