Michael Harry Yamson, Administrator of Ghana’s District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), has cautioned young citizens against treating betting as a primary income source, despite the government’s recent decision to abolish a contentious betting tax.
The move, intended to stimulate economic activity within the sector, has sparked public debate over potential risks of increased gambling addiction, particularly among youth.
Yamson emphasized that the tax removal aimed to bolster industry growth but should not be interpreted as an endorsement of reckless behavior. “Betting is a leisure activity, not a livelihood,” he stated, underscoring the government’s stance. “We subscribe to the removal of the tax to drive economic activity, but we equally stress the importance of responsible engagement.” His remarks follow concerns that the policy shift could normalize excessive gambling, especially in a country where youth unemployment remains a pressing challenge.
To address fears of underage participation, Yamson revealed ongoing collaborations with technology partners to integrate safeguards, including the use of Ghana’s national identification system, the Ghana Card, to restrict access to online betting platforms. “Operators must comply with laws preventing minors from betting,” he said. “Digital verification mechanisms are critical to enforcing these standards.”
The government’s dual approach liberalizing the betting market while tightening regulatory controls reflects broader efforts to balance economic incentives with social welfare. Critics, however, argue that without robust public awareness campaigns and support systems for addiction, the policy risks exacerbating financial harm among vulnerable populations.
Ghana’s betting industry has expanded rapidly in recent years, driven by widespread mobile connectivity and high youth engagement. While the sector contributes to employment and tax revenue, health experts warn of rising gambling-related mental health crises.
The state’s reliance on digital tools like the Ghana Card highlights a growing trend across Africa, where governments increasingly turn to biometric systems to regulate age-restricted industries. This policy shift mirrors regional debates on how to harness emerging economic sectors without compromising public well-being, a challenge likely to shape legislative priorities in the years ahead.
