Scouts gather in Accra

Accra, Nov.5, GNA- Mrs. Mary Chinery-Hesse, Chief Advisor to the President on Monday asked members of the scout and guide fellowship to develop closer network with counterparts across the globe to promote the ideas and principles of the movement.

"In this technologically advanced world, it is imperative that we all develop alongside closer network, linkages with each other, share information, ideas and experiences for the holistic development of the scouts and Guides movement".

Mrs. Chinery-Hesse said this at the 2nd International Scout and Guides Fellowship (ISGF) Africa Gathering on the theme: 'Developing closer Links Between ISGF, the Scouts and Guides Associations'.

She noted that the world had become a global village and called for dynamism on the part of the members towards service to humanity. The first Africa gathering took place in Uganda in 2004. This years gathering brought over hundred participants from Togo, United Kingdom, France, Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Italy Benin among other countries to deliberate on ways of making the movement more relevant to the needs of modern society.

Mrs Chinery-Hesse called on the older members of the movement to share experiences with the younger generation adding, " I charge you with the responsibility as adults to imbibe in the youth, the values, ideas and the principles of the movement to enhance their competence and self-esteem".

Mrs Chinery-Hesse, who is also the Chief Patron of the ISGF Ghana, called for hard work by members to make the associations visible among Ghanaians and added that they should take interest in national issues, especially those concerning the growth and development of the youth. Ms. Martine Levy, Chairman, World Committee, ISGF said the gathering was to lay the foundation of a network which would grow gradually and lead to the development of ISGF in Africa.

" The members of the world committee have decided some years ago to work for the development of the movement in Africa". Ms. Levy said Africa had only 1600 members in seven National Scout and Guide Fellowships and eleven central branches adding that this called for more work to increase membership.

Ms. Rose Carol Mortagbe said as an association, it trains members to exhibit the highest form of enthusiasm towards community service. Commissioner Edward Mettle-Nunoo, Chairman, ISGF Ghana said through the activities of the movement, it had helped to promote world peace and development.