The National Democratic Congress presidential candidate and leader, Professor John Evans Atta Mills, has in the following statement commemorating International Youth Day, called for the inclusion of young people in decision making. Read on. “Today gives the nation an opportunity to recognize the potential of our youth; to celebrate their achievements, and plan for ways to better engage young people to successfully take action in the development of our nation, Ghana. “Today presents an opportunity for us, decision makers, to rally together to ensure that young people are included in decision-making at levels that affect them directly as well as indirectly, and I pledge myself to that course. “In building a Better Ghana, the youth will be at the center of the development agenda for after all, the future belongs to them and they should have a stake in planning their future. “There is no denying the fact that there exists a lot of despondency amongst the youth of Ghana especially as regards the crunching of employment opportunities and in building a Better Ghana, investing in the youth and job creation, shall be key pivots around which policy decisions will revolve. “The illicit drug trade has not only targeted Ghana, but has targeted the youth of Ghana and I am assuring the youth that Atta Mills, as President, will make sure Ghana ceases to be a subsidiary of the illicit and nation-destroying drug trade. “The reports that scores of youth are falling victim to the drug menace, leading to the high crime rate as well as drug related mental illnesses, is too frightening to be ignored and I will do whatever it takes to keep the barons far away from Ghana. “The theme for today’s celebration is “Youth And Climate Change: Time For Action”. It is my fervent hope that the theme will not last only for today, but will last long after the day has ended with the youth committed to a change that will not only change the climate, but a change that will, with the support of Leaders like myself, change Ghana for the better. “I believe that a Better Ghana can be built and together with the youth of Ghana and all concerned Ghanaians, we shall indeed build a Better Ghana.” John Evans Atta Mills (NDC Leader & Presidential Candidate)