Sam George flares Up During Heated Youth Unemployment Debate

Tempers flared during a heated youth unemployment debate in Ningo-Prampram as Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam George, lost his cool while responding to concerns over Ghana’s growing unemployment crisis.

The Ningo-Prampram MP was addressing concerns raised about the increasing rate of youth unemployment, which has been described as a national security threat.

The discussion focused on the challenges facing young people who, after acquiring university degrees and struggling to find jobs, were forced to pursue additional courses in the hope of improving their chances of employment.

It was stressed that the unemployment situation must not be treated lightly, as the growing frustration among jobless young people could have serious implications for national security.

Sam George subsequently rose to defend the government’s interventions aimed at creating jobs, including the One Million Coders Programme and the 24-Hour Economy initiative.

However, proceedings became heated when some participants interrupted him.

“For those who have just come to Parliament and haven’t paid attention… you make the noise,” Sam George was heard saying as he responded to the interruptions.

He later clarified that he was not objecting to government business but was responding to a question from the Speaker.

The heated exchange comes amid growing concerns over youth unemployment in Ghana, with development economist Dr George Domfeh recently citing the rate at about 32% nationally and 49% in Greater Accra.

He reportedly described the situation as worrying, pointing to the large number of job applications and CVs received by professionals.

Sam George, who has previously urged young people to move away from sports betting and consider productive ventures such as farming, maintained that the government was focused on stabilising and growing the economy to create more employment opportunities.

The outburst in Ningo-Prampram has since generated reactions among Ghanaians, with some praising the Minister’s passion in defending government policies, while others argue that public officials must demonstrate greater emotional restraint when addressing the frustrations surrounding unemployment.

By Regina Acquaye