Youth Empowerment

The District Minister of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana in Nkawkaw, Revered Atiemo Ayeh has condemned the rate at which the youth indulge in various social vices such as drinking, indecent dressing, smoking, reckless driving and sexual promiscuity during Easter festivity. “We have pleaded with the District Police Service to arrest any young girl who dresses indecently before; during and after to help control such in-disciplines during Easter festivities in the area.

He called on the media practitioners' to tone down the pace at which they promote alcoholic beverages on televisions and radios during festivity. He urged the Advertising Association of Ghana (AAG) to advise their members not to place adverts in any corporate media institution until they abide by the professional standards of broadcasting worldwide. “Such promotions end up destroying the lives and future of our youth,” he said.

He was speaking at a youth empowerment forum in Nkawkaw, Mpraeso and Kwahu-Abetifi in the Eastern Region, with the theme: “The youth, our focus”. The event organized by Accra-based Premier Productions Group, with support from the World Miracle Outreach, Parliamentary Christian Fellowship, District, Municipal Chief Executives (DMCEs) and Members of Parliament from the areas. It aimed to help transcend the true meaning of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ for all Christians especially residents and visitors who travel to Kwahu-Abetifi for Easter festivity.

He called on parents to instill in their children, moral values to make them understand how precious and sacred their bodies are and not to allow their bodies to be misused for monetary gains. “Parents have a responsibility to protect their children from any bad practices that may endanger their future” he said.

Dr. Yaw Owusu Ansah, a Pastor from Adom FM an Accra-based radio station, advised the youth not to imitate what others are doing but must try to be themselves. “Many youth today, don't know what life really means. They want everything fast so they indulge in internet fraud, drug peddling, prostitution, armed robbery and even smoking, there's no hurry in life so let's be patient in life” he warned.

He appealed to parents and guardians to invest in their children's education because they are the future leaders of the country's development. He advised the youth to desist from insult and insolent behavior and give respect to everybody.

Dr. Owusu Ansah has noted most politicians use the youth to destroy most countries especially during elections and sent warning to the politicians of various political parties to refrain from violence before, during and after this year's elections.

He said most politicians pressure the youth into politics, saying this can destroy their future and the country as well. He advised the youth against violence and to be careful of hungry politicians who will use them to cause mayhem in the December elections. Ghana he said should not be a slaughter house as compared to other African countries such as Sierra Leone, Liberia, Libya and many more. “What has happen in other African countries can equally happen to our dear country let's all be vigilance” he warned.

He appealed to the Electoral Commission, politicians from the various political parties, party sympathizers and the citizenry to strive for peace before, during and after the elections, “there should not be shading of blood for power in this country” he said.