Sunyani (B/A) Oct. 21 (Tachie Menson) GNA - Mr. Kwadwo Nyamekye Marfo, Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, has stated that in spite of the numerous successes that the region had chalked during its 50 years in existence, it still faced challenges in the delivery of education, environmental sanitation and housing for the people.

He therefore threw a challenge to the youth to be nationalistic and patriotic and to avoid engaging in social vices such as the use of harmful drugs and indulgence in sexual promiscuity, which would impede the development of the region and hamper efforts at addressing the challenges head on.

The regional minister was speaking at the residency in Sunyani when he feted about 500 first, second cycle as well as tertiary students from various parts of the region.

The purpose and significance of the reception was to expose the school children and students to the operations of the regional coordinating council as it celebrates the 50th of existence.

Mr. Nyamekye Marfo said the quest by the founding fathers of the region to secure independence from the Ashanti protectorate was borne out of resilience and determination and urged the youth to strive, fight and defend the region at all times.

Recounting the major successes achieved by the region during the past 50 years, he stressed that before the creation of the region in April 3, 1959, road networks were in deplorable state and there was only one senior high school, at Dormaa, in the region.

"Now, however, there are 216 km asphalt and 745 km bitumen surfaced roads in the region, the regional minister said, adding, today the region can boast of an ultra-modern hospital as well as an extension of electricity to the district capitals to the northern sector of Ghana, something that was non-existent".

The regional minister expressed deep concern about the adoption of foreign culture to the neglect of traditional norms and cultural values among the youth and called for stringent measures to steer the youth away from such a dangerous trend.

He underscored the important role teachers and parents play in bringing up children and asked parents to complement efforts of teachers by supplying them with their needs and endeavour to punish them when they go wrong as "sparing the rod means spoiling the child".

Mr. Marfo pledged his administration's support and commitment towards the development and upbringing of the children.

Representatives of the school children gave poetic recitals on the lives and works of founding fathers, as well as the life and history of the region.

Students of Berekum College of Education performed choreography to the admiration of all present at the function. 22 Oct. 09