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The effort by the Kufuor administration to create jobs for the youth is laudable.Nevertheless; time is overdue for it to be given a realistic meaning. The National Youth Employment programme should be implemented as envisioned within the shortest lapse of time and the youth provided with the requisite support in terms of training and funding.
I am reasonably aware that over 120 active FM stations currently operate within the political boundaries of Ghana. I can count as much as 21 very active FM stations in Kumasi. There are many newspapers and magazines on the market today which is indicative of a booming media industry and also a greater respect of people’s rights.
Ghanaians should endeavor to make use of the opportunities offered them by both the print and electronic media to champion the cause of the Millennium Development Goals. It is the responsibility of the people to hold the government responsible for the realization of the MDGs and the media provides them with the best opportunity to do so. Newspaper editors and journalists as well as news presenters should be at the forefront of creating awareness on the eight goals.
It is not by chance that the freedom enjoyed by many Ghanaians today exists. Many could still bear me witness to the painful history we encountered or in other words, wrote for ourselves. In the 80s it was considered a taboo to openly criticize the then military government.
It is in this light that the freedom prevailing in Ghana currently should not be abused in any way but rather utilized to push for the realization of the millennium development goals. The mirror of society is the media. The media, both print and electronic should open opportunities for individuals to freely express their thoughts and opinions on issues they think affect them, no matter how appealing or divergent they may be.
Civil society organizations cannot be left out in the fight for the attainment of the millennium development goals. At their offices, seminars and conferences, room must be created to advance news on the millennium development goals. They could also serve as pressure groups on government so as to put and keep her on track in achieving the said goals.
Non-governmental organizations are historically, global partners in development. They compliment and supplement efforts by government in addressing issues of affordable and accessible, quality education, protection of human rights, sustainable livelihoods, and women empowerment. Non-governmental organizations are able to commit people and resources to areas professionals may never try to venture on their own. NGOs employ the services of volunteers who though their works bring about meaningful development.NGOs must measure on a daily basis the progress of their activities sacrosanct with the eight millennium development goals.
Students in higher institutions of learning are indispensable tools in development, particularly in the attainment of the MDGs. I am reminded of a statement by a Swiss Student leader that “When students decide to act, things happen!”. Over the years, students have fearlessly advocated for the respect for human rights and the restoration of democratic rule even when the masses silently suffered under the heavy arms of oppressive regimes. South African Students, for instance, sparked a revolution that led to the annihilation of apartheid and the restoration of democracy in their country. Ghanaians students vigorously advocated for the establishment of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFUND) whose results are evident for all to see today.
It is in the same vein that I believe so much in the potential of the youth, tertiary students especially; to play active roles to fulfill the MDGs. They can lead campaigns and organize awareness fora and workshops. The greatest responsibility students have to discharge is to learn assiduously, however. The successful education of students and their eventual integration into the Ghanaian economy whether or not it be in the public or private sector is the safest and most excellent way to achieve the millennium development goals. After all, the greatest asset any nation can have is its people- people who are endowed with skills, knowledge and information. Student leaders can mobilize their students to undertake community development programmes such as health education, teaching, environmental protection and address other peculiar development needs of the various individually unique communities. A good example is the Rural Service Programme (RSP) organized by the Local NUGS secretariat of KNUST in the Offinso district in 2005.
Traditionally, our chiefs are the custodians of the history and culture of their people. Traditional authorities wield a lot of influence in their respective communities and as such are agents for local and national development. The community spirit of volunteerism that existed among Ghanaians under the direction of their traditional authorities must be revisited and resuscitated in pursuit of the achievement of the MDGs. Education must remain topmost on the list of all Chiefs since it is the best way out of the chronic poverty that has stifled the development of their own communities.
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DAKE KOFI SELORM
SELORM KOFI DAKE is a university graduate from KNUST, KUMASI -Ghana.He was the Deputy SRC General Secretary and Treasurer of KNUST.
Currently, he serves with the All Africa Students Union (AASU) AS the National Liaison Officer for Ghana.
Selorm is a staunch youth activist and advocate.
He is a poet, author and philosopher.
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