The out going minister for manpower, youth and employment, Hon. Abubakar Sadique Boniface has entreated Ghanaians, especially the youth on whose shoulders the mantle of leadership rest to note that the task of developing the nation does not solely rely on the government but rather every one has a completing role to play.
He stressed that ‘it is only when we have identified our individual and collective roles and have executed them consciously that the society can said to be progressive. According to him by the zeal and desire of the youth to assist government, Ghana as a nation will surely overcome her numerous woes. The sector minister disclosed this on 28th July 2007 during the annual congress of the Brong Ahafo Students Union (BASU) held at Wenchi under the theme ‘’.
Hom. Sadique reiterated that the bold decision by Basu to dwell much of its activities on quality education must be supported by all, especially educationists and other key players in the region. He said in this era of youth indiscipline across the globe where many nations are crying over licentious conducts of some youth, BASU should be commended for mapping up concrete strategies to enhance the progress of B/A and Ghana as a whole. The minister mentioned insecurity, morale break down and indiscipline as the major problems confronting the nation, adding that student bodies should not rest on their oars but to adopt a holistic approach to setbacks facing the nation.
Hon. Sadique emphasized that the splendid work being done by BASU in creating awareness on the need for an all hands on deck approach to educational related issues in the region and is a laudable idea that should be supported by all and sundry because formal education is the pinnacle tool for socio-economic development. According to him the union that began about 48 years ago with Prof. George Benneh, former Vice Chancellor of the university of Ghana as the first president had contributed immensely towards education in the region, adding that it had over the years produced imminent men and women who have served and are still serving in different capacities across the country and the globe.
He entreated the new leadership of the union to strife to maintain the standard set to further champion the vision of the pioneers. He noted that since the vision of BASU is in line with government’s commitment at enhancing quality education for improvement of the manpower base, especially of the youth for a sustainable national development key figures in the region must deem it fit and support the activities of BASU.
Mrs. Adwoa Yeboah , editor in charge of the New Times corporation expressed deep regret over the falling standard of education in B/A. analytically she revealed that currently there are 27% school drop out in the region, 45% untrained teachers , and 57 % of literacy rate. This she continued should be addressed with all seriousness before it gets out of hand. She advised BASU to help reverse the poor academic trend in the region because the effort of the central government alone would not be enough at all. Mrs. Yeboah took the opportunity to appealed to traditional leaders in the region to shun chieftaincy disputes and unite under one umbrella since such attitude retard development.
On her part the Brong Ahafo regional education director, Mrs. Akua Debrah spoke vehemently against indecent dressing among students as well as inferiority complex. The two she said are militating tools against academic progress.
The out going president of BASU, Mr. Anane Adjei observed that time has come for the affluent, corporate bodies, organized groups and educational related NGOs operating in the region to support the union. He said as a result of financial constraints, the executives were compelled to cancel most of their educational programmes.
Present at the colouful occasion include the District Chief Executive, Wenchi, Hon. Farizana Bintu, NPP Member of Parliament (MP) for Tain constituency, Hon. Joe Dankwah, traditional leaders and other statesmen.
