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UPSA Vice-Chancellor Chairs Launch of Landmark Book Tackling Sports Betting Crisis Among Ghana’s Youth

A clarion call to confront the growing menace of sports betting and gaming among Ghana’s youth echoed through the auditorium of the Church of Pentecost, Caprice Worship Centre on Sunday December 14, as clergy, academics, policymakers, students, and civil society leaders converged for the official launch of two socially significant books authored by Rev. Emmanuel Opoku Mensah, Area Youth Pastor of the La Area.

The event, which attracted massive patronage, marked the launch of “The Trend of Sports Betting and Gaming Among the Youth: A Christian Apologetic Response” and “150 Godly Golden Quotes on Sports Betting.”

The books interrogate the psychological, spiritual, economic, and social consequences of gambling addiction, while offering faith-based and practical pathways to recovery and reform.

UPSA Vice-Chancellor Sets the Tone

The occasion 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 a compelling Chairman’s address, Prof. Mensah commended the author for what he described as “intellectual courage and moral clarity” in confronting a crisis that continues to erode the future of Ghana’s youth.

“This work is not merely a book launch; it is a national intervention,” Prof. Mensah stated. “Rev. Emmanuel Opoku Mensah has demonstrated rare boldness in interrogating an issue many would rather ignore.

The destructive effects of sports betting demand urgent attention from the Church, academia, policymakers, parents, and the youth themselves.”

He expressed confidence that the publication would spark social transformation, particularly among young people, and urged all stakeholders to rally behind the author.

“I call on all well-meaning individuals and institutions to support this author, not just by purchasing the book, but by amplifying its message. This is how societal change begins.”

In a forward-looking recommendation, the UPSA Vice-Chancellor encouraged the author to expand the reach of the book through digital editions, infographics, and youth-friendly online content, noting that innovative formats are critical to engaging today’s digital-native generation.

Scholarly and Pastoral Endorsements

Delivering a literary review, Rev. Philip Oyinka described the book as a “deeply researched and comprehensive resource” that examines sports betting from psychological, economic, and governance perspectives.

He noted that the book challenges government, NGOs, advocacy groups, and faith institutions to move beyond revenue considerations and confront the long-term social and emotional costs of gambling addiction.

“This is not speculative writing,” he said. “It is practical, analytical, and solution-driven. It exposes the consequences of inaction and shows us a way forward.”

The first formal background and review was presented by Mr. William Dowokpor of GIBS, who described the work as “a voice crying in the wilderness” amid the normalization of gambling culture.

He emphasized that Rev. Mensah’s analysis situates betting addiction not merely as a behavioural problem, but as a form of “self-chosen slavery,” drawing from biblical theology, psychology, and lived pastoral experience.

“This book should be required reading for church leaders, parents, educators, policymakers, and especially the youth of Ghana,” Mr. Dowokpor asserted.

Real-Life Stories and Stark Warnings

A second review by Apostle Professor Christian Tsekpoe offered sobering real-life case studies from Ghana and beyond, illustrating the devastating consequences of betting addiction—ranging from family breakdowns and financial ruin to suicide.

He described gambling as a global pandemic, warning that its addictive nature rivals, and in some cases surpasses, substance abuse.

“This is not just a youth issue; it is a societal emergency,” he said. “If we do not respond urgently, the next generation is at risk.”

Author’s Charge: ‘Our Youth Are Too Precious to Lose’

In his address, Rev. Emmanuel Opoku Mensah explained that the books were born not out of academic curiosity but from years of pastoral encounters with broken lives, devastated families, and lost potential.

“These are not statistics to me; they are faces, names, and souls,” he said, recounting experiences of young people who lost school fees, families, and hope through betting addiction.

He called on churches, parents, educators, and policymakers to take decisive action, stressing that gambling has evolved into a national moral and developmental crisis.

“When a personal choice begins to destroy an entire generation, it ceases to be personal,” he warned.

Massive Patronage and Call for Public Support

The launch recorded remarkable patronage, with the first copies auctioned and sold at GH₵50,000 (approximately $4,400).

Organizers appealed to the public to continue purchasing copies to support further printing and distribution, particularly among youth groups, schools, churches, and policy institutions.

About the Books

The Trend of Sports Betting and Gaming Among the Youth: A Christian Apologetic Response provides a holistic examination of gambling addiction, grounded in biblical theology and supported by psychological and social analysis, offering practical strategies for prevention and recovery.

150 Godly Golden Quotes on Sports Betting delivers Scripture-inspired reflections designed to awaken conscience, challenge deceptive narratives of quick wealth, and promote godly stewardship, self-control, and purpose.