The youth in the country have been called up to play useful roles and become social and economically responsible in growing the fortunes of the country. Dr George Dawson Amoah, the Executive Secretary of Cement Dealers Association of Ghana, said the seeming apathy and the continual gap on the role of the youth in nation building presents a bleak future for the country.
He was speaking at the 16th Biennial National Delegates’ Conference of the Anglican Young People’s Association in Takoradi held under the theme: “Building the church and the nation; role of the youth”. Dr Amoah said, “We need to encourage them to aspire to take up responsible positions, become active in decision making and let them feel part of the nation”.
He said the youth are an important asset to nation building of the country and must be encouraged and given responsibilities to enable them prove their worth. Dr Amoah admonished the youth to take their education seriously, do more research and keep themselves abreast with current trends in the area of information and communications methodologies.
Dr Kwaku Afriyie, Western Regional Minister, in an address read for him, said the time has come for both state and the church to dialogue, evaluate, explore and make resolutions towards building a vibrant state. “It should be our responsibility to ensure that the youth who will be sought after to fill leadership position, both in church and the state are trained responsibly for the task” he said.
However, Dr Afriyie said, “the youth who are supposed to be the driving force behind the growth and development of the country are engaged in unacceptable and frivolous activities in a bid to make quick money.” He warned them against actions such as drug peddling, armed robbery and indiscipline.
The Right Reverend Alexander Kobina Asmah, Lord Bishop, Anglican Diocese of Sekondi, urged the youth to take their studies seriously and assist in developing the church and the nation. “In building the nation, communities, chiefs, and the individual must be disciplined; I will urged the youth to do things appropriately and lead a life worthy of emulation” he said.
Mr Benedict Afari, President of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Anglican Young People’s Association, said the Association focuses on increasing the effectiveness of individual, programmes and systems that support youth development. "Our vision is to build a true Christian organization where all the youth are equipped with essential skills for personal development and for the growth of the Anglican Church in Ghana” he said.