The Gaming Commission of Ghana is expanding its nationwide regulatory presence with the inauguration of a new office in Ho, in the Volta Region. The establishment of the office is part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight, improve access to its services, and promote responsible gaming across the country.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, said the new office will bring the Commission’s services closer to both operators and the public. He added that it will enhance compliance and strengthen monitoring across the region.
Hon. Gunu assured the Commission of the region’s full support in ensuring that gaming activities in the Volta Region are carried out in a safe, lawful, and responsible manner. He urged both operators and players to adhere to industry rules and regulations, and he commended the Commission for the initiative.
The Member of Parliament for Ho Central, Hon. Edem Kofi Kpotosu, also praised the Commission, describing the inauguration as evidence of government’s commitment to improving regulation, promoting responsible gaming, and protecting the welfare of residents—especially the youth in the constituency.
He also highlighted concerns about gaming addiction among young people and called on the Commission to continue implementing measures 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., emphasized the Commission’s dedication to protecting minors and enforcing compliance in 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,” he said. Mr. Apanga assured compliant operators of the Commission’s support and urged staff of the new office to work with professionalism, integrity, and fairness.
He also extended assurances to licensed operators in the region, stating: “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 further described Ho not only as the “Oxford of Ghana” due to its love for knowledge, but as the “Oxford of Regulation” because of its respect for law and order.
Representing the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli Traditional Area and the Afetorfia of Ho-Bankoe, Togbe Adu-Bobi IV, urged the Commission’s staff to uphold integrity and avoid actions that could tarnish the Commission’s reputation in the region. He also expressed the Traditional Council’s support for the Commission’s operations. Overall, the Ho office is expected to strengthen monitoring and enforcement throughout the Volta Region.
