The Gaming Commission of Ghana has successfully completed the commissioning of four new offices this year, with Sefwi Wiawso in the Western North Region, being the fourth office. The other three offices are located in Agona Swedru, Ho and Ashanti Bekwai.
The expansion project formed part of the Commission’s broader objectives under the John Dramani Mahama led administration, to bring regulatory services closer to the people.
Opening the Wiawso office, the Member of Parliament of Sefwi Wiawso, the Hon. Kofi Benteh Afful commended the Commission on the initiative. He urged players and gaming operators to abide by regulations governing the gaming industry. ‘When you abide by the rules and regulations of the industry in your gaming activities, you will not violate the law because there are laws governing the conduct of businesses in Ghana. This new office will help to streamline the operations of games of chance in our constituency and its surroundings’.
The Deputy Director of Investigations, Inspection, Compliance and Enforcement, Mr. Patrick Kwakye who spoke on behalf of the Ag. Gaming Commissioner, Mr Emmanuel Siisi Quainoo, acknowledged the efforts of the people of Sefwi Wiawso to national development and the need for the establishment of the new office location in the area.
‘‘We know the people here. We know their discipline and their commitment to honest work. And it is precisely for this reason that regulatory presence must also be strong here. However, like many growing economic centers, Sefwi Wiawso is also experiencing new pressures. The rise in illegal mining activities in surrounding areas has created ripple effects including an increase in unregulated gaming activities. Where economic pressure grows, vulnerabilities also increase and where vulnerabilities increase, regulation must respond faster and closer. That is why the Gaming Commission is here’’, stressed Mr. Quainoo.
The Acting Commisssioner also highlighted the Commission’s position on exposure of minors to gaming activities in the area. ‘‘It is not suitable for persons below eighteen years and certainly not a quick path to financial gain. Most importantly, it must not expose our children or exploit vulnerable members of society. In Sefwi Wiawso, no child should be more exposed than a child in Accra, or in any other part of Ghana. Protection under the law must be equal everywhere’’.
The Ag. Commissioner further noted that with the new office, punters now have direct access to regulatory support, which no longer required long distance travel. He added that enforcement would be immediate and consistent.
‘‘The Commission is now physically present and operational within this jurisdiction and its surrounding communities. This office belongs to you. It exists to serve you, listen to you and respond to your concerns’’, he added.
The Municipal Chief Executive of the area, Hon. Dominic Gyasi, reiterated the need for effective regulation of the gaming industry, to ensure fairness, accountability and consumer protection.
‘’As a Municipal Assembly, we recognize that strong institutions and effective enforcement mechanisms are essential to maintaining order and promoting sustainable development. We therefore commend the Gaming Commission for extending its regulatory presence to this municipality and reaffirm our readiness to support the Commission in the discharge of its mandate. We are committed to collaborating with the Commission to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations governing the gaming sector’’. The new office will help to strengthen the Commission’s regulatory oversight, improve service delivery and enhance enforcement of responsible gaming practices within the municipality and its environs.
