Youth in the Volta and Oti regions have urged government to invest in the ICT needs of the country’s educational system.
According to them increasing ICT training in learning instititions will make students ready for the rapid changing world.
They also prayed for a vocational education and training curriculum to equip students with the skills needed to transform the country.
The youth made the request during the Maiden Volta, Oti Regions’ Youth Parliament programme organised by the National Youth Authority (NYA).
The programme which was held in Ho, the Volta Regional Capital, provided a platform for representatives of some recognized and registered youth groups and individuals from districts in Volta and Oti regions to engage the Regional Education Directorate.
They debated on the topic: “The Role of the Youth in Contributing to Quality Education in Ghana.”
The Debate was also held to commemorate this year’s International Youth Day Celebration in the Volta and Oti regions.
A representative of the Education Directorate, Edem Kofi Kpotosu, indicated that Ghana, being a member of the United Nations and subscribing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), makes the youth indispensable in realising SDG 4 (Quality Education for All).
He mentioned that the introduction of new policies in the education system by government was all in fulfilment of the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE).
He mentioned that the capitation grant for Primary and Junior High Schools, free Senior High School, School Feeding programme, among others have accommodated majority of Ghanaian children who may have been out of school due to poverty.
“These interventions have done away with the ‘no money syndrome’ and given meaning to Ghana’s constitutional (FCUBE) programme,” he noted.
Mr. Kpotosu therefore charged the youth not to sit on the fence but constantly engage policy makers to partake in the development, shaping and implementation of educational policies that will secure Ghana’s future.
He urged them to use their sheer numbers to mobilize and support their communities’ aspirations for quality education.
He commended the various old students’ associations for their support towards quality education delivery and urged dormant ones to step-up.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Youth Authority, Bright Acheampong said the youth parliament is one of many ways the Authority hopes to engage the youth.
He assured that the national celebration in the Western region on the 12 and 13 of August, 2019 will host the national youth parliament sitting on the same theme.
The Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa urged the youth to cultivate the habit of volunteerism rather than being obsessed with money, stressing that Volunteerism equips the youth with skills that can later bring them money and other resources.
He added that they should support the many laudable policies of government while they take advantage of some to initiate their own jobs and initiatives.
From Fred Duodu, Ho (k.duodu@yahoo.com)