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Youth urged to change perception
on Africa
Accra, Nov. 16, Ghanadot/GNA - The
British Council on Friday organised a Youth Forum in Accra
with a call on the youth to dismiss the perception that
living and working in Ghana or Africa was unrewarding and
that they would only succeed when they travelled to
developed economies.
The forum, which was on the theme; "National Identity within
the Global Community" was part of the Africa 2007 Project
organised by the Council to join the Ghana@50 celebrations
and the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slave trade.
Mr. Sylvester Phish, a student, said Africa's
underdevelopment was not due to its location, but was a
result of the way Africans approached problems and the
people’s mental disposition.
He mentioned lack of initiatives, absence of individual
goals, poor time and financial management as well as
ingrained traditional perceptions that stifled inventions as
hindrance to the continent's development.
Mr. Phish said there was therefore the need to be
disciplined, focused and commitment to hard work, adding
"cultivating the habit of savings and doing away with
spending that do not yield any profitable returns were also
useful to eradicate poverty and attain financial
independence".
Ms Juliet Amoah, Africa 2007 Project Manager, explained that
the Project had three events - "Belongings", "Footprints"
and "Bring the noise" aimed at engaging the youth in Africa
and the United Kingdom in exploring their cultural
identities, generate ideas and create relationships.
She said the Council in August sponsored 10 young people to
the UK for an exchange programme and it was also undertaking
historical research on common heritage and family background
across Africa.
Ms. Amoah said the forum was therefore held for
beneficiaries of the exchange programme to share their UK
experience with their colleagues.
Mr. Columbus K. Bruce, President for Commonwealth Society,
also advised the youth to widen their scope, since they
could only succeed through effective management of
opportunities around them.
GNA
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