Accra: Ghana's Gaming Commission has declared September 'Responsible Gaming Awareness Month' to raise awareness on regulated betting. The initiative, announced at a ceremony in Accra on Monday, is the first of its kind and aims to promote responsible gaming and provide support to individuals affected by gaming. It is also to ensure a gaming environment free of unlawful activities, including the participation of minors. The awareness month would be on the theme 'Embracing ESG [Environmental, Social, and Governance] for a Sustainable Gaming Industry.' Mr Peter Mireku, Commissioner of the Gaming Commission, said the initiative would encourage game operators to invest in efforts to improve the community. He added that raising awareness would help address the larger gaming impact on the health and well-being of those participating in the gaming value chain. Mr. Mireku emphasized that one of the Commission's obligations was to ensure that people gamble responsibly as the industry developed. He said the Commi ssion would use Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities to implement some preventive measures while promoting a culture of partnership and collaboration with stakeholders. Mr. Mireku advised the youth to see gaming as a leisure activity and not a profit-making venture. 'We are setting this month aside to let them understand that gaming should be just a leisure activity and not a business to engage in for profit,' he said. Mr Ransford Kissi Appiah, a Board Member of the Gaming Commission, said the initiative reflected the Commission's continuous commitment to ensuring people engage in responsible gaming. He said the measure underscored the Commission's commitment to its operators in promoting responsible gaming. Mr. Kissi Appiah expressed satisfaction with how the gaming industry has evolved over time, particularly in terms of technological adoption. He noted that with progress came responsibility, and he was happy that the Commission took the initiative to ensure that gaming is conducted responsibly. D r Kobby Boateng, President of the Ghana Association of Sports Betting (GHASBO), said gaming had become an integral part of society, providing not just entertainment but economic benefits to people. He said that due to its impact on society, responsible gaming should not be seen as just a regulatory requirement but an obligation that all stakeholders must uphold. Dr. Boateng urged industry players to ensure that gaming remained a source of entertainment rather than an activity that causes stress. He commended the Commission for the initiative and called on all stakeholders to support it to make it better. The month-long programme's activities include a courtesy call on the Ga Chief, media engagement, and a visit to some universities. Source: Ghana News Agency