Human Rights Reporters Ghana boss backs national campaign against youth betting menace

The Founder & Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, has thrown his full support behind efforts to curb the rising culture of sports betting and gaming among Ghana’s youth, describing it as a growing threat to youth development and human rights.

Dr. Wemakor made the call 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), highlighting the national significance of the subject.

It 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 noted that the growing 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 blend 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 therefore 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, with organizers indicating 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, stated that the books were inspired by years of pastoral engagement with young people struggling with betting and gaming addiction.

As Ghana continues to grapple with the consequences of sports betting among its youth, stakeholders at the launch reiterated the urgent need for coordinated action to protect young people and safeguard the nation’s future.