Dr Mahamudu Bawumia
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has urged the Ghanaian youth to believe in their ability to achieve aims and objectives they set for themselves as long as they remain genuine.
He said “every young person should be given the opportunity to develop their true potential and to learn things and skills that will give them a better chance in life.”
It is for this reason that he is pushing for leaders today to have the responsibility to create the necessary space that ensures their inclusion and wellbeing.
The Vice President gave the counsel during his speech at the 13th Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Forum at the Jubilee House (Heads of State Award Scheme) on Tuesday evening.
“I encourage our young people to develop the confidence in bringing about change, no matter how small. I encourage our young people to develop into caring and inclusive individuals so that our communities, who need our support, will find it,” he emphasised.
In all, a total of 184 youngsters were presented with golden awards for their contributions towards the communities in which they live.
Dr Bawumia indicated that “the fact that participants experience team spirit and have become aware of the needs of the society in which they live and have decided to help in its development is so commendable.”
He indicated that “the Award promotes the values of inclusivity, respect, unity and active citizenship,” reiterating his wish that every young person should have been given the opportunity to engage in such initiatives to acquire a sense of purpose in life.
He told the youngsters how impressed the President was about them and their fortitude in finishing the intense and sustained programme.
He also lauded them for the unique achievement.
“I am particularly impressed that you have excelled across the different disciplines. You can bask in this achievement. But you also know that the qualities that you have shown in gaining this award are qualities that will do you well in your future careers and lives.”
Present were the Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, the British High Commissioner to Ghana, Ministers of State, the Secretary General of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, members of the Diplomatic Corps and a host of others.
By Charles Takyi-Boadu, Presidential Correspondent