The Ag. Commissioner of the Gaming Commission of Ghana, Mr. Emmanuel Siisi Quainoo has made a clarion call to gaming players, to openly speak about gaming addiction challenges and seek professional support.
Speaking at the gaming addiction sensitization programme held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) on Monday, 26th May 2027, Mr. Quainoo emphasized the harmful effects of gaming addiction and its strong link to mental health challenges. He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to partnering gaming operators, to roll out programmes and initiatives to help persons addicted to gaming in the country. “We’re committed to working with gaming operators to develop programmes that support individuals struggling with addiction… It is not exciting to sit in the office, and every week you get people bring letters that they want to self-exclude from gaming. Gaming addiction is becoming a huge issue and so we organized this programme to raise awareness about it.”
He highlighted the fact that gaming should always be viewed as a leisure activity. “Gaming is meant to be entertainment—no one should suffer because of it,” Mr. Quainoo stated.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) Professor John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, echoed concerns about gaming addiction and mental wellness, highlighting the growing impact of gaming addiction on students.
“Gaming or betting problems are real. We must start talking about them openly,” he said. “You don’t need to hide your problem. Speak about it and get the help you need. Today’s session isn’t just another event—it’s a call to action. Don’t suffer in silence; help is available.”
Also present at the event was Dr. Daniel Adjei, a Psychiatrist at the Pantang Hospital, who provided an expert perspective on the link between gaming addiction and mental wellness. Dr. Adjei acknowledged the positive aspects of gaming—such as stress relief and cognitive development—but warned about its darker side, including:
- Academic decline
- Sleep disturbances
- Social isolation
- Anxiety and withdrawal symptoms
- Increased risk of financial distress and relationship breakdowns
He encouraged students showing signs of addiction to seek help from mental health professionals and counselors. “Gaming becomes harmful when it begins to disrupt daily life and personal well-being,” Dr. Adjei noted. “Professional support is key in overcoming this challenge.”
