Need to equip the youth to face challenges in society - Naa Odame

Accra, Aug. 10, GNA - Naa Dede Odame I, Atukpai Manye (Queenmother), on Saturday, stressed the need to equip the youth with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to face social and economic challenges. These challenges, she said, included reduction in maternal and child mortality, avoidance of infectious diseases, improvement of the environment and sanitation. Naa Odame made the call during her out-dooring in Accra. Known in private life as Madam Abigail Ayorkor Addo-Quaye, Naa Odame 54, is a Senior Editor and Head of Foreign Desk at Ghana News Agency (GNA)

Atukpai is a prominent quarter within the Gbese Division of Ga Traditional Area and the Atukpai Stool is the permanent Mankralo Stool within the Gbese Divisional Area.

She said her priority would be education as a key factor in the development of Atukpai and Ga Mashie.

Naa Dede Odame said every child, particularly girls, should have the full benefit of education without which it would be difficult to function efficiently and effectively in the 21st century. She appealed to stakeholders in the socio-economic development of the Ga State to realise the huge potential of Accra as a tourist attraction and assist to complement government's efforts to clean the beaches and immediate environment. Naa Dede Odame pledged her commitment to assist the work of Old Accra Conservation and Development Association (OACADA) and UNESCO as well as other institutions and organisations that seek to restore and renew Old Accra. She called on the people of Atukpai to remain united in their pursuit of development and peace and to continue to be an example to Ga State and the country.

"Your presence at the function assures me of your love and support without which I would not be able to achieve the objectives set for the progress of the people. I would continue to count on you as partners in the years ahead," she said. Nii Tetteh Tsuru II, Atukpai Mantse and Gbese Mankralo, pledged to utilise the knowledge, wisdom and experience of Naa Odame to accelerate socio-economic development in the area. He appealed to her to be steadfast in deliberations at the traditional council meetings for progress and development. Nii Tsuru appealed to the Electoral Commission to extend the period for the limited registration exercise to ensure that the milling crowds at the workstations could register. 10 Aug. 08