‘Our Youth Are Too Precious to Lose’ – New Books Challenge Ghana’s Growing Betting Culture

Author of the two newly launched books on sports betting and gaming, Rev. Emmanuel Opoku Mensah, has issued a strong national call to action, warning that Ghana’s youth are “too precious to lose” to the growing culture of gambling and the false promise of quick wealth.

Rev. Opoku Mensah made the call at the official launch of his books, “The Trend of Sports Betting and Gaming Among the Youth: A Christian Apologetic Response” and “150 Godly Golden Quotes on Sports Betting,” held on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at The Church of Pentecost, Caprice Worship Centre, Accra.

The well-attended event, which commenced at 2:00 p.m., brought together religious leaders, academics, policymakers, youth groups, civil society actors and members of the media to interrogate what many speakers described as a fast-growing social crisis threatening the future of Ghana’s young population.

The launch was chaired by Elder Professor John Mensah, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), whose presence underscored the national importance of the subject.

In his remarks, Prof. Mensah commended the author for his courage and moral conviction in addressing an issue that continues to undermine the aspirations and productivity of young people.

He described the books as a timely national intervention rather than mere religious or academic publications, noting their potential to influence mindsets, inform public policy and drive societal transformation.

He called on churches, parents, educators, policymakers and institutions to support the author and ensure the message reaches every segment of society.

Prof. Mensah further urged Rev. Opoku Mensah to expand the reach of the books through digital editions, infographics and online formats to make them more accessible to the youth.

A literary appraisal delivered by Rev. Philip Oyinka highlighted the depth, breadth and research value of the work, describing it as comprehensive, analytical and solution-oriented.

He explained that the author examines sports betting not only as a moral issue but also from psychological, emotional, economic and governance perspectives, raising critical questions about whether society should prioritise revenue generation over the long-term well-being of its youth.

The first formal background and review was presented by Mr. William Dowokpor of the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), who described the books as a prophetic response to a society that has gradually normalised gambling.

He commended the author’s integration of biblical theology, psychology and social analysis, describing the work as an essential resource for church leaders, youth workers, parents, educators, policymakers and social workers.

A second review by Apostle Professor Christian Tsekpoe brought emotional depth and urgency to the discussion as he shared real-life case studies of individuals whose lives had been devastated by gambling-related debts, broken families, unemployment and suicide.

He warned that sports betting has evolved into a global pandemic that cuts across age, education and social class, calling for urgent and coordinated intervention by families, churches, schools and policymakers.

In his address, Rev. Opoku Mensah explained that the books were born out of years of pastoral engagement with young people struggling with betting and gaming addiction.

Drawing from his experience as a former PENSA Travelling Secretary for the Takoradi Sector and currently as Youth Pastor of the La Area, he shared encounters with students who lost their school fees, families torn apart by gambling debts and parents left helpless as their children chased the illusion of quick wealth.

“These are not statistics to me,” he said. “They are faces, names and souls created in the image of God, now bound by chains that promise wealth but deliver poverty and despair.”

He stressed that the crisis has moved beyond the realm of personal choice and has become a national emergency that demands a prophetic, parental and policy-driven response.

He outlined the focus of the books, including an examination of how addiction begins and progresses, a biblical framework for understanding self-control and stewardship, practical pathways to freedom and a clear call to action for all stakeholders.

Rev. Opoku Mensah also addressed young people directly, assuring those struggling with addiction that freedom is possible through honest acknowledgment, seeking help, spiritual discipline and supportive community.

He emphasized that the books are not written in condemnation but in love, compassion and hope for transformation.

The launch witnessed massive patronage, with the first copies of the books auctioned and sold at GH₵50,000, approximately $4,400, reflecting strong public endorsement of the initiative.

Organizers appealed to the public, churches, institutions and corporate bodies to continue purchasing copies to support further printing and wide distribution, particularly to schools, universities, youth groups and community organisations.

“The Trend of Sports Betting and Gaming Among the Youth: A Christian Apologetic Response” provides a holistic, faith-based examination of gambling addiction, integrating spiritual, psychological and social perspectives while proposing practical solutions for prevention and recovery.

“150 Godly Golden Quotes on Sports Betting” complements the work with concise, Scripture-inspired reflections aimed at reshaping thinking, strengthening conscience and promoting godly values such as contentment, integrity and self-control.

As Ghana continues to grapple with the social and moral implications of a rapidly expanding betting culture, the message from the launch was unmistakable: the nation’s youth are too precious to lose, and the time to act is now.

Copies of the books are available to the public. Interested individuals and institutions can contact +233(0)249210429 / +233(0)596016114 or email kofipokumensah21@gmail.com or Emmanuel.opoku-mensah@thecophq.org to place orders and support the ongoing distribution effort.

 

Source:Joseph Kobla Wemakor