Accra, Feb 16, GNA - Dr Kojo Asante, a Senior Research Fellow at the centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has charged the youth to exhibit a strong sense of leadership and work towards having a progressive and all-inclusive country.
He said it was dangerous for the youth to isolate themselves and look on unconcerned about issues affecting their immediate societies and the country as a whole.
A statement issued by Efua Idan Atadja, Communications Officer CDD-Ghana and copied to the Ghana News Agency, said Dr Asante gave the advice during a Humanities Day Forum organised by the SOS-Hermann Gmeiner International College in Tema.
The forum on the theme “Taking Ownership of Our Own Development,” was inspired by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 16 which focused on promoting peace, justice and strong institutions.
Dr Asante said it was time for Africa’s youth to contribute their quota to addressing the continent’s challenges.
“The problem we have in Africa is that when you talk about leadership, it is all about political leadership. We need to create leaders in every facet of our society. Don’t wait for that future that is to come. Wherever you are, start being a leader and make a change,” he challenged the youth.
“I want people to start thinking and believing that they can make a difference no matter how overwhelming the challenges of Africa are,” he said.
Dr. Asante further advised the youth to be patriotic and commit to serve others, if they want Africa to be able to overcome its numerous challenges.
The Humanities Day Forum is organised biennially by the SOS-Hermann Gmeiner International College as a way of introducing students to varying perspectives on topical issues affecting African societies and their impact on the development of the continent and the world.
Mrs Shamima Muslim Ishmael, convener for Alliance of Women in Media Africa, said the single threat to the existence and security of the African continent was youth unemployment.
She challenged the students to begin to care about the continent by putting their talents and knowledge to good use.
She said “You have to use your environment and create opportunities for yourself and others.
“It’s either you care now or you will be made to care at a time that may be too late; your care will stand for nothing.”
Mrs Ishmael also charged African leaders to concentrate on developing its ever-increasing human resource base.
Participants of the Humanities Day Forum were drawn from, Tema International School, Ghana Christian International High School, Tema Senior High School, Chemu Senior High School, Methodist Senior High School and the host school, SOS-Hermann Gmeiner International College.
GNA
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