Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam Nartey George, has called on Ghanaian youth to reconsider the growing trend of sports betting, urging them instead to invest in agriculture to secure both personal and national prosperity.
In a viral video circulating on the social media platform X, the Minister passionately shared his views, grounding his argument in both economic and ethical terms.
“I’m not hiding my faith as a Christian; I don’t bet. I have my opinions on people engaged in betting and all that, but I think this would be a better use of the money people are betting and losing,” he said.
The Ningo-Prampram MP illustrated the risk and volatility of betting by referencing sports scenarios, saying, “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.”
Mr. George suggested that repurposing funds towards agricultural ventures could have a greater impact, positively affecting individuals and families, and potentially yielding returns within a year.
“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 argued.
He added that even those not directly involved in farming can contribute by investing their disposable income in someone else’s farm and helping to guarantee its success.
The Betting Tax, introduced in August 2023 by the NPP administration as a 10 per cent levy on gross winnings, was initially implemented to regulate gambling and increase government revenue.
It was abolished in the first budget of President John Mahama’s administration, in fulfillment of a pledge he made ahead of the 2024 general elections.
Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson justified the cancellation of the tax, describing it as a nuisance, even though it was projected to generate about GH₵180 million for a year.
