Ghana Football Association Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Betting in Premier League

02.09.2024

The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku, has initiated a significant campaign to combat illegal betting activities linked to the Ghana Premier League.

Ghana FA Confirms Lack of Licensed Betting Operators

In a clear and firm message delivered during the GFA’s 30th Ordinary Congress, Mr. Okraku emphasized that no betting operators in Ghana currently hold licenses to accept wagers on local football matches. He announced the GFA’s intention to take legal action against any betting firms that violate this regulation.

“There is no betting company in Ghana that has received a license from the GFA to accept bets on our games. We are mobilizing our legal team to tackle this issue vigorously,” stated Okraku, leaving no room for ambiguity.

While recognizing the global importance of betting companies in the growth and commercialization of football, Okraku expressed strong disapproval of the unauthorized operations that are exploiting Ghanaian football. He stressed that the exploitation of the sport by unlicensed betting companies would not be tolerated.

“The ongoing exploitation of our sport by unlicensed betting companies cannot continue unchallenged,” he added, highlighting the urgent need for action to protect the sport’s integrity.

Open to Partnerships with Licensed Operators

Despite the crackdown on illegal activities, Mr. Okraku made it clear that the GFA is open to collaboration with legitimate betting companies. He invited genuine operators to engage in discussions to establish a legal and mutually beneficial framework for betting on Ghanaian football.

“While we are saying ‘no’ to illegal activities, we are also prepared to discuss opportunities with genuine betting firms, inviting them to engage with us as partners in this venture,” he concluded.