Ghana's gaming authority sounds the alarm on problem gambling
The Gaming Commission of Ghana has warned about the growing problem of gambling addiction. Acting Commissioner Emmanuel Siisi Quainoo emphasised that gaming needs to entertain people, not create hardship. He pointed out an increase in self-exclusion applications and urged better support systems. To mark May Mental Health Month, the Commission worked with the Mental Health Authority to organise a sensitisation event on 26 May 2025. They aimed to address the importance of mental health and encourage responsible gambling practices.
Meant for fun, not pain
Quainoo reminded everyone that their responsibilities go beyond setting rules. “We do more than enforce regulations. We care about addiction, too. To address this, we are working with gaming operators. Around the world, these companies are required to assist in fighting gambling addiction, and they dedicate large amounts of money to this cause. I always stress that gaming is supposed to be fun, not something that causes pain or hardship. Operators are eager to work with us to tackle addiction because they are people, too. Who knows? They might have a relative who is dealing with the same struggle,” he shared.
Teaming up to promote responsible gaming
The Gaming Commission and the ran a sensitisation event under the theme “Promoting responsible gaming: exploring the linkage between mental wellness and gaming addiction.” As part of their campaign, they handed out educational resources to betting shops, community centres, and online spaces. They aimed to encourage people to discuss better gaming habits and how to respond when issues arise.
Surge in self-exclusion requests
Quainoo said the Commission feels troubled by the steady flow of people asking to stop themselves from gambling each week. “It’s not uplifting to sit at work and see letters coming in every week from people wanting to exclude themselves from gambling. Gambling addiction has turned into a serious problem, and we set up this programme to help spread awareness about it.” He cautioned that ignoring addiction can drain savings, damage relationships, and lead struggling individuals into hopelessness.
How families are affected
Gambling addiction happens in secret, surprising the people around. “You might believe gambling isn’t your problem, but someone you care about, like your child, mom, or even your wife, could be gambling without you knowing,” he said. Quainoo advised Ghanaians to watch out for problem gambling signs like mood changes, hiding money issues, or pulling away from family and friends.
Moving toward focused rehabilitation
People with these issues get sent to mental health institutions in general. Quainoo suggested setting up specialised rehab centres. “We believe we need our own rehab spaces with psychologists and health experts to guide them out of this,” he said. These centres could bring all-in-one services like personalised counselling, support groups, and relapse-prevention programmes.
A psychiatrist’s point of view
Psychiatrist Dr Daniel Adjei spoke about how gambling addiction takes a heavy mental toll. “We’re talking about depression, anxiety, and even thoughts of suicide in those struggling with it. It has an effect on their jobs and relationships, too. Some end up losing large amounts of money as well as their way of living.” He shared examples of patients who skipped work duties and restricted their food spending just to keep gambling, showing how destructive this behaviour can become.
Why social support matters
Dr Adjei highlighted the role of close family and friends in helping someone recover. He urged loved ones to assist in steps like removing gambling apps, setting up self-bans on betting platforms, and reaching out to professionals when needed. “Some individuals might require therapy or psychological care, and we are considering rehabilitation programmes for certain cases,” he explained. His words pointed to the need to act together and show understanding to address addiction.
Suggestions to operators and regulators
Both Quainoo and Dr Adjei urged gaming companies to identify customers at risk by looking at how often they log in and how much they spend. They also pushed the industry to invest in spreading awareness, teaching staff how to handle crises and offering optional cooling-off periods. At the same time, regulators need to make licensing rules stricter and require regular checks on how gambling affects mental health.
A call to action
Gambling is still a favourite activity in Ghana, but those involved in the sector are facing a turning point. Cases of addiction are going up, and mental health dangers are becoming more obvious. and the Mental Health Authority say acting is vital. By encouraging teamwork among various groups, improving access to care, and building local support systems, Ghana can keep gaming as a fun activity that doesn’t lead to pain or harm for its people.
