Peace programmes lined up for Ashanti youths

The Ashanti Regional Branch of the National Youth Council (NYC) is about to embark on a Peace Programme for the youth in the Region to sensitize them on the need to avoid violence before, during and after Election 2008.

This would enable as many youth as possible, to participate in peace initiative programmes, so as to make them to keep the peace and be accountable to the society for peace.

Mr Amankwaa Frempong, Regional Coordinator for NYC, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Kumasi on Wednesday, indicated that the youth formed the bulk of the society and must not be used by people seeking power and politicians to satisfy their whims and caprices.

He said the NYC had identified and registered almost 672 youth groups that have their members being between the ages of 19 and 40 years to take part in the series of the Peace Programme that would come on soon in the Ashanti Region.

The Peace Programme, he said, would also involve members of the Christian Council, Members of Independent Churches and Charismatic Churches and Members of Islamic Communities and organizations.

Activities outlined for the programme include prayers; public education; entertainment; sports and fun games.

Mr Frempong said peace was an essential element of human life and all creatures and must be enjoyed by all, adding that the country's fledgling democracy must be protected.

He said everything must be done to ensure that Ghana passed through the electioneering period without any incident.