Kyei Mensah Bonsu Vows To Report Mahama To Assemblies Of God Leadership Over Promise To Scrap 10% Bet Tax

Former Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Suame, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has publicly criticized former President John Dramani Mahama’s recent manifesto promise to abolish taxes on betting if elected in the upcoming 2024 general elections. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu labeled the proposal as “unacceptable,” particularly from a moral and religious standpoint.

Mahama’s Tax Policy Proposals

During a National Democratic Congress (NDC) Youth Townhall Meeting in Accra, Mahama outlined several key economic policies aimed at alleviating the financial burdens on Ghanaians. Among these, he promised to eliminate the controversial Electronic Levy (E-Levy), remove the COVID Levy, and scrap the betting tax. These proposals, according to Mahama, are part of a broader strategy to create opportunities for Ghana’s youth and restore the nation’s economic potential.

“You can also be assured that we will abolish the e-levy, remove the COVID Levy, and scrap the betting tax. I urge you to stand with us, stand for your dreams, and stand for a better Ghana,” Mahama told the youth gathered at the event.

Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s Response

In response, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who is a prominent member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), expressed his disapproval of Mahama’s proposal, particularly the plan to scrap the betting tax. He argued that such a policy is inappropriate for Ghana, which he described as a Christian nation, and emphasized that betting is considered immoral according to biblical teachings.

“I do not support the idea of scrapping taxes on betting as proposed by Mahama. It is inappropriate and unacceptable according to biblical teachings. The NPP’s decision to tax betting winnings was guided by the doctrines of God,” Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu stated.

Moral and Religious Considerations

Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu further explained that the NPP’s decision to impose taxes on betting was not just a fiscal measure but also a moral stance aligned with Christian values. He expressed concern that removing such taxes could promote behaviors that are seen as unethical and contrary to the teachings of Christianity.

In his concluding remarks, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu noted that both he and Mahama are members of the Assemblies of God church. He mentioned his intention to engage with church elders in an effort to persuade Mahama to reconsider his stance on the betting tax.

“Mahama and I attend the same church. We share the same elders, and I will speak to one of them to persuade Mahama to change his mind,” Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said.

Public and Political Reactions

Mahama’s proposal has sparked a broader debate on social media and within political circles, with opinions sharply divided. Supporters of the proposal argue that it would relieve financial pressure on young Ghanaians, while critics, including Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, raise concerns about the moral and economic implications of scrapping the betting tax.

Source: GhanaFeed.Com