Book on youth launched

Professor Kwesi Yankah, Dean of the Bachelor of Arts Department of the University of Ghana, Legon, on Thursday night called on the youth of Dagbon to spearhead the initiative for peace in the Yendi chieftaincy conflict.

He said there was a global acknowledgement of the immense potential of the youth as future leaders hence the need for them to take a centre stage in the quest for lasting peace in Dagbon.

Prof. Yankah was a member of the Wuaku Commission that investigated last March's chieftaincy conflict that led to the death of Ya-na Yakubu Andani II, the Paramount Chief Dagbon of the Traditional Area.

Prof. Yankah was speaking in Accra when he chaired a ceremony to launch "The Way Of Youth", a 189-page book written by Dr Daisaku Ikeda, President of Soka Gakkai International (SGI), a Japanese-based Buddhist Organisation devoted to the promotion of global peace, culture and education.

He said issues concerning the youth were part of every process of development and expressed dissatisfaction that some of them as young as 14 have been captured by the media engaging in violent crimes with some leading to loss of lives.

Prof. Yankah said the book, which deals with youth-related issues like family, friendship and learning is good for both adults and the youth. He described Dr Ikeda as "a scholar, philosopher, humanist and a very good friend of Africa who built bridges between Japan, Africa and Ghana".

Dr Vladimir Antwi-Danso, Dean of Students Affairs at the University of Ghana, who launched the book praised the author for the simplicity of language in promoting progress, peace and love and appealed to the Ministry of Education to introduce it to the educational curriculum.

He said the book that covered all aspects of life was not given a religious tinge "and I think it is a must read book", attracting cheers from the crowd comprising Buddhists, politicians, chiefs and journalists.

Mr Bobson Godono, General Director of SGI, said "The Way Of Youth is an outstanding guide, a beacon of hope not only for the youth but humanity as whole". He explained this with a quotation from the book that reads "Life is ultimately a battle with oneself and nothing is more sad than to be defeated. Even after a major defeat, it is vital to begin striving again with that experience as the foundation. How noble are the goals that young people cherish"?

Prof. George Hagan, Chairman of the National Commission on Culture, called on Ghanaians to use the ceremony to create a society where the love of book reading would be encouraged.

In a speech read on his behalf, he also called for a cross-cultural understanding and building of international bridges of peace.

Dr Ikeda whose address was read by Nana Kofi Kodia II, a traditional ruler, said the book was written out of his concern for young people in shaping the new century. He pledged to redouble his efforts in advancing the goodwill and friendship between the people of Ghana and Japan.