Protect mental health of customers - Deputy Minister urges gaming stakeholders

A Deputy Minister for the Interior, Naana Eyiah, has urged staleholders of the gaming industry, particularly operators, to aggressively pursue and implement environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies aimed at protecting the mental health of customers while boosting their investment for the industry’s growth. 

She said even though the nation would benefit immensely from an industry that embraced diversity, fostered inclusion and promoted gaming as a leisure activity, it should be devoid of harm and ensure that young people and communities were safe and protected from the adverse aspect of gaming, such as addiction.

“This means you have a responsibility to protect your players from gaming-related health issues such as mental health, and create support systems for those who need it,” he said.

Ms Eyiah was speaking at a stakeholder engagement organised by the Gaming Commission of Ghana in Accra yesterday.

It climaxed the commission’s Gaming Awareness Month held on the theme: “Embracing ESG for a Sustainable Gaming Industry”.

The meeting aimed to align the industry's practices with sustainable and responsible business strategies, provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss and implement measures that would reduce environmental impact, enhance social responsibility and ensure transparent governance.

Some of the stakeholders included the Ghana Association of Sports Betting Operators (GHASBO), State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) and Ghana Education Service (GES).

Some issues raised centred on mitigating addiction and protection of the mental health of customers, taxation and corporate social responsibility (CSR). 

Ms Eyiah said the gaming industry contributed immensely to the economy and national development, and helped to shape culture, influence minds, and drive innovation.

She, therefore, urged industry players to lead the charge in creating a sustainable future driven by innovative gaming practices and products that embraced greener practices, such as energy-efficient gaming consoles, cloud gaming solutions, and eco-friendly packaging, powered by renewable energy.

“I urge you all to embrace ESG principles in your gaming journey by adopting basic principles such as learning about sustainable practices, providing support to operators who prioritise ESG values, as well as participate in community initiatives that promote sustainability and inclusion,” she added.

The Games Commissioner, Peter Mireku, lamented that the gaming industry was now at the stage where it was distancing itself from irresponsible gaming practices.

Therefore, he said, embracing ESG strategies would not only attract meaningful investment opportunities, but would also help to build public trust and confidence, as well as address concerns about the gaming industry’s integrity.