Mr Samuel Sarpong, the Kumasi Metropolitan Chief
Executive (MCE), has called on religious organizations and individuals to help to curb the increasing rate of indiscipline among the youth in the country.
He said Government alone could not build the desired society and there was therefore the need for support from other bodies to inculcate in the youth virtues and moral values necessary for building a just and prosperous nation.
Mr Sarpong was speaking at the 50th anniversary awards and fund-raising ceremony of the Kumasi Chaplaincy Board at the Anglican Senior High School in Kumasi on Saturday.
The board currently consists of 27 preaching groups and serves 16 second cycle schools in the Ashanti Region.
"Transforming society through effective school ministry, the role of the Kumasi Chaplaincy Board" was the theme.
The MCE said their fifty years of existence was evidenced that they have not been daunted by the challenges they faced as a group and urged them to press on with their moral and spiritual training.
Mr Joseph Onyina, the Ashanti Regional Director of Education, in an address read for him, called for true teachings of Christ ministry in schools.
He said there was the need for all stakeholders to support schools to produce educated and skilled labour force needed to turn the country's
fortunes round.
Mr Onyina advised the students to stick to their books and avoid bad character formation.
Pastor Vincent Acquaah of the Calvary Charismatic Church in a sermon advised students to take good care of their lives in order for them to take full responsibility of their actions when they become adults.
He also advised them to be respectful and submissive and lead upright lives worthy of emulation.
Reverend Father Oscar C. Amoah, Chairperson of the Chaplaincy Board said the organization needed an office and a means of transport to reach out to other schools outside Kumasi.
He said they also needed a sound financial base because their sources of funds have from various schools and preaching groups.
Rev. Father Amoah stressed that school ministry was very crucial and strategic because it coincided with the adolescent period in the lives of most students.
"It therefore compliments the efforts of parents, school authorities and other stakeholders in promoting spiritual and moral lives", he said.