The youth wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has unveiled a series of planned actions aimed at compelling the government to retract its recently implemented 10% betting tax. This move follows concerns from the NDC’s youth faction, who assert that the tax places an unfair burden on young citizens and adversely affects the betting industry as a whole.
The imposition of the 10% betting tax, which forms part of the government’s revenue generation strategy, has faced substantial backlash and apprehension. The NDC’s younger members contend that this tax disproportionately impacts the nation’s youth, many of whom view betting as a form of entertainment and, in some instances, a source of livelihood.
In a press release, George Opare Addo, the National Youth Organiser of the NDC, conveyed the party’s dissatisfaction with the tax, remarking, “We are unwavering in our commitment to safeguard the financial gains that young individuals acquire through betting. By means of demonstrations, protests, advocacy, and civic involvement, we will ensure that our concerns are acknowledged and demand the reconsideration of this controversial decision by the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia Government.”
The statement further outlined the intended course of action: “We PLAN to engage in the following activities; Organize peaceful protests at the Ministry of Finance and take over government premises across various regions. Initiate and escalate lawful nationwide demonstrations, both conventional and unconventional, to express our resistance. Encourage young citizens to engage with government officials and call for an end to perceived corruption and lack of empathy within the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration. Additionally, we plan to stage a presence within the Parliament building and other key governmental institutions.”
This latest development underscores the growing discontent among the youth segment of the NDC and highlights the mounting pressure on the government to reconsider the contentious betting tax policy. The NDC’s ambitious plan of action seeks to bring their concerns to the forefront and compel authorities to address the perceived injustices associated with the tax. As tensions escalate, the nation watches closely to observe how this clash between the youth wing of the NDC and the government unfolds.
Source:Citinews