National Leaders Rally Behind Effort to Combat Ghana’s Rising Youth Betting Culture
Ghana’s Youth at Risk: Dr. Wemakor Calls for National Action on Gambling
The Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, has expressed full support for national efforts to curb the growing culture of sports betting and gaming among Ghana’s youth, describing it as a significant threat to youth development, social cohesion, and human rights.
Dr. Wemakor made the statement while attending the official launch of two books authored by Rev. Emmanuel Opoku Mensah on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the Church of Pentecost, Caprice Worship Centre, Accra.
The books are titled “The Trend of Sports Betting and Gaming Among the Youth: A Christian Apologetic Response” and “150 Godly Golden Quotes on Sports Betting.”
The event was chaired by Elder Professor John Mensah, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), underscoring the national importance of the discussion.
The launch brought together religious leaders, academics, policymakers, youth groups, civil society actors, and members of the media.
Dr. Wemakor, who also serves as Convener of the Youth Sub-Platform of the Ghana CSOs Platform on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), attended the programme alongside Mr. Sherif Ghali, National President of the Ghana Youth Federation (GYF), and Rev. Obed Damson, a member of the National Youth Platform under the GYF.
Speaking after the launch, Dr. Wemakor commended Rev. Opoku Mensah for his courage in addressing what he described as a largely overlooked national crisis.
He highlighted that the increasing normalization of sports betting among young people has serious implications for education, mental health, economic productivity, and social cohesion, requiring urgent multi-stakeholder intervention.
“Gambling addiction among youth is not just a moral concern—it infringes on their rights to education, health, and a secure future. Supporting initiatives like these books is essential for national development,” Dr. Wemakor said, emphasizing the need for coordinated action to safeguard young people.
He described the two books as timely educational tools capable of reshaping attitudes, preventing addiction, and supporting recovery among affected youth.
He noted that the integration of faith-based insight with psychological and social analysis makes the publications relevant to civil society organisations, schools, youth groups, policymakers, and faith-based institutions.
Dr. Wemakor called on civil society organisations, faith-based bodies, corporate institutions, development partners, and the general public to support Rev. Emmanuel Opoku Mensah materially, morally, and institutionally, to enable wider printing and distribution of the books nationwide.
He further urged institutions and individuals to purchase copies and support advocacy and sensitization activities aimed at educating young people on the dangers of gambling and the illusion of quick wealth.
The book launch formed part of a growing national conversation on the social and moral implications of Ghana’s rapidly expanding betting culture.
Organizers indicated that proceeds from sales will support further printing and distribution, particularly to schools, universities, and community-based youth organisations.
Rev. Emmanuel Opoku Mensah, a youth pastor and former PENSA Travelling Secretary for the Takoradi Sector, said the books were inspired by years of pastoral engagement with young people struggling with betting and gaming addiction.
