Emmanuel Siisi Quainoo, the Acting Games Commissioner of Ghana’s Gaming Commission, has embarked on a mission to reshape the nation’s gaming landscape, emphasizing fairness, transparency, and growth. His vision centers on establishing a level playing field for all operators, eliminating preferential treatment that may have existed in the past. Quainoo’s commitment to equitable practices extends to fostering an environment where every gaming operator, regardless of size or influence, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the overall economic vibrancy of the sector. He aims to facilitate this growth not through favoritism, but by ensuring adherence to regulations and promoting healthy competition within the industry.
A crucial aspect of Quainoo’s strategy involves open communication and collaboration with stakeholders. He recognizes the importance of building strong relationships with gaming operators, actively seeking their input and working together to identify solutions that benefit the entire sector. This collaborative approach reflects his understanding that a thriving gaming industry requires a unified effort from both the regulatory body and the businesses it oversees. By fostering a spirit of partnership, Quainoo hopes to create a shared vision for the industry’s future, one that is grounded in mutual respect, trust, and a commitment to sustainable growth.
High on Quainoo’s agenda is the removal of the controversial betting tax, a move aligned with President John Mahama’s campaign pledge. This tax, implemented by the previous administration, has been a point of contention within the gaming industry. Quainoo recognizes the burden it places on both operators and players, hindering the growth and potential of the sector. He has initiated discussions with key institutions, including the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), to expedite the tax’s removal. His proactive engagement on this issue underscores his commitment to fulfilling the President’s promise and alleviating the financial strain on the gaming industry.
Beyond tax reform, Quainoo is also focused on tackling illegal gaming operations, a persistent challenge for the industry. He understands that the presence of unlicensed operators undermines the integrity of the regulated market, depriving legitimate businesses of their rightful earnings and potentially exposing players to unfair practices. His commitment to curbing these illicit activities demonstrates his dedication to upholding the rule of law within the gaming sector and ensuring a fair competitive landscape for all licensed operators. This involves strengthening enforcement efforts, increasing surveillance, and collaborating with relevant agencies to identify and prosecute illegal operators.
Furthermore, Quainoo is determined to improve the transparency and accountability of the Gaming Commission itself. He has issued a stern warning to operators against engaging with unauthorized individuals claiming to represent the Commission. This measure is designed to protect operators from potential scams and harassment while reinforcing the Commission’s commitment to ethical conduct. By urging operators to report any suspicious encounters, he empowers them to play an active role in maintaining the integrity of the regulatory process and ensuring that interactions with the Commission are conducted through proper channels.
Quainoo’s proactive approach extends to collaborating with the National Communications Authority (NCA) to restrict access to the websites of unauthorized gaming companies. This decisive action aims to further restrict the reach of illegal operators and protect the public from engaging with unregulated platforms. By taking a multi-pronged approach encompassing regulatory reform, enforcement, stakeholder engagement, and inter-agency collaboration, Quainoo aims to transform Ghana’s gaming industry into a model of fairness, transparency, and sustainable growth. His actions reflect a commitment to building a thriving sector that benefits both operators and players while contributing to the overall economic development of the nation. The Gaming Commission, under Quainoo’s leadership, oversees a diverse portfolio of licensed operators, ranging from online and land-based casinos to sports betting, route operators, and scratch card businesses, showcasing the breadth and dynamism of the sector he is working to strengthen.
