The Deputy Central Regional Minister, Mr. Aquinas Tawiah Quansah, has appealed to the youth to take advantage of skill training programmes, initiated by government, to develop their talents.

He stressed that government considering the private sector as the engine of growth, had introduced interventions to help the youth to acquire skills to enable them to contribute meaningfully to national development.

Mr. Quansah, who was addressing the youth at Mankessim, mentioned the National Youth Employment Programme, Local Enterprise and Skills Development, Youth Empowerment and Skills Development, Azontaba Cottage Industry and Youth in Agriculture as some of government interventions.

He advised the youth to stop migrating to the cities for non-existent jobs, but to remain in their communities and take part in the programmes.

Mr. Quansah, who is also Member of Parliament for Mfantseman West said Election 2012 would be a test case for democracy in Ghana.

He appealed to the youth to ensure free, fair, and violent-free elections, and not to regard the polls as “do or die” affair.

Mr. Quansah said: “Do not allow any politician to engage you to indulge in any violent activity before, during and after the polls.”**