The Gaming Commission of Ghana is expanding its nationwide regulatory presence. The latest addition is the inauguration of a new office in Ho in the Volta Region.
The establishment of the office forms part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight, improve accessibility to its services, and promote responsible gaming practices across the country.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony, the Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, noted that the new office would bring the Commission’s regulatory services closer to operators and the public, enhance compliance, and strengthen monitoring activities within the region.
He assured the Commission of the Region’s full support in ensuring that gaming activities within the Volta Region are conducted in a safe, lawful, and responsible manner. Hon. Gunu also called on gaming operators and players to adhere to the rules and regulations governing the industry, while promoting discipline and accountability. He further commended the Commission for the initiative.
The Member of Parliament for Ho Central, Hon. Edem Kofi Kpotosu, also applauded the Commission and described the inauguration as a demonstration of government’s commitment to strengthening regulation, promoting responsible gaming, and protecting the welfare of residents, particularly the youth within the constituency.
He further raised concerns about gaming addiction among young people, and encouraged the Commission to continue implementing measures and policies aimed at addressing the challenge.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Ag. Gaming Commissioner, Mr. Emmanuel Siisi Quainoo, the Deputy Gaming Commissioner (Operations), Mr. Lamtiig Apanga, Esq., stressed the Commission’s commitment to protecting minors and enforcing compliance within the gaming industry.
“We will not tolerate any operator who targets minors. Any betting shop found engaging underage persons will face strict sanctions. We will also continue to collaborate with security agencies to ensure that criminal activities are not perpetrated under the guise of gaming,” the Acting Commissioner stressed.
Mr. Quainoo further assured compliant operators of the Commission’s support and encouraged staff of the new office to discharge their duties with professionalism, integrity, and fairness at all times.
“To every licensed operator from Keta to Hohoe: if you employ Volta youth, if you pay your business operating permit to the Ho Municipal Assembly, if you follow the rules of the Gaming Commission, then this office is your business partner. We will not harass you. We will rather help you to grow. Because a lawful business is an asset to the community”
The Ag. Commissioner also described Ho as not just the Oxford of Ghana because of its love for knowledge, but as the Oxford of Regulation because of its love for law and order.
Representing the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli Traditional Area, the Afetorfia of Ho-Bankoe, Togbe Adu-Bobi IV, urged staff of the Commission to uphold integrity and avoid practices that could tarnish the image and reputation of the Commission in the region. He also expressed the Traditional Council’s support for the operations of the Commission. The Ho office is expected to strengthen monitoring and enforcement activities within the Volta Region.
