Former Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for Karaga, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, has implored the youth of the five northern regions to protect the identities of oneness and dignity that have characterized the various ethnic groups in the regions of the north.
Speaking at a handing over and fundraising event of the Gonjaland Youth Association in Accra, Dr Amin Adam intimated that societal norms and values of respect and dignity are the most fundamental elements of the people of northern extraction and urged the youth to build upon those values.
“Our kings, the Yagbonwura, the Ya-Na, the Nayiri and all other chiefs in the regions have lived peacefully with each other with respect and that’s why today we are seen as northerners by Ghanaians and not as Gonjas or Dagombas.
“That’s why President Mahama is seen as a northerner and not a Gonja and so we must continue to protect the unity and identity of oneness,“ the former Minister stated.
On youth empowerment, Dr Amin Adam urged politicians in the north to take deliberate actions that will have an impact on the development of the youth.
“I want to encourage us that we have an opportunity to work together to make the north move from the labour reserve tag to the skills reserved,“ he noted.
Energy and Green Transition Minister, John Abdulai Jinapor, on his part appealed to the people of Gonjaland, to pray for President Mahama and his appointees to succeed.
He mentioned that the Mahama led government is working assiduously to deal with the power challenges facing the country.
“There are challenges but I think we have kept the lights on and will continue to keep it on,” he said.
President of the Gonjaland Youth Association, Alhassan Darrison, expressed worry over the youth unemployment rate in the north, especially in the Savannah region.
“Youth unemployment in the Savannah region stands at 38 per cent and the highest in the country. Literacy rate in the region is also the lowest in the country with over 32 per cent which is very bad.
“Savannah region is also the poorest region with about 49 per cent of its population living in multi-dimensional poverty and I wish to implore the people of the region to take advantage of government programmes and policies, especially on education and agriculture, to change the narrative,” he advised.
About Gonjaland Youth Association
The Gonjaland Youth Association is the umbrella body of the youth in Gonjaland and undoubtedly the most vibrant in the country.
It was formed in 1976 and duly registered under the laws of Ghana with the aim of promoting and maintaining the personal, social, political and general welfare of all members.
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