Sam Nartey George, a well-known Ghanaian politician and Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo-Prampram, has raised concern over Ghanaian youth healthcare and lifestyle choices.
While bemoaning the growing number of cases of kidney failure in the country, particularly among the youth, George asserted that, while some people may have been diagnosed with the condition through no fault of their own, the majority of Ghanaian youth who are suffering from the deadly health condition are as a result of their lifestyle choices, including the frequent consumption of flavoured tobacco popularly known as “shisha.”
During an interview with Joy News, the MP labelled Ghanaian youth as “irresponsible” when it comes to healthcare and lifestyle choices. He emphasised that young people smoke “shisha” like locomotive engines for the sake of fashion.
”’Look, I’m going to say something that Ghanaian youth will not be very happy about but we are very irresponsible people when it comes to our healthcare and our life choices. While there are some people who may have been diagnosed with the condition due to no fault of theirs, the majority of the young people facing this challenge are doing so due to horrible lifestyle choices. They dumped the cigarette and jumped onto that killer called Shisha.
”They smoke Shisha like locomotive engines. You drive through East-legon and you see young people putting up steam like locomotive engines all in the name of fashion. They’ve flavoured death with pineapple and watermelon and you are licking death. I mean we are not eating well, drinking the wrong thing I mean its a problem.”
Sam George’s remarks sparked a debate regarding juvenile behaviour and the need for more awareness about the potential health risks linked with shisha smoking and poor dietary habits. While some may consider his comments to be exaggerated, it emphasises the need of addressing juvenile behaviours and offering healthy options.