Ghana Gaming Commission Launches Responsible Gambling Campaign

Commission Officials Stress Entertainment-Only Approach

Beatrice Baiden, the Commission’s Public Relations Lead, appeared on the GTV Breakfast Show to promote responsible gaming practices during the awareness campaign launch. She emphasized that leisure and entertainment should drive gaming participation, while acknowledging inherent addiction risks that require moderation. The campaign targets public education about gambling’s proper role in recreational activities.

“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,” Baiden cautioned viewers. Deputy Commissioner of Operations Abugri Apanga reinforced this messaging by distinguishing gambling from investment or employment opportunities that provide reliable financial returns.

Legal Compliance and Consumer Protection Drive Initiative

Apanga delivered stern warnings about treating gambling as a business or income-generation strategy, emphasizing the financial risks associated with regular participation. “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,” he explained during the television appearance.

The campaign also addresses illegal underage gambling participation, with officials warning parents about potential prosecution for facilitating minor access to gaming platforms. Apanga noted that parents using personal details to create accounts for children face legal consequences under current regulations. The awareness initiative supports broader commission objectives including consumer protection, fair competition promotion, and revenue direction toward regulated operators through enhanced enforcement against unlicensed gaming operations.