Use regional transfers to facilitate integration - MP

Mankessim C/R), April 12, GNA - The Member of Parliament for the Mfantseman East, Mr George Kuntu Blankson, has urged the government to use regional transfer of workers to facilitate social integration to foster unity.

Mr Blankson said the regional transfers could help to erase misconceptions some people have about others living in outside their communities.

Speaking at the Fourth Mfantseman Youth Achievers' Day at Mankessim, the MP intimated that such transfers could also promote inter-tribal marriages and reduce inter-tribal conflicts. "If a Fante man marries a Dagomba woman, he would be compelled to learn and appreciate the culture of the Dagombas and would be in the position to defend them anytime the need arises," he pointed out. Mr Blankson called on the Media Commission to impress upon media houses to reduce advertisements on alcoholic drinks. The adverts, he said, were corrupting our youth and destroying the nation's labour force.

Mr Blankson, who is the Deputy Majority Chief Whip, also condemned the attitude of Ghanaians who study abroad on government scholarships but refuse to use the knowledge acquired to serve the nation. "No foreigner can develop the nation better than Ghanaians, he stated. Mr Henry Kweku Hayfron, Mfantseman Municipal Chief Executive, expressed concern about politicians who use alcoholic drinks as bait for the votes of the youth.

Instead of providing them with food or something valuable, these politicians provide the youth with drinks anytime they meet them, he said. He advised the youth to strive for excellence but cautioned them against over ambition, which he described as the cause of the downfall of many people.

The Mfantseman Youth Achievers' Award was instituted by the FED Kastle Award Foundation, an NGO-based in Saltpond, in 2007, following a national award conferred on its Executive Director, Mr Francis Ejaku Donkoh in 2006.