Ghana swears in new Gaming Commission Board to tackle illegal gambling

The newly appointed Governing Board of the Gaming Commission of Ghana has officially been inaugurated, with a clear mandate to enhance responsible gaming, tackle underage participation, and crack down on illegal operators, particularly in mining communities.

The swearing-in ceremony, held on June 12, 2025, at the Ministry of the Interior, was presided over by the Minister of the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mubarak Mohammed. Addressing the 11-member board, the Minister emphasized their critical role in elevating the Commission’s operations and regulatory standards to sub-regional excellence.

“Your appointment by His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama reflects the confidence placed in your abilities to deliver. You have a duty to position the Gaming Commission of Ghana as a leader in gaming regulation across sub-Saharan Africa,” said Hon. Muntaka.

The Minister commended the Commission for its recent achievements, including regulatory reforms and notable growth in its operational presence. From just three offices in 2016, the Commission has expanded to several new locations, including Swedru, Ho, Ashanti Bekwai, and Sefwi Wiawso, with plans to establish additional offices in Tarkwa, Koforidua, and Bolgatanga. Plans for a state-of-the-art Head Office in Accra were also highlighted as a milestone in strengthening governance and institutional capacity.

He further applauded the Commission’s efforts in staff development and public awareness. A key achievement cited was the success of the inaugural “Purple Month” campaign in May 2025, which educated over 1,500 students from the University of Professional Studies, Accra, and Accra Technical University on the risks of gaming addiction and its links to mental health. The campaign was supported by Members of Parliament Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings and Hon. John Dumelo, as well as active participation from gaming operators and media outlets.

On behalf of the new board, Chairman Mr. James Enu, Esq., who also serves as Member of Parliament for Tema West, expressed gratitude to the President and the Minister for their trust. He pledged the board’s commitment to supporting responsible gaming and strengthening regulatory oversight.

“We assure you of our unwavering dedication to our responsibilities. We will collaborate closely with the Games Commissioner and stakeholders to maintain a vibrant, safe, and well-regulated gaming industry,” said Mr. Enu. He noted that the Minister’s emphasis on responsible gaming—not just revenue generation—was a guiding principle for the board’s future policies.

Mr. Enu also highlighted the alignment between the gaming sector and President Mahama’s vision of a 24-hour economy. “Gaming operates around the clock, and this makes our work integral to realizing the President’s 24-hour economy agenda,” he said.

The full board comprises Mr. James Enu, Esq. (Chairperson), Mr. Emmanuel Siisi Quainoo (Acting Gaming Commissioner), Dr. Renee Aku Sitsofe Morhe, Dr. Bandim Lamangin Abed-Nego (MP, Bunkpurugu), Mr. Sedem Kweku Afenyo (MP, Amasaman), Prof. Kobby Mensah (Ministry of Tourism), Mr. Solomon Tetteh Mensah (Ministry of the Interior), ACP Dr. Dinam Kwasi Wisdom Zoiku (Ghana Police Service), Mr. Dela Kemevor (Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development), and Mrs. Rosemary Nana Pokuaa Addo Parker (Ghana Revenue Authority).