The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, is urging the youth not to let religious and ethnic differences divide them but rather use their cultural diversities as a tool for the socio-economic development of the country. "If Ghana has to develop and progress, then we need a united people who can forge ahead together notwithstanding our differences," he said. The Minister said ethnic, religious, and political difference had done the country irreparable damage and caused the polarization of our society to the detriment of our efforts at development. The Regional Minister was addressing the 29th Plenary Assembly of the National Catholic Church Laity in Tamale. It was on the theme: "The Catholic Youth, the Church and the Society." Alhaji Mustapha said poverty, disease and ignorance were the real enemies of the people of Dagbon and not people they perceive as belonging to the Andani or Abudu gates. "If we will marshal all our forces in the fight against poverty, deprivation, want and diseases, Ghana will achieve enviable economic progress within a short time", he said. Alhaji Mustapha urged the Church not to use the youth only in the spread of the gospel but to also instill in them the values of nationalism, patriotism, peace and justice. He commended the Catholic Church for its role in the development of the country, especially in the areas of education and social services and described the Church as "a reliable partner in development." The Most Reverend Abadamloora, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference, urged the youth to exploit areas where they could partner with NGOs to undertake income-generating ventures. He advised the Church to use the media as an instrument of their evangelical work so as to fulfill the mission of God. Mr. Dave Anane, the General Manager of the Catholic schools, urged the youth to harness their efforts towards national development through the promotion of disciplinary behaviour.