Don't over rely on the oil sector - Dr Nkrumah cautioned

Abura Ahanta (W/R), Jan. 23, GNA - Dr Sekou Nkrumah, National Coordinator of the National Youth Council (NYC), has cautioned government not to overly rely on the oil sector to the detriment of other sectors. He said it would be suicidal for government, if it does that. Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency at Abura Ahanta near Agona Nkwanta on Wednesday, Dr Nkrumah said the oil sector is a crucial and delicate area, which called for greater but carful efforts to harness its potential for the economic transformation of the country. He said Ghana's economy is agricultural-based and as such conscious effort must be made to sustain the sector by attracting more young people into it.

Through incentives such as modern irrigation facilities, agricultural implements and equipment, Dr Nkrumah believed, the youth would be attracted into the sector.

"Do not force the youth into agriculture but rather persuade them with lucrative incentives and exposure to make them see and value the benefits associated with the sector," he stressed.

Dr Nkrumah said the lack of opportunities for the youth was a contributory factor to why most young people today found themselves engaging in crimes, drugs, stowaways, frauds and other negative practices. He said it was a shame that in spite of the several undeveloped lands, the agriculture sector was still unable to feed the nation and create the needed employment opportunities. 23 Jan 10