Ghana gaming regulator warns against underage gaming and addiction
Regulator has launched a public outreach campaign that aligns with broader efforts to protect consumers, promote fair competition and direct revenues to regulated, law-abiding platforms.
Ghana.- The Gaming Commission of Ghana launched its gaming awareness campaign earlier this month, with a clear message: gambling should be enjoyed responsibly and not relied upon as a source of income.
On a recent GTV Breakfast Show held to mark September as Gaming Awareness Month, Beatrice Baiden, the Commission’s Public Relations Lead, emphasised that leisure and fun should remain at the heart of gaming. She warned the public, especially young people, that even “harmless” pastimes carry risks, such as addiction, and urged everyone to enjoy gaming only in moderation.
She cautioned: “In as much as you want to have your leisure activity, it does come with some element of harm, which is mainly addiction. So try as much as possible not to go overboard, but to do it in moderation.”
Echoing her message, Abugri Apanga, Deputy Commissioner of Operations, underscored that betting must never be mistaken for a path to financial stability or a steady income. He said: “Gambling is not an investment. It is not a source of livelihood. It is simply an opportunity to entertain yourself with money you can afford to lose. Don’t make it an everyday business, or you risk losing far more than you bargained for.”
Apanga also issued a firm reminder about the law that prohibits minors (under‐18s) from participating in gambling activities, warning that parents who allow it, even indirectly, could face prosecution. He noted: “If a parent uses their details to set up an account for their child, they can be prosecuted. It is illegal to expose minors to gaming in any form.”
The public outreach aligns with broader efforts by the commission to protect consumers, promote fair competition and direct revenues to regulated, law-abiding platforms. This includes intensified crackdowns on unlicensed igaming operations, media engagements and responsible gambling campaigns.
