Government revenue generation: the overriding principle guiding gambling regulation in Ghana

The gambling industry is rapidly expanding in Ghana, leading to a rise in gambling related harms. Despite the significance of gambling regulation to preventing and reducing harms, current research in Ghana has largely focused on individual factors. This commentary discusses how Ghana’s gambling regulation has evolved since independence. It shows that the regulatory regime has not changed much from its initial focus on revenue generation and job creation. Ghana government continues to prioritise revenue generation without any explicit focus on the prevention of and protection of people from gambling related harms. There is an urgent need to review the regulatory regime to address the rapid rise in gambling behaviour and harms. A new framework for regulating the sector is long overdue. It must embrace public health principles and aim to ensure individuals, their families, communities and the society is free from the harmful effects of this harmful product.