By: Ruth Serwaa Asare
The Gaming Commission of Ghana has launched the 2025 edition of Gaming Awareness Month under the theme “Safe Gaming in the Digital Age: Regulation, Innovation and Responsibility” at the Cedi Conference Centre, University of Ghana with the call to students to desist from using tuition fees and student loans for gambling.
Speaking at the launch, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Commission, Emmanuel Siisi Quainoo, expressed deep concern over the rising trend of betting among Ghanaian youth, describing it as a dangerous path that could derail education and family life if left unchecked.
“We live in a world where everyone is chasing after one thing or the other, especially money, which is the bloodline of our activities. As a result, many, especially the youth, are looking for easier ways to make money without much sweat, and this is where gaming and betting activities have captivated the entire world,” Mr. Quainoo noted.
He revealed that betting has become so accessible in the digital age that even children and students are engaging in it without parental knowledge.“Students gamble in their homes without their parents or siblings knowing. Husbands and wives gamble without each other’s knowledge. Even more worrying is that a lot of young girls are now engaging in betting,” he cautioned.
According to him, the situation has led to addictive behaviours on campuses and in homes, with some students going as far as using tuition fees, pocket money, loans, and even stolen funds to finance their betting activities.
Mr. Quainoo stressed that the Gaming Commission’s role goes beyond regulation, it also has a responsibility to protect the vulnerable.
“Players must consider gaming as a mere entertainment, not as an investment or a quick money-making venture. The tendency to think of gaming as an investment can easily lead to addiction especially when you win big once and then start losing gradually,” he explained.
Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to promoting responsible gaming, he assured that nationwide sensitization campaigns will continue.“We love you, the youth. We don’t want any of you to be left out of the country’s drive towards national development. The Gaming Commission does not want to receive reports that you are gambling in school, and it has led you into depression. I wouldn’t want my own child to be in that situation, and I don’t want any of you to be either,” he emphasized.
He also reminded participants of the legal restrictions on gambling. “If you are not 18 years old, you cannot gamble. Do you know that?” he quizzed the audience, reiterating the Commission’s commitment to enforcing compliance.
Mr. Quainoo concluded by urging all stakeholders to join hands with the Commission to promote safe and responsible gaming in Ghana.
