By Emmanuel Mensah-Abludo
The Upper West Regional Minister, Dr Hafiz Bin Salih, says youth unemployment is a threat to Ghana’s national security but was quick to add that the agricultural sector holds great potential for surmounting the challenge.
Dr Bin Salih, who made the observation at the 67th Independence Anniversary at the Naa Abeifa Memorial Park in Lawra, indicated that the surest way to make agriculture attractive to young people is to take the manual labour out of farming.
Thirty-five schools, two cadet corps, and eight contingents of servicemen and women participated in the march past under the command of Captain Kwesi Arthur Barnes of the 10 Merchanised Battalion in Wa.
Dr Bin Salih touched on the government’s efforts to make agricultural machinery and other equipment easily accessible to the people, as well as reforms in the TVET space.
“The government is continuing to make agricultural machinery and equipment easily accessible. This year, under the Indian Exim Facility, tractors with matching implements, planters, boom sprayers, combined harvesters, and corn pickers will be available for hire purchase.
Furthermore, in recognising the critical role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in job creation, the government continues to implement key reforms in the TVET space, including expanding the Free Senior High School programme to include students in public TVET institutions.”
“Beyond our desire to change our citizens’ lives, we must encourage the youth to be disciplined, hardworking, patriotic and strive to achieve personal development, which will go a long way to benefit our dear nation.
Only through discipline and hard work will you be able to take advantage of the many opportunities that come your way. As a government, we will do our utmost best to create opportunities that will allow the youth to develop their potential to the fullest.We will continue to provide educational infrastructure and embark on more social intervention programmes to make the region and Ghana a safe place for the youth to pursue their dreams,” the Regional Minister emphasised.
Dr Bin Salih reminded Ghanaians to guard against utterances that provoke confrontation or violence. Deserving individuals and schools were honoured at the parade.
Lawra English-Arabic Primary School was adjudged the best school in the march past at the primary level, followed by Aswaj Primary School with Lawra R/C “A” Primary taking the third position.
For the Junior High School category, Pentecost Preparatory took the first slot, with Lawra Girls’ Model settling for second place, while Lawra Assemblies of God followed in that order.
At the Senior High level, Eremon Senior High Technical won, followed by Lawra Senior High School, with Birifoh Senior High placing third.
Among those who graced the occasion were the Paramount Chief of Lawra, Naa Puowele Karbo, the Member of Parliament for Lawra, Bede Ziedeng, the Upper West Regional Coordinating Director, Peter Malaa, and Service Commanders.
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