Youth Conference opens in Accra

Accra, Nov. 6, GNA -Good leadership must be characterized by humility, dignity, trust and the willingness to serve the people, Reverend Dr John Owusu Afriyie, a Christian Youth Leader said on Monday. He said leadership did not connote exploitation of the people that invariably made them poorer and the rich, richer. Rev. Afriyie said this at the opening of the first Youth and Business Conference held in Accra which was organised by the Youth Today.

He urged leaders to make themselves accessible to all people whether they were poor or rich. Rev Afriyie, who spoke on the topic, "Who is a Leader" said most leaders in various organizations and churches were not approachable and only the affluent had access to them.

He noted that a good leader was the one that created an avenue that enabled all people to reach him regardless of their background, status or affiliation.

Dr. Owusu Afriyie urged the young leaders not to be power drunk as position of authority came with power which ought not to be used to lord it over the people.

Mr. Don Raymond, President of Youth Today, said empowering young people to unearth their God-given abilities and putting them into maximum use to the benefit of society was crucial and needed to be tackled with insight.

He said the organization also intended to equip the youth with leadership qualities, innovative business ideas in order to manage their own businesses to create employment and wealth for national development. Mr. Raymond observed that Africa with immense resources have her people, particularly the youth being in the poverty bracket and said the situation ought to change by shaping the consciousness of the youth.