New governing board of the Gaming Commission of Ghana sworn in
An important page was turned for Ghana’s gaming industry when an 11-member governing board of the Gaming Commission of Ghana took the oath of office at the Ministry of the Interior’s Boardroom. The ceremony, presided over by the Minister of the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mubarak Mohammed, marked the formal transfer of oversight responsibility to a team expected to steer the Commission toward regional excellence while protecting the public interest.
A clear indication of trust and confidence
Administering the oath, the Minister reminded members that their appointment flows directly from the highest office of the land. He declared, “Your appointment by His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama is a clear indication of the trust and confidence he has reposed in your ability to deliver on your mandate. You have a duty to help position the Gaming Commission of Ghana as the leading gaming regulator in sub-Saharan Africa.”
Hon. Muntaka tasked the board to promote responsible gaming, curb underage participation, and clamp down on illegal operators, especially in mining communities. He highlighted the board’s “critical oversight role” and called for nothing short of sub-regional excellence.
Expanding footprints, strengthening governance
The Minister commended the Commission’s management for advancing corporate governance and embarking on strategic expansion. He noted: “Noteworthy among these efforts are plans to construct an ultra-modern Head Office in Accra. From just three offices in Kasoa, Kumasi, and Tamale in 2016, the Commission has now expanded to Swedru, Ho, Ashanti Bekwai, and Sefwi Wiawso, with further plans to open new offices in Tarkwa, Koforidua, and Bolgatanga.”
Such geographical reach, he emphasised, must be matched with a service culture that reflects the Commission’s promise to protect both players and operators.
Public education and the “Purple Month”
Hon. Muntaka reserved special praise for the Commission’s recent awareness drive, stating, “I am particularly pleased with the success of the maiden ‘Purple Month’ initiative, which engaged over 1,500 young people from the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) and Accra Technical University (ATU) on the risks of gaming addiction and its connection to mental health.” The two-week outreach, conducted in May 2025, received bipartisan support from MPs, operator participation, and extensive media coverage.
The Minister urged the board to build on this momentum, saying responsible gaming must remain at the heart of every decision, campaign, and policy the Commission undertakes.
Legislative instrument on the horizon
While applauding progress, Hon. Muntaka signalled that major work lies ahead in updating the regulatory framework. He stressed the urgency of supporting the passage of the draft Legislative Instrument (LI), explaining that the current Gaming Act lags behind emerging industry trends and that an improved LI will “enhance governance standards and build a robust and sustainable gaming industry.”
He promised the board his full backing in shepherding the LI through the necessary parliamentary processes.
A pledge of stakeholder-driven leadership
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, newly appointed Chairman Mr. James Enu, Esq., who is also a Member of Parliament for Tema West, voiced gratitude: “We are grateful for the confidence reposed in us and assure you of our unwavering commitment to deliver on our responsibilities. We will work closely with the Games Commissioner and all key stakeholders to promote a vibrant and well-regulated gaming industry. It is encouraging that the Minister emphasised not just revenue generation but also responsible gaming. As a Board, we intend to prioritise the development of policies that tackle irresponsible gaming practices.”
Mr. Enu linked the sector to the national economic vision, stating, “Gaming is a 24-hour activity, and that fits seamlessly into His Excellency’s 24-hour economy agenda. We are excited to play our part in supporting that vision.”
Composition of the new board
• Chairperson – Mr. James Enu, Esq. (MP, Tema West)
• Members – Mr. Emmanuel Siisi Quainoo (Ag. Gaming Commissioner)
- Dr. Renee Aku Sitsofe Morhe (President’s Nominee)
- Dr. Bandim Lamangin Abed-Nego (MP, Bunkpurugu & President’s Nominee)
- Mr. Sedem Kweku Afenyo (MP, Amasaman & President’s Nominee)
- Prof. Kobby Mensah (Ministry of Tourism)
- Mr. Solomon Tetteh Mensah (Ministry of the Interior)
- ACP Dr. Dinam Kwasi Wisdom Zoiku (Ghana Police Service)
- Mr. Dela Kemevor (Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development)
- Mrs. Rosemary Nana Pokuaa Addo Parker (Ghana Revenue Authority).
The inauguration of the Governing Board sets the tone for the next phase of Ghana’s gaming regulation. Under the combined stewardship of Hon. Muntaka and Chairman Enu, the Gaming Commission of Ghana now enters a new era. One that promises accountability, stronger structures, and a resolve to make the country a benchmark for responsible, forward-looking gaming oversight.
