Ghanaian comedian OB Amponsah
Comedian OB Amponsah has criticised media practitioners, particularly radio and television journalists, for their role in promoting gambling, especially lotteries, during their professional engagements.
He argued that media professionals have effectively turned their platforms into 'lottery kiosks', acting as agents who encourage audiences to participate in gambling activities.
According to him, practices like urging viewers to send a small amount of money to a short code in hopes of winning a larger sum equate to engaging in a lottery.
In his words, "Sending a Radio/TV station 50 cedis so you can win 2000 cedis nyinaa yɛ lotto. The lotto kiosk is the media now and the lotto agents are your TV and radio favorites."
Increasingly, media shows not only advertise lotteries and sports betting but actively involve presenters in persuading their audience to participate in various games of chance.
This trend is observed in many morning shows across television and radio, where hosts actively encourage listeners and viewers to try their luck in order to win prizes through gambling activities.
