NYC commends youth for roles in Election 2008

Sekondi, Jan. 13, GNA - Mr Emmanuel Papa Assan, Western Regional Coordinator of National Youth Council (NYC) has commended Ghanaian youth for the active and immense roles they played during Election 2008. He said the youth acted as polling agents, returning and presiding officers, drivers, foot soldiers and helped in making the entire electoral process simple, credible and safe. Mr Assan speaking to Ghana News Agency at Sekondi on Tuesday said the active involvement of the youth including several women was commendable and urged others who refused to support in the country's democratic processes to avail themselves and take advantage of such opportunities in future.

He said such opportunities served as a training ground for the youth who in future would assume leadership positions in the country. However, Mr Assan said it was sad that though many of the youths willingly and sincerely volunteered to work for the success of the elections, many others also engaged in acts of violence, vandalism and intimidated other people they perceived as political opponents. "Such acts must be condemned by all peace loving citizens since it creates enmity, suspicion and a sign of amateurish behaviour," he added. He said such acts, had the potential of tarnishing the image of the youth who did not participate in those acts of intimidation and violence.

Mr Assan therefore appealed to the elderly in society to assist the youth develop their potentials and not use them to create confusion and strife in their communities. He appealed to members of National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP), not to rest on their oars but endeavour to work hard to justify the confidence society had reposed in them.