By Sarah Baafi
Sheikh Armiyawo Shaibu, spokesperson for the National Chief Imam, has expressed his disapproval of the government’s decision to abolish the betting tax in the 2025 budget.
Speaking on GTV’s breakfast show, Sheikh Shaibu argued that the tax should have remained as a deterrent to gambling, which he believes undermines the principles of hard work and responsibility.
He stated, “If the President had asked for my opinion, I would have said, Your Excellency, because of one pattern and this game of chance becomes part and parcel of our culture, it kills our spirit for hard work. It encourages the seeking of wealth in the shortest way.”
The betting tax, introduced in August 2023, imposed a 10% levy on gambling winnings and aimed to discourage excessive gambling while boosting domestic revenue. However, it was abolished in March 2025 by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson as part of broader efforts to eliminate “nuisance taxes,” fulfilling a campaign promise by President John Dramani Mahama. The move was widely celebrated by bettors and gaming operators across Ghana.
Despite public excitement over the tax removal, Sheikh Shaibu expressed concern about its potential social consequences. He warned that removing the tax could encourage young people to rely on gambling instead of hard work and skill development. “We must work and act out our living. Through work, we develop skills and take responsibility,” he emphasized. He added that such practices conflict with religious teachings and could erode societal values centered on effort and diligence.
The abolition of the betting tax has sparked mixed reactions nationwide. While many view it as a relief from financial burdens, critics like Sheikh Shaibu worry about its long-term impact on Ghanaian society.
“I don’t want to see any young Muslim enter into any bed of poverty of any nature or any game of chance because my religion abolished it completely,” he stated firmly, highlighting the tension between economic policies aimed at stimulating growth and moral considerations tied to cultural and religious values.
