Renowned Ghanaian politician and Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo-Prampram, Sam Nartey George has expressed worry over the healthcare and lifestyle choices of Ghanaian youth.
While bemoaning the increasing number of cases of kidney failure in the country most especially among the youth, George, asserted that while some people may have been diagnosed with the condition due to no fault of theirs, most Ghanaian youth who are suffering from the deadly health condition are as a result of their life choices including the frequent consumption of flavoured tobacco popularly known as “shisha.”
The MP, during a conversation with Joy News described Ghanaian youth as “irresponsible” when it comes to making healthcare and lifestyle choices. He emphasized that the youth smoke “shisha” like locomotive engines, all in the name 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 comments have ignited a discussion about youth behaviors and the need for increased awareness about the potential health hazards associated with shisha smoking and bad eating habits . While some may view his statement as an exaggeration, it does underline the importance of addressing youth behaviors and promoting healthier alternatives.