The National Youth Authority (NYA) in the Western Region has organized an orientation for the regional youth parliament.

The day’s programme was to equip the participants with the needed skills and knowledge on parliamentary proceedings and other legislative instruments.

It was on the theme: "Enhancing youth participation in democratic processes".

The attendees were drawn from 23 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assembly's (MMDA).

At the opening ceremony, the Acting Western Regional Director of National Youth Authority, Mr Anthony Baah, said the youth parliament project was initiated by the NYA to create platforms through which the youth could contribute to debate at the district, regional and national levels on decisions that affected the youth.

According to the 2010 National Youth policy, the youth is defined as those between the ages of 15-35 years, he mentioned.

Mr Baah said these age groups were the engine of national development as well as the hope and aspirations for the future of the country.

He, urged the participants to cooperate with the resource persons to ensure the success of the programme.

Mr Gilbert Kennedy Asmah, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), for Tarkwa Nsueam reminded the youth that as agents of change in their communities, they should help in the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of government policies and programmes.

He implored the youth to serve as mediators between the government and the youth on issues of development.

Mr Asmah advised them to eschew all forms of social vices such a drug abuse, prostitution and unwarranted demonstrations that have adverse effects on the growth of the economy.

Mr Mumuni Sulemana, the Director in-charge of programmes and operations at the NYEP Headquarters, indicated that the youth parliament was an advocacy platform to bring change to the society, but not a witch hunting platform.

"Young people would be given all the support to be able to engage who ever that matters in a particular sector to understand and provide information for them to also make available for the numerous voiceless of young people that they may be representing in the house" He added.

The Divisional Chief of Prestea-Himan, Nana Nteboah Prah IV advised the youth to be law abiding and be good citizens as they are the future leaders.