Former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings has called for an immediate establishment of an implementation committee for the National Youth Policy launched on Thursday, August 12, 2010.
Mrs Rawlings believes that the policy, having been worked on in the previous and current governments, will meet the needs and aspirations of all segments of the Ghanaian youth.
According to her, of critical importance is the implementation which should be given urgent attention.
Speaking to journalists in Accra, the former First Lady said there was no need to delay the implementation of the policy because the document, which will give a policy direction for the youth of the country, was long overdue.
Touching on the theme for this year’s International Youth Day celebrations – Dialogue and Mutual Understanding – Mrs Rawlings said the theme was apt and particularly relevant in the Ghanaian and African situation for that matter, where many parents think that what they say is law and that their children have no right to counter their opinions or hold contrary views.
“First of all I don’t believe in whipping [young people] into line. There are several ways that [parents] can use to encourage children to do what is right and proper. Most importantly, there can only be dialogue when two people are talking, if only the parents are talking and the children are not allowed to bring their opinions to bear on whatever that is being discussed, then there can’t be dialogue.”
She said if the country’s youth population is to grow to become responsible, productive and assertive members of the society, the nation and its leaders must inspire confidence in them by providing them with opportunities to live meaningful lives as well as pursue their dreams and aspirations.
Ghana has a huge youth population and therefore a youth policy is something that should not be toyed with, she maintained.
The President of the 31st December Women’s Movement counseled the youth to live morally upright lives by behaving in socially acceptable ways.
She emphasized that the youth can express their views on issues without being rude or insulting, because being rude to elders is alien the country’s enviable culture.
Story by Malik Abass Daabu/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana