Head of Bastiat Ghana hails YES initiative

Dr Tweneboah Senzu

Accra, Aug. 19, GNA - Dr Tweneboah Senzu, Managing Director of Bastiat Ghana, a liberal economy think tank, has hailed the YES initiative of President John Dramani Mahama, as a good initiative.

He said the programme shows the personal love and support of the President for the development of the unique talent of the youth for national development.

A statement issued by Dr Senzu and copied to Ghana News Agency in Accra on Tuesday, however called for the proper definition of the programme in order to achieve its intended purpose to draw private donor support to the fund in a form of corporate social responsibility.

'When years pass by and the people realize the benefit of such a fund to the development of the country through its youth, individuals will begin to donate towards it in recognition and respect, which could later attain a legislature power to become part of utility charge deducted from the source as the National Health Insurance Scheme started,' he said.

He observed that Ghana's traditional set up does not give the youth the space to implement their ambitions in life due to the use of social class and cultural factors such as age to deny them the opportunity to pursue their dreams and lead independent life.

Dr Senzu said: 'While among the aristocrat and the urban system, the youth are defined based on age structures, some hold the view that the category falls within 18- 35 years, 18-40 years or 18-45 years.'

He said Ghana's cultural environment places premium on old age because they are perceived to be wiser and experienced in everything.

He noted that it is often used as a strategy to condemn efforts of the youth to advance and excel beyond the vision of the formal.

'Another form of power that seeks to condemn the effort of the striving youth to transform Ghana to become a better place with their ideas and skills is the School mate sabotage.

'This category of vision mafias are those type of youth who have chosen to fail in life but act as ambassadors of character assassination and stifle the most potential value, quality resource and vision among their peers.'

Dr Senzu referred to a number of people who made it in life while in their useful days, citing Jesus Christ who from 12-32 years was able to establish the Christian religion.

He said: 'Blaise Pascal has his life legacy recorded in the world of mathematics,   at the age of 16 years and contributed a theological paper to intellectual critic the theological order of his time as   a fellow of Jansenism Society of Catholic.

'Renowned Mathematician Isaac Newton most recognised scientific inventions and discoveries were completed at the age of 25 years. Most great scientific achievement was made by Albert Einstein in his early 30s.

'Joseph son of Jacob in his late 20s became the Prime Minister of Egypt by saving the people from hunger during a drought season, while Bill Gate, Dell, Steve Jobs among others made great transformation to the world during the youthful stage.' GNA EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE