President John Dramani Mahama has urged the Gaming Regulators Africa Forum (GRAF), to develop a cutting edge strategy that will help to expose money launderers and terrorist financiers who use their industry to operate.
According to the President, some game operators in their zeal to make money look the other ways when punters swoop in to launder money which may eventually land at the doorsteps of terrorists.
He therefore advised GRAF to develop regulations that will cater for the aspirations of operators whilst making sure it protects the vulnerable at all times.
“No one is immune from the impact of terrorism, whether directly or indirectly. It is therefore important that gaming regulators and operators partner with governments in various parts of Africa and the world to fight against money laundering and terrorism financing,” President Mahama stated.
Patronage by minors should be checked
Meanwhile, in a separate interview with Citi News, the Minister for Interior, Prosper Bani, also admonished the Gaming Commission of Ghana to regulate the patronage of games by minors in the country.
He said although the ministry was happy about a boom in the industry which helps to generate revenue and contribute to the economic and social fabric of the country, regulators must increase their monitoring and supervision to prevent children getting addicted to the sport.
“Gaming is a laudable industry that should be regulated appropriately. It’s an industry that provides revenue to the state. I believe we should be happy that there is a growth in that industry. As it grows, regulators have to increase their monitoring and supervision and that’s what we do. We have a very vigorous licensing process and when you go through it and we give you the license, then we are comfortable and confident that you will do the right thing. But if you go the wrong way, the law will take it cause.”
Mr. Prosper Bani was speaking at the 12th Gaming Regulators Africa Forum conference in Accra, where he also read the speech by the President, H.E John Dramani Mahama.
The conference has brought together major stakeholders from across Africa to work towards effective regulation and promotion of legal and responsible gaming.
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By: Felicia Osei/citifmonline.com/Ghana