A new chapter in gaming regulation and responsible digital innovation was launched as the Gaming Commission of Ghana officially inaugurated its 20th Anniversary celebrations under the theme, “Honouring Our Past, Innovating Our Future in a Digital World.”
Delivering the keynote address, the Deputy Minister for the Interior, Hon. Ebenezer Okletey-Terlabi, described the anniversary as a moment of reflection and renewed responsibility for both government and regulators to safeguard the integrity of the gaming sector.
“The theme is both timely and instructive. It reminds us that effective regulation must be rooted in history, responsive to present realities, and adaptive to future technological changes,” the Deputy Minister stated.
Hon. Terlabi noted that while the gaming industry has created employment opportunities and generated revenue for national development, the rapid growth of digital and mobile gaming platforms has also introduced emerging risks including illegal online operations, underage gambling, addiction concerns, and illicit financial activities.
“From the perspective of the Ministry of the Interior, regulation of the gaming industry is not only an economic function, but also a matter of public safety, law enforcement, and social stability,” Hon. Terlabi emphasised.
The Deputy Minister commended the Gaming Commission for evolving from a centrally focused regulator into a national institution with expanded zonal offices across the country, strengthening compliance monitoring and enforcement capacity.
Board Chairman of the Commission, Hon. James Enu Esq., applauded the contributions of past and present leadership, staff, and stakeholders whose efforts have shaped the growth of the industry over the years.
In his remarks, Acting Gaming Commissioner, Mr Emmanuel Siisi Quainoo reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to responsible gaming, public education, and stronger regulation in response to changing industry trends and growing concerns about gambling addiction among young people.
He announced a series of activities to mark the anniversary celebration, including inter-school quiz competitions, inter-agency games, regional outreach programmes, sanitation exercises, charity events, an international gaming conference, an awards ceremony for long-serving staff, and a thanksgiving service.
The commemorative launch brought together government officials, regulators, gaming operators, security agencies, and stakeholders in Accra to reflect on two decades of regulating Ghana’s gaming industry while charting a path for the future in an increasingly digital landscape.
