Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings has called on Ghanaian youth to remain vigilant in protecting the nation’s peace and unity, warning against being dragged into unnecessary conflicts fuelled by reckless political, religious, or ethnic rhetoric.

Speaking at the National Youth Conference organised by the National Youth Authority (NYA), the Member of Parliament for Klottey-Korle and the Chairperson for the Committee on Security and Intelligence, underscored the importance of harmony as the foundation of Ghana’s progress.

“You are in Ghana today, and I can assure you, you have no idea what it means to be in a country where there is war. Let us not take it for granted,” she told the gathering of young leaders and delegates. “The peace we enjoy is what allows us to sit together in this room today, from different ethnic groups, different regions, in harmony.

Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings emphasised that Ghana’s diversity should be a source of strength rather than division. “This country can only develop if we recognise that in our diversity is strength. Let us tap into that, and let us make sure that we continue to be the shining Black Star of this continent for others to learn from,” she added.

She further cautioned the youth not to allow divisive figures to disrupt the future they are building: “Do not allow people making reckless statements to lead you into disrupting a potential future that you have… not a politician, not a traditional leader, not a religious leader, not even an academic should take that away from you.”

The National Youth Conference brought together participants from across the country to deliberate on the role of young people in Ghana’s democratic and developmental journey.

Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings concluded with a rallying call for collective responsibility: “Let us make sure that we continue to be the shining Black Star of this continent and that other countries will learn from. God bless you.”