The Senior Minister, Yaw Osafo Maafo, has cautioned the youth against fighting political proxy wars for politicians. He made mention of this at the Presidential Youth Dialogue, which was held to celebrate ‘International Youth Day’, organised by the National Youth Authority Ghana at the Castle Gardens, Osu.

Addressing the gathering, the Senior Minister said, “The youth should not allow themselves to be used in fighting political proxy wars, as well as politicians must also desist from using the youth in these acts”.

He also made mention of the fact that the government is focused on running an economy that will create employment for the youth.

According to the Minister, the government has laid down some initiatives such as infrastructure for poverty eradication programme, ‘One District, One Factory’ project, stimulus packages for ailing industries, government through the National Youth Authority to provide entrepreneur and skills programme, providing fund for start-ups for business and many others, which will help alleviate unemployment in the country.

Minister for Youth and Sports, Isaac Asiamah, who was present at the forum, revealed that the Youth Authority is well positioned to partner all institutions to confront challenges facing the youth in the country.

In addition, he stated that his government has allocated ¢70 million to the National Youth Authority to be used for youth development. Moreover, he encouraged the youth to be custodians of our rich cultural heritage.

Country representative for United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA), Erica Godson, addressing the gathering, said the youth play a key role in ensuring peace and stability in every country.

Investment in the youth will ensure Ghana reaches its potential. She also mentioned that the UNFPA remains committed in helping countries to develop the youth, who contribute to nation building and national development.

The National Youth Organiser for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Sammy Awuku, also added his voice to the call for politicians to desist from using the youth in fighting their proxy wars.

He also tasked his government to fight unemployment because these will curtail the criminal agenda by the youth. He also urged his government to move away from the paper talk and walk the talk.

“Government must quicken the way in providing employment for the youth. I am urging the youth of this country to take advantage of planting for food initiative,” he said.

The International Youth Day is commemorated on August 12 each year.