The Ghana Football Association (GFA) recently announced a ban on gambling in all local competitions to maintain the fairness and transparency of domestic football. Kurt Okraku, the chairman of the association and the second vice-chairman of the Confederation of African Football, reiterated at the general assembly that this ban applies to the Ghana Premier League, Division One League, Women's Premier League, and other local matches.
Okraku stated: "No betting company is allowed to accept bets on our domestic leagues, but we welcome those legal operators who participate in the football ecosystem in a transparent and ethical manner to establish partnerships." He emphasized that this measure is not only to ensure that the matches are not influenced by external forces but also part of a series of reform measures promoted before the season to ensure fair competition and football integrity.
For companies that operate in violation of the rules, the football association has taken legal action and cooperated with reputable law firms to hold them accountable. Okraku calls on clubs, fans, and relevant stakeholders to actively report illegal activities and warns that anyone who violates the regulations will face strict supervision and legal consequences.
The GFA also stated that despite tightening gambling regulations, responsible gambling partnerships are still encouraged. The association pointed out that sponsorship is crucial for the development of football, but cooperation must be based on transparency, integrity, and ethics. This policy by the Ghana Football Association marks a commitment to maintaining competitiveness in domestic football while also strengthening the control of external gambling influences.
