Professor Amos Sawyer, former interim President
of Liberia, has observed that the development of youth leadership is a prerequisite to enable Africa "to achieve the dream of making the 21st
century the African century".
He said the spread of democracy in Africa in the latter part of the 20th century, encouraged many people to believe that an African renaissance would involve the youth as the driving force of the development agenda.
The former Liberian leader made the observation in an address to a Strategic Future Convention of the Foundation for Future Leaders
International, in Sunyani on the theme: "The African Youth as Architects and Builders of the New Africa."
The 3000 delegates were drawn from members of the Foundation from more than 60 secondary and tertiary schools and other affiliates in the country.
Prof Sawyer stressed that the participation of the youth in political, social and economic governance is very important on every conceivable
measure.
"For one thing the foundations of participatory democracy are compromised if the voices of the youth who constitute the largest group of citizens of every African country are not taken into account in the councils of governance," he said.
The ex-President said the interests, concerns and challenges of the youth should be central to the planning process.
"We have an obligation to fashion our parliaments, provincial and town councils, our executive and judicial institutions in ways that allow for the participation of the youth."
Professor Sawyer noted that the challenges of illiteracy and health issues still confront Africa and urged the youth to prepare themselves to become effective leaders of the 21st century Africa to help reverse the situation.
He expressed the hope that the youth of Africa would strive to make good use of the abundant opportunities in facing the daunting challenges of the continent.
Mr Emmanuel Dei-Tumi, Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation said the convention was in line with the desire of the body to offer capacity building seminars for members of the Future Leaders Investment Club.
The objective of the strategic future leaders convention, was to inspire the youth and equip them with leadership and entrepreneurial skills needed to effectively run their lives, businesses and become responsible citizens, he added.
Mr Yaw Boadu Ayeboafo, General Manager, Graphic Communications, who presided stressed that the youth have many opportunities to help transform the continent.
He admonished them to work meticulously towards the achievement of their goals and the establishment of quality leadership in future.