Anglican Bishop calls for nationwide ban on sports betting

The Past Anglican Archbishop Emeritus of Kumasi, His Grace Most Rev. Prof. Daniel Yinkah Sarfo, has issued a stern warning against sports betting, calling for an immediate nationwide ban.

He describes the practice as “sinful, destructive, and a threat to the future of Ghanaian youth.”

Addressing journalists at the Transformation Conference 2026, a non-denominational clergy gathering in Kumasi, His Grace said sports betting, like the lottery, is explicitly condemned in both the Holy Bible and the Quran.

He labeled it “a lazy man’s way of making money” and criticized the growing culture of gambling as eroding ethical values in society.

The Archbishop condemned the scrapping of the 10 percent withholding tax on betting, gaming, and lottery winnings.

According to him, the removal of this tax is a dangerous move that will encourage more young Ghanaians to gamble, fueling social ills such as addiction, debt, and moral decay.

His remarks reflect mounting concern among religious leaders over the widespread impact of gambling, as calls intensify for stricter regulation or an outright ban.