Members of Parliament for Korley Klottey and Awayaso West Wuogon, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings and Hon. John Setor Dumelo, have jointly cautioned participants in games of chance, commonly known as punters, to exercise restraint in their gaming activities to avoid addiction.
This important message was delivered during a sensitization event at Accra Technical University (ATU), organized as part of the Gaming Commission of Ghana’s Purple Month celebration, focusing on the detrimental effects of gaming addiction on mental health.
Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings emphasized that addiction is indiscriminate, affecting individuals regardless of their background, age, or socioeconomic status. “Addiction does not discriminate. It does not matter who you are, where you come from, how old you are, or how much money you have,” she stated. She warned that gaming addiction can ruin lives, damage families, and destabilize society. Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings encouraged students to support friends struggling with addiction and to seek help if needed.
Hon. John Setor Dumelo, who also serves as the Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, shared his personal journey with gaming addiction. “I used to bet some years ago and became addicted to games on my phone,” he recounted. “At some point, I realized that the habit was consuming my time.” He urged students to recognize early signs of gaming addiction and take proactive steps to prevent escalation.
Mr. Emmanuel Siisi Quainoo, Acting Commissioner of the Gaming Commission of Ghana, expressed concern over the rising number of gaming-related addiction cases among the youth. “The Commission is very concerned about gaming addiction. We do not want to lose a single student to gaming. This must be a collective fight,” he stated.
Dr. Richard Dei-Asamoa, representing the Mental Health Authority, explained the link between gaming addiction and mental wellness. He described addiction as a chronic condition characterized by compulsive engagement in an activity despite negative consequences. He highlighted warning signs such as restlessness, failed attempts to cut back, borrowing to gamble, and lying about time or money spent on gambling. Dr. Dei-Asamoa encouraged students to limit gaming time, explore alternative hobbies, and seek professional help when necessary.
Prof. Felix Kutsanedzie, Acting Pro-Vice Chancellor of Accra Technical University, commended the Gaming Commission for its proactive advocacy and called for sustained collaborative efforts to address gaming addiction among young people.
Over 700 students participated in the event, gaining valuable insights into the dangers of gaming addiction and the importance of mental wellness, marking a significant milestone in the Purple Month campaign this May.
