By King Amoah.
In a stirring plea to the former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, Very Rev. Anthony Kwarteng, the founder and leader of the Christ Power Miracle Mission Church situated in Dome Kwabenya, has urged the next administration to take a firm stance against the pervasive culture of gambling that has taken root in the nation.
His appeal comes in light of what he describes as the alarming trend of gambling that has infiltrated the lives of many Ghanaians, particularly the youth.
Very Rev. Kwarteng emphasized that the current administration under President Nana Akufo-Addo and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has inadvertently transformed Ghana into a “gambling zone.”
He pointed out that this shift has fostered attitudes and behaviors that are not only detrimental to society but also offensive in the eyes of God.
This situation is underscored by instances where even journalists are swept into this gambling culture, often found discussing dreams that revolve around “guaranteed” returns from games of chance, like “2 sure” bets or money-sharing schemes.
“Gambling has become an abominable practice,” Very Rev. Kwarteng remarked. “It is not just a personal vice; it is eroding the moral fabric of our society.”
He expressed profound concern over how lottery businesses and other gambling operations have led to adverse outcomes, particularly among the youth.
He described a troubling phenomenon where young people resort to stealing from their families in an attempt to support their gambling habits, driven by the false hope of striking it rich overnight.
The minister of God highlighted that these behaviors, which he classes as “evil,” are corrupting the aspirations and futures of the younger generation—those who are the leaders of tomorrow.
His worry extends beyond just individual actions; he sees the broader implications for Ghana’s moral and ethical landscape.
“Gambling is not just a pastime; it can become a devastating addiction,” he cautioned.
“If left unchecked, it undermines the values we should hold dear as a nation.” He further urged Mahama to take serious measures against the proliferation of gambling and its associated attitudes if he returns to power in the upcoming elections.
Very Rev. Kwarteng’s call for action comes amid ongoing debates about the regulation of gambling in Ghana.
As communities grapple with the economic implications of gambling—and its increasingly visible role in societal dysfunction—many are left wondering about the future direction of the country’s youth.
Will they be leaders who uphold integrity, or will they be lost in a culture that prioritizes quick wealth over hard work and communal values?
As Ghana prepares for potential shifts in leadership, the appeal from Very Rev. Kwarteng serves as a poignant reminder of the responsibilities that come with power—to nurture a generation that values integrity, hard work, and respect for others over the fleeting allure of gambling. It is a call not only for policy change but for a transformative vision that prioritizes the moral and spiritual wellbeing of the people.
