Betting could destroy future of Ghana’s youth in 3–5 years – Akim Swedru MP

The Member of Parliament for Akim Swedru, Kennedy Osei Nyarko, has cautioned that the growing reliance on betting and other raffle games among young people could have serious consequences if the country fails to address youth unemployment.

The MP said the unemployment situation must be treated as an urgent national issue, particularly as more young people turn to betting amid limited employment opportunities.

In a social media post on Monday, September 21, he argued that creating dignified job opportunities, rather than allowing betting to become a source of income, should be central to efforts to address the challenge.

“If we don’t as a matter of urgency find a permanent solutions to deal with the growing youth unemployment in the country at the moment betting and other raffle games will completely destroy the bright future of our youths by the next 3 - 5 years to come,” Osei Nyarko wrote.

“We must be deliberate in finding a solution to this growing national security issue,” the MP said.

Osei Nyarko stressed that betting should not be presented as a solution to unemployment, noting that young people need sustainable and dignified alternatives.

“Gradually we have allowed betting to destroy the future of many of this young people, and it’s time for us to act now to save the future of the remaining ones,” he added.

The MP has previously raised concerns about youth employment, including questioning how government initiatives such as the 24-hour market concept would translate into meaningful jobs for unemployed graduates.