The Acting Commissioner of the Gaming Commission of Ghana, Emmanuel Siisi Quainoo, has emphasised that gaming is meant to be a form of entertainment, not a source of suffering.
“We are not just regulators; we are also concerned about addiction.
“We have teamed up with gaming operators to do this. Worldwide, these operators are mandated to help combat gambling addiction, and they invest significant sums of money in this effort.
“As I always emphasise, gaming is meant to be entertainment, so people should not have to suffer because of it. The operators are more than willing to partner with us in addressing addiction, after all, they are human beings too. Who knows? Perhaps one of their own relatives is struggling with addiction,” he said.
He made this known during a sensitization programme jointly organized by the Gaming Commission and the Mental Health Authority as part of activities to mark May Mental Health Month on May 26, 2025.
The event, which forms part of a broader campaign by the Gaming Commission and the Mental Health Authority to promote responsible gaming and protect the mental well-being of Ghanaians, was themed “Promoting Responsible Gaming: Exploring the Linkage Between Mental Wellness and Gaming Addiction.”
According to Quainoo, the Commission is increasingly concerned about the rise in gambling addiction in Ghana, particularly among women.
“It is not exciting to sit in the office, and every week, you get people bringing letters that they want to be self-excluded from gambling. Gambling addiction is becoming a huge issue, and we organized this programme to raise awareness.”
He stressed that gambling addiction is not an isolated problem, as it can affect anyone’s close relatives or friends.
“You may think that you don’t gamble, so it doesn’t bother you, but somebody closer to you, a child, mother, or even your wife, can sit somewhere and gamble without your knowledge,” he noted.
Quainoo said the Commission is not only focused on regulation but also on the welfare of affected individuals.
“Worldwide, gaming operators are mandated to help fight gambling addiction, and many are willing to partner with us because they understand the human cost; some even have relatives going through addiction.”
Currently, the Commission refers individuals struggling with gambling addiction to mental health institutions, but Quainoo believes Ghana must invest in specialized rehabilitation centers.
“We think that we have to have our own rehab with psychologists and other health professionals who will help them get out of the situation,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, psychiatrist Dr Daniel Adjei shed light on the psychological toll gambling addiction takes on individuals.
“We are looking at depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts among addicts, It also affects their jobs and relationships; some lose huge sums of money and their livelihoods.”
Dr Adjei urged people to seek professional help when they notice signs of gambling addiction in themselves or others.
He emphasised the importance of social support in the recovery journey, noting that addicts need assistance navigating the challenges of quitting, including self-exclusion from platforms and deleting gambling apps.
“Some people may need psychological support or therapists, and we are also looking at rehabilitation options for some of them,” he stated.
AM/KA
