The Youth Employment Authority (YEA) Board Chairman has implored Ghana’s youth to stay away from social vices since they will undermine their potentials.

Sammy Awuku said the country will be better positioned in the world if its youth become responsible future leaders.

At the 20th anniversary celebration of the Teenage Bible Club in Koforidua over the weekend, the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s National Youth Organiser charged the youth to exercise restraint in whatever action they take.

“Peer pressure has become a major obstacle between some people and their destiny. When people are misbehaving on our campuses, note that, at the end of the day it is an individual affair.  

"Stay away from drug abuse. Today people think that it is part of normal life to smoke and drink and for the boys, they think it is a lifestyle to chase girls on campus,” Mr Awuku said.

The anniversary celebration was organized under the theme: “Grooming the Adolescents for Excellence.”

Delving into his past, the international youth icon said he grew up in a community in Koforidua, notoriously noted for all kinds of social vices but he was not perturbed.

He said he stayed away from bad friends who might negatively influence him to take attitudes that will not help him. He was focused.

“To whom much is given much is expected. We didn’t have a free education in our time but you have it now, stay away from things that will lead you to destruction, focus on your books and excel for us” he told the gathering.

Mr Awuku said the country is fortunate to have a president who honours promises made to Ghanaians.

He said President Akufo-Addo’s bold decision to implement the Free SHS programme, reduce the cost of police recruitment forms and other Service/Force recruitment forms are testimonies of his commitment to the country's development.

On her part, Deputy Education Minister, Barbara Asha, called on schools to inculcate in students the moral and ethical values.

She assured stakeholders in the education sector of the Ministry’s readiness to engage them in designing a programme that will help the youth to stay focus.

The Teenage Bible Club has established in Koforidua some 20 years ago with the mission to implement programs that will provide the relevant environment for the general empowerment of all teenagers.

It was also set up to facilitate equitable access to opportunities that will enable the youth to attain their full potentials while helping them to escape the evil influence and pitfalls of life.

The group has chapters in most senior high schools in the eastern region with the vision to prepare the teenagers morally, socially and spiritually to face the challenges confronting them and to train the teenager on any future leadership role they may be cited