The Institute of Community Sustainability (ICS) has called for an immediate ban on celebrities, radio hosts, and television personalities from advertising or endorsing betting and gambling activities in Ghana.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Eric Jerry Aidoo, the organisation expressed deep concern over what it describes as the “alarming rise” in gambling-related promotions across radio, television, and social media many of which feature influential public figures.
ICS noted that prominent personalities, who are widely regarded as role models, continue to promote sports betting to young audiences, contributing to a growing culture of gambling among Ghana’s youth.
According to the organisation, the heavy presence of betting content in mainstream media, especially during peak hours, is gradually normalising gambling, exposing young people to addiction, financial loss, and long-term instability.
“The long-term consequences of this trend are grave. The harm posed by unchecked gambling could exceed the devastation caused by galamsey,” the statement warned.
ICS also highlighted the country’s lack of adequate addiction support systems. Despite Ghana’s population exceeding 38 million, the organisation said, the nation has no dedicated gambling addiction centre and operates only five psychiatric hospitals, none of which offers specialized treatment for gambling disorders.
Given these concerns, ICS is urging the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Gaming Commission, and Parliament to enact regulations prohibiting celebrities and media personalities from endorsing betting companies.
The organisation maintains that safeguarding young people from gambling addiction is essential for the country’s long-term development and social stability.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
