The Gaming Commission of Ghana has launched the 2025 edition of Gaming Awareness Month to raise awareness of the risks of gambling addiction and promote responsible gaming, particularly among the youth.

The month-long campaign, themed “Safe Gaming in a Digital Age: Regulation, Innovation and Responsibility”, was launched today (September 10) with a strong appeal to the youth to approach gaming responsibly and avoid harmful practices that could lead to addiction.

Responsibility

Speaking on behalf of the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, Acting Chief Director of the Ministry, Doreen Annan, highlighted the dangers associated with gambling.

“Gambling addiction has become a huge concern worldwide, with Ghana not being an exception.

Research shows worrying trends of young people, including women and girls, falling into addictive habits that can lead to depression, social isolation, and even misuse of tuition and stipends,” she said.

Statistics shared at the event showed that 60 per cent of gaming players in Ghana are aged between 18 and 35, with 26 per cent being university students.

Data also revealed that one in four players is vulnerable to gambling harm, while 46 per cent of students admitted to using stipends for gaming.

She also mentioned that, the Gaming Commission has partnered with the Ghana Mental Health Authority, gaming operators, and educational institutions to drive its awareness campaign stressing that the goal is to protect Ghana’s youth and channel their energy into productive ventures for national development.

“We will make sure that we do not fail Ghana, Ghana needs its youth for National Development.

As a ministry responsible for the supervision of the Gaming Commission, I have tasked the Commissioner and his team to intensify the campaign to bring down the gaming addictive habits and their harmful effects," she stated.

Warnings

Acting Gaming Commissioner, Emmanuel Siisi Quainoo, urged students to resist seeing gambling as a means of financial gain.

He cautioned against the social and psychological consequences of gaming addiction.

“You are gambling and it has led you to depression.

I wouldn't want my child to be in that situation, and I don't want any of you here to be in that situation either.

If you are not 18, you cannot gamble,” he reminded participants.

The Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, also encouraged the youth to consider investing their time and resources in agriculture, which he described as a more sustainable and rewarding venture compared to gaming.

Activities

This year’s Gaming Awareness Month features a packed schedule of activities across the country. Starting September 11, donations will be made in the Eastern Region, the Kumasi Children’s Home, and the School for the Deaf in the Ashanti Region. Engagements are also planned at KNUST Senior High School and Tamale Senior High School.

On September 19, a gaming tournament will be held among agencies under the Ministry of the Interior, while from September 23 to 24, staff of the Gaming Commission will embark on a tour of Accra.

A cooking competition between agencies under the Ministry of the Interior and gaming operators is scheduled for September 25, this year.

On September 26, donations will be made to Rafiki Children’s Home in Winneba, along with an engagement at Apam Senior High School.

Between September 26 and 29, free gaming addiction counselling sessions will be provided near the commission’s headquarters in Accra.

The campaign will conclude with a cocktail dinner on September 30, bringing together operators, regulators, and stakeholders to reflect on the month’s activities.