Children Below 18 Found Betting Will Be Arrested – Stephen Amoah
By: Adwoa Nyarko Asiamah
The Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, Stephen Amoah, has announced plans to clamp down on underage betting in the constituency, warning that children below the age of 18 found engaging in gambling activities will be arrested.
According to him, the growing involvement of young people in betting, drug abuse and alcohol consumption in Nhyiaeso poses a serious threat to the future of the constituency and requires immediate attention from parents, traditional leaders and residents.
Speaking at the presentation of 300 tertiary scholarships and computers to students of J.A. Kufuor Senior High School and State Experimental Basic School at the Church of God, Fankyenebra, Dr. Stephen Amoah said the situation had become worrying and could not be ignored.
He stressed that minors found participating in betting activities would be arrested, adding that children below 18 years who visit drinking spots to purchase alcohol would also face sanctions as part of efforts to instill discipline among the youth.
The MP appealed to traditional authorities and parents in Nhyiaeso to support the fight against social vices, noting that families have a critical role to play in raising responsible children.
“I need the support of Nananom. We need to pay attention to our children. Parents should pay attention to their children because what is happening these days is worrying,” he said.
Dr. Amoah also expressed concern about the increasing rate of drug abuse among young people in the constituency, describing the situation as alarming.
He disclosed that security agencies would soon intensify operations against illegal drug dens, popularly known as “wee camps,” operating within the constituency.
The legislator warned that if decisive action is not taken now, many of the affected children could become a burden on society in the future.
“If we do not take this seriously, these children will become burdens to society,” he cautioned.
Dr. Amoah therefore called on residents of Nhyiaeso to support efforts aimed at tackling youth gambling, substance abuse and other forms of indiscipline, insisting that the development of the constituency depends on the collective responsibility of all stakeholders.
He emphasized that protecting the youth from harmful influences today is essential to securing a better future for Nhyiaeso and ensuring the constituency continues to develop socially and economically.
