The Minister for the Interior, Mr. Muntaka, has expressed deep concern over the rising number of minors engaging in gambling, warning that addiction among young people is leading many to skip school and spend excessive time at gaming centers.
During a familiarization visit to the Gaming Commission’s headquarters in Accra on Tuesday, February 18, Mr. Muntaka urged the Commission to implement stricter measures to prevent underage gambling.
“I urge you to put in place measures that will prevent minors from participating. We cannot sit by and watch as people make a profit while the future of our country is at risk. I will be very grateful if you take this matter seriously,” he emphasized.
The Minister stated that his visit aimed to gain firsthand knowledge of the Commission’s operations and discuss collaborative strategies to promote responsible gaming in Ghana. He commended the Commission’s efforts in regulating the industry and stressed the need to prioritize responsible gaming practices.
Under the Gaming Act of 2006 (Act 721), the Commission is mandated to license, monitor, and supervise gaming operators, ensuring compliance with regulations. Mr. Muntaka underscored the importance of enforcing these laws to curb underage gambling and ensure that the industry remains a positive force in national development.
Addressing the challenges faced by the Commission, particularly the need for expanded office space, the Minister assured that discussions were underway with the Ministry of Finance to secure a more suitable location for its operations.
“The work you are doing is very important, and I want to assure the staff that we support you. The ministry stands behind you,” he stated.
“We’ll do whatever we can, however possible, to make you have a very cordial working environment.”
Mr Emmanuel Siisi Quainoo, the Acting Gaming Commissioner, recounting the Commission’s progress over the years, said when he first assumed office, it had only nine staff members and generated an annual revenue of GHC 159,000.
Through rigorous efforts, revenue rose to nearly GHC 20 million.
He highlighted the need for discipline among staff, warning against unauthorized visits to gaming facilities and illegal activities.
Mr Quainoo outlined efforts to curb illegal gambling, including working with service providers and the Cybersecurity Authority shortly to block unauthorized gaming platforms.
He highlighted the Commission’s role in shaping the gaming industry beyond Ghana, citing its contributions to sports betting regulations in Nigeria and its leadership in the Gaming Regulators African Forum.
He assured the Minister of the Commission’s commitment to strengthening regulatory frameworks and boosting revenue generation while ensuring responsible gaming.
