Akuapem Presbytery urges Government to address incidence of lawlessness

Koforidua, Jan. 6, GNA - The Akuapem Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), has recommended to Government to take critical look at the growing incidence of lawlessness and violent behaviours by a section of the populace, especially the youth. "With the activities of these youth groups, the security of the nati= on is threatened as they close offices across the country and order employees out, demanding to be employed and forcibly taking over strategic installations=85"

These were contained in a four-point Communiqu=E9 presented to the out-going Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, at the end of the 83rd Presbytery Conference held in Koforidua on Thursday. It mentioned some of the violent acts by the youth such as harassment of District Chief Executives and government officials, apparently in reaction to their economic circumstances, adding that Government must empower the security agencies to deal accordingly with such groups. It suggested to Government to consider the possibility of further expanding the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP), to create more jobs for the youth.

The Communiqu=E9 commended the Government on its determination to establish the Youth in Agriculture Programme and cautioned it to take lessons from the erstwhile workers brigade and ensure that the youth, who would be engaged in the programme, were not used for politics. The Communiqu=E9, signed by the Presbytery Chairman, Dr JOY Mante, included recommendations on Education, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), security and other developmental issues.

On the NHIS, it drew the attention of Government to the fact that ther= e were serious problems confronting the Scheme, which appeared to be affectin= g its effectiveness indicating that reports from many districts showed that service providers were indebted. It, therefore, appealed to Government to step up measures being put in place for enhancement of operations of the NHIS, for the benefit of the people. The Presbytery in the Communiqu=E9 also called on Government to comple= te the construction of the deplorable state of the Aburi-Nsawam road to reduce traveling time on that road and to help to improve economic activities in the area.