The Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has expressed concern regarding the increasing connection between gambling and mental health issues among the youth of Ghana, labeling it a “national concern that requires immediate attention.”
During the State of the Youth Address delivered in Accra on Tuesday, November 5, 2025, the Minister disclosed that 43.6% of young gamblers are afflicted by depression, while 68.8% report feelings of anxiety — statistics he characterized as “deeply troubling and indicative of a generation in quiet distress.”
“Gambling has exacerbated mental health problems among our youth. The statistics are revealing — indicating that an alarming number of our young individuals are silently battling depression and anxiety instigated by the pressures of gambling,” he remarked.
Mr. Opare Addo pointed out that although gambling is frequently marketed as a form of entertainment, it has evolved into “a perilous trap for numerous young individuals in pursuit of quick wealth.”
He mentioned that the ministry is collaborating with the Mental Health Authority and the Gaming Commission to develop interventions that integrate financial literacy, mental health education, and responsible gaming initiatives.
“As the Minister accountable for youth development and empowerment, I feel compelled to initiate discussions regarding the well-being of our numerous youth in this nation,” he asserted. “This dialogue must culminate in policies that motivate, equip, and empower our young populace to realize their potential for national advancement.”
He underscored that tackling gambling-related distress is part of the government’s wider Reset Agenda, which emphasizes the creation of a “resilient, productive, and inclusive society.”
“The youth of our nation embody not only our current strength but also the cornerstone upon which we construct Ghana’s future,” he stated.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that they are mentally robust, socially supported, and economically empowered,” he concluded.
The Minister’s statements arise in the context of increasing apprehensions regarding the expansion of online betting platforms and their assertive marketing tactics aimed at young individuals.
