Ghana Launches 2025 Gaming Awareness Month To Fight Gambling Addiction
The Gaming Commission of Ghana recently launched the 2025 Gaming Awareness Month with a strong call to protect young people from the dangers of betting and gaming addiction. The launch took place at the Cedi Conference Center, University of Ghana, Legon, under the theme: “Safe Gaming in a Digital Age: Regulation, Innovation and Responsibility.”
Speaking on behalf of the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, the Chief Director of the Ministry, Mrs. Doreen Panyin Annan, warned about the growing risks of gambling among students, women, and girls. She shared findings from a May 2025 study by the Commission, which showed that 46% of tertiary students used their stipends to gamble, and 9% even used their school fees.
“These numbers are alarming. We need our youth for national development, and we cannot allow gambling addiction to rob Ghana of her future leaders. Gambling addiction leads to depression, theft, isolation, and even broken families. We must protect our young people, because they are our hope for national development,” Mrs. Annan said.
She praised the Commission’s outreach programmes at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, and the Accra Technical University, where over 1,500 students were sensitized. She also commended its partnership with the Ghana Mental Health Authority and gaming operators, and promised the Ministry’s continued support.
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Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture and MP for Ayawaso West Wuogon, Hon. John Settor Dumelo, also advised students to focus on more productive areas. “As students, avoid betting. Don’t see gaming as your future. See agriculture as your future, which guarantees you a return. Bet on agriculture,” he said.
The Acting Gaming Commissioner, Mr. Emmanuel Siisi Quainoo, raised concern about the rise of betting culture in Ghana, especially with the easy access provided by digital platforms. “Gaming activities on campuses, in homes, pubs, and other places are gradually becoming a norm, with negative consequences. The situation places a huge responsibility on the Commission to not only regulate but also ensure that gambling does not derail students from their education,” he explained.
He reminded young people that gaming is meant for entertainment, not as an investment. He cautioned against the desire for “quick money,” which often leads to addiction and frustration. Mr. Quainoo assured that the Commission will increase its outreach across the country. “Our motto, Responsible Gaming, clearly indicates that the Gaming Commission will not sit by and watch as our youth engage in irresponsible betting that could have dire consequences for national development,” he stated.
