Ghanaian wins International Extra Mile Award

Benjamin Kwame Tawiah, who was instrumental in the establishment of the Youth Crime Watch Program in Ghana, won an International Extra Mile Award at the just ended, 15th National Youth Crime Prevention Conference and International Forum, held in Arlington, Virginia, in the United States of America.

Benjamin Kwame Tawiah is the host of a weekly radio talk show in Ghana finest radio station, Vibe 91.9FM, which covers topics related to positive youth development and the skills needed for today?s youth to face the challenges of tomorrow.


Youth Crime Watch of Ghana is a new reality today because of the vision and persistence of Benjamin Kwame Tawiah and Inspector Augustine Arthur of the Ghana Police Service, public relations Directorate. Benjamin attended Youth Crime Watch of America?s Conference in 2003 and left with a burning desire to use the YCW model as a vehicle for the safety and development of Ghana's youth. Inspector Augustine Arthur, a police veteran and leader, embraced the concept and worked with Tawiah to educate the Ghana Police Service and other government decision-makers of Youth Crime Watch's promise.


The result of Tawiah?s hard work is evident as a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Ghana and Youth Crime Watch of America, thus creating the newest youth-led crime prevention/leadership program on the global family of Youth Crime Watch. The determination Tawiah led to better tomorrow for the youth of Ghana.


Benjamin Kwame Tawiah, who is also the Head of research of Vibe FM?s political desk and the producer of the stations morning show, organized the 1st ever International Conference on Alternatives to Violence and Anger Management in Ghana. Where all the security agencies, traditional chiefs, traditional elders, students, community leaders, opinion leaders, and youth groups across Ghana, attended. He was also actively involved in a promotional radio program to raise 10 million U.S. dollars, by Vibe FM, to raise funds for Ghana?s first Teaching Hospital. Currently, Benjamin Kwame Tawiah is working on a nationwide Youth Agricultural Camp Project with a goal of engaging Ghanaian youth in modernized farming.


Youth Crime Watch of America is an International organisation, which brings youth of all backgrounds together to identify and correct problems unique to their schools and communities. The YCW program empowers youth to take an active role in addressing the problems around them. Youth take ownership of their own YCW program for their school, neighborhood, public housing site, recreational center or park. Youth Crime Watch of America (YCWA) assists students in developing youth-led programs which can encompass up to nine key components that encourage ?watch out? activities such as crime reporting and ?help out? activities such as mentoring or mediation. And their goal is to:

1. To provide crime-free, drug-free environments through a youth-led movement.


2. To instill positive values, foster good citizenship and build self-confidence in our young people.


3. To enable youth to become resources for preventing crime, drug use and violence in their schools and neighborhoods.


Today Youth Crime Watch of America is bringing the Youth Crime Watch concept to young people all over the globe. Some of their international sites are in Brazil, Panama, Romania, Venezuela, Ghana and Nigeria. Benjamin Kwame Tawiah is serving on the Board of Youth Crime Watch of America, as the first African, to be appointed on the board.