The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ho Central, Richmond Edem Kofi Kpotosu, has called on Parliament to urgently review Ghana’s gaming laws, citing growing concerns over underage participation and gaps in the current legal framework.

Speaking at the opening of a new regional office for the Gaming Commission of Ghana in Ho, the lawmaker highlighted inconsistencies in existing legislation, particularly the disparity between the legal gaming age of 18 and the contractual age of 21 under Ghanaian law.

According to him, the contradiction creates loopholes that could be exploited, thereby exposing young people to the risks associated with gambling. He stressed the need for a comprehensive legal review to harmonize the provisions and strengthen protections for minors.

The MP further urged gaming operators to adopt stricter age verification measures to curb underage access. He recommended the mandatory use of the Ghana Card as a reliable tool for verifying the identity and age of patrons before granting access to gaming services.

“We cannot ignore the emotional and mental health challenges associated with unchecked gaming among young people,” he cautioned, emphasising the broader social implications of lax enforcement.

He also underscored the importance of responsible gaming practices, calling for increased public education to raise awareness about the dangers of excessive gambling, particularly among the youth.

The newly inaugurated office of the Gaming Commission of Ghana in Ho is expected to play a critical role in addressing these concerns. It will serve as a regulatory hub to oversee gaming activities in the region, promote responsible gaming, and ensure strict compliance with existing laws.

Additionally, the office will function as an educational center to guide operators and the public on best practices, while acting as a watchdog to enforce standards and protect vulnerable groups from exploitation.

The establishment of the regional office marks a significant step in decentralizing gaming regulation and strengthening oversight, as authorities intensify efforts to sanitise the sector and safeguard the well-being of young people.