Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has called on the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) to honor its campaign promise to scrap the betting tax without altering its commitment.
Speaking in Parliament, Afenyo-Markin criticized what he described as a shift in the NDC’s stance from abolishing the tax to rationalizing it.
He argued that such a change undermines the trust of the electorate, emphasizing that campaign promises are binding commitments, not conditional proposals.
The NDC, under President Mahama, had pledged during its election campaign to eliminate certain taxes they deemed harmful to the economy, including the controversial betting tax.
This tax was introduced as part of broader fiscal measures by the previous administration to boost government revenue amidst declining economic growth.
However, the policy faced public backlash, with critics labeling it as punitive, particularly toward the youth.
The betting tax had become a contentious issue during the election campaign, with many voters aligning with the NDC based on its promise to abolish it.
“The NDC and President Mahama campaigned on a commitment to scrap certain taxes deemed detrimental to the economy,” he said.
“These taxes include the so-called e-levy and the betting tax. Yet, we are now hearing what appears to be a shift in tone from scrap to rationalize.
“Chairman, this is unacceptable. Campaign promises are not conditional. They are commitments that form the foundation of a social contract between leaders and the electorate. To appear to alter that commitment after assuming office is to betray the trust of the people.
“Let it be known to this House, particularly the minority side, will hold the government accountable to its promises. If the people were promised the abolition of betting some taxes, that promise must be fulfilled without equivocation or delay.
“Accordingly, if approved, nominees for finance must be prepared to take decisive and concrete steps to present Parliament with a comprehensive and actionable plan for removal of the said taxes without delay. These measures must be reflected in the President’s first budget and economic policy statement.”
