The Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has urged the youth to avoid engaging in sports betting and instead invest in a more lucrative venture like farming.
He explained that when one bets and loses, the individual does not gain any income, which he deems a wasteful venture, even though one may win sometimes.
The Member of Parliament for the Ningo-Prampram constituency advised that it would be prudent for bettors to invest their funds in farming, which will earn them valuable income in the future and also help impact the lives of those involved.
“I’m not hiding my faith as a Christian; I don’t bet. I have my opinions on people engaged in bets and all that, but I think this would be a better use of the money people are betting and losing. If you’re a betting person, you stake a bet that Arsenal will beat PSG because they beat them three months ago, and then you lose – that money is gone forever.
“Meanwhile, you could have invested that money in a farm and affected the life of a man or woman and their family. And you’re assured that a year later, at the very least, you get your money back,” he said in a viral video shared on X.
He added that his outfit will work on getting bettors to understand the essence of investing in farming to ensure food security.
“It’s essential that we figure out a way to tap into that market and get them to appreciate that our food security is national security. So, if we’re able to invest in farms – if I’m not farming, but I’m putting disposable income into someone who’s actually farming and guaranteeing that farm – I get to benefit from it. I think we should look at it as a ministry,” he added.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has scrapped the betting tax as he promised during the 2024 general elections campaign period.
Watch Sam George’s comments below:
Hon. Sam George, Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, has advised bet punters to stop wasting money on betting and instead invest in farming, which offers a more assured return over time and has the potential to positively impact the lives of others. pic.twitter.com/66gQxSB6ct
— EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) May 2, 2025
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