The Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, has called on civil society, religious organisations, corporate institutions, development partners, and the general public to provide moral, material, and institutional support to Rev. Emmanuel Opoku Mensah, author of two books tackling the rising culture of sports betting and gaming among Ghana’s youth.
Dr. Wemakor made the call while attending the official launch of the books on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the Church of Pentecost, Caprice Worship Centre, Accra.
The publications, “The Trend of Sports Betting and Gaming Among the Youth: A Christian Apologetic Response” and “150 Godly Golden Quotes on Sports Betting,” explore the social, psychological, and spiritual dangers of gambling addiction among young people.
The event was chaired by Elder Professor John Mensah, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), highlighting the national importance of the issue.
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 launch 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 at the event, Dr. Wemakor praised Rev. Opoku Mensah for his courage in addressing a largely overlooked national crisis.
He warned that the increasing normalization of sports betting among young people has severe 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.
He described the books as timely educational tools capable of reshaping attitudes, preventing addiction, and supporting recovery among affected youth.
The integration of faith-based insights with psychological and social analysis makes the works relevant to civil society organisations, schools, youth groups, policymakers, and faith-based institutions.
Dr. Wemakor urged institutions and individuals to purchase copies and support advocacy and sensitization activities to educate young people on the dangers of gambling and the illusion of quick wealth.
He further stressed the need for wider printing and nationwide distribution of the books to reach more communities, schools, and youth groups.
Rev. Emmanuel Opoku Mensah, a youth pastor and former PENSA Travelling Secretary for the Takoradi Sector, explained that the books were inspired by years of pastoral engagement with young people struggling with betting and gaming addiction.
The launch forms part of a growing national conversation on the social and moral implications of Ghana’s rapidly expanding betting culture, with organizers noting that proceeds from book sales would support further distribution, particularly to educational institutions and community-based youth organisations.