Youth urged to shun negative behaviours

Story: Benjamin Xornam Glover, BOLGATANGA Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Daniel A Syme has advised the youth in the region to shun negative tendencies such as ethnic, political a and religious and rather focus on their studies to become better persons in future. Mr Syme who gave the advice during the observations of the African Youth Day at the Bolgatanga Girls Senior School reiterated the fact that if the youth should concentrate on their studies, they will become useful citizens not only for their families but their communities and the region as a whole. The Africa Union Youth Day is observed on November 1 each year. This was as a result of a resolution adopted by Heads of state and governments of the Africa Union in Banjul, Gambia in 2006. Since then, Ghana has been celebrating the African Youth Day.The theme for the 2013 celebration is "Africa's Youth Population: opportunity or threats,Ghana in perspective" The Deputy Regional Minister, Mr Daniel Syme in a keynote address also called on people with selfish interest, who use the youth to perpetuate crimes, to desist from the act and rather help groom them to become responsible future leaders. "I remain convinced that our youth must be effectively engaged and involved in efforts to achieve sustainable development of Ghana and Africa for that matter. To do this, the youth must be adequately prepared,which sharply imposes the need to invest sufficiently in human capital development," he said. He gave the assurance that government would continue to expedite action to pass into law and implement the Ghana Youth Policy and finalize its action plans, as well as ensuring that data and information on young people are available to inform sustainable actions. Mr Syme also appealed to stakeholders, including the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), the Private Sector, NGOs, development partners and the youth to synergize efforts in delivering on youth development and empowerment in Africa. The Upper East Regional Youth Coordinator of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Mr Daud James Abang-Gos, said the day is set aside to appreciate the achievements of the country's youth and celebrate thir successes. Mr Abang-Gos said the celebration of the day usually offers the opportunity for government, Civil Society Organizations, parents, key state actors, including the youth themselves, to share a common platform by taking stock of activities, successes and failures, challenges of young people in Africa and propose policy directions to address them. He said the youth in Ghana and Africa in general have been involved in nation building in the areas of agriculture, sports, academia, productivity and maintainable of general security, adding that "it is not the case that young people are always involved in negative things, they also contribute to nation building" "We in the National Youth Authority with support from government are prepared to deliver quality youth service to make them work with their hands, legs, hearts and heads," he added. A communication and leadership trainer, Mr Eduard Povel, advised the youth to remain focus, developed a goal and work towards achieving their targeting life. -end Quick read > Since 2006, Ghana has been celebrating the African Youth Day > The day was set aside following a resolution adopted in Banjul by Heads of state and governments of the Africa Union to declare every 1st day of November as Africa Union Youth Day. > The Deputy Upper East who addressed a forum at the BOLGATANGA Girls Senior High School at this year's regional celebration called in the youth to shun negative behaviors and embrace attitudes that changes the world. Writers's email: benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh