The Interior Minister, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, has urged the Gaming Commission of Ghana to implement stricter measures to prevent minors from engaging in gambling.
He expressed concern over the growing number of underage gamblers, noting that many minors had become addicted, often skipping school to spend time at gaming centres.
“I want to urge you to please make sure that you put in measures that will prevent underage from participating.
“So that we don’t destroy the future of our country by sitting to watch as people make a profit. I’ll be very grateful that you take this very, very seriously,” Mr Muntaka said during a familiarisation visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Accra on Tuesday.
The Interior Minister said his visit was to gain firsthand knowledge of the Commission’s operations and to discuss collaborative strategies to promote responsible gaming in Ghana.
He acknowledged its efforts in regulating the gaming industry, emphasising that responsible gaming practices must be prioritised.
Mr Muntaka mentioned the Commission’s mandate under the Gaming Act of 2006 (Act 721) to license, monitor, and supervise gaming operators, ensuring compliance with the law.
He highlighted the importance of enforcing existing regulations, particularly in curbing underage gambling, and ensuring the industry remained a positive contributor to national development.
Touching on the challenges facing the Commission, particularly the need for expanded office space, the Minister assured of discussions with the Ministry of Finance to secure a more spacious location for its operations.
“I must admit that the work that you are doing is very, very important. The staff can be rest assured that we are there and we have your back. Here in the ministry, we have your back,” he said.
“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 GH¢159,000.
Through rigorous efforts, revenue rose to nearly GH¢20 million.
He highlighted the need for discipline among staff, warning against unauthorised visits to gaming facilities and illegal activities.
Mr Quainoo outlined efforts to curb illegal gambling, including working with service providers and the Cybersecurity Authority in the near future to block unauthorised 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.
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