Accra, 29 Nov., GNA - Professor Atukwei Okine, Secretary-General of the Pan African Writers Association, has asked African youth to consider themselves as agents of change and join the socio-economic and political emancipation of the continent.

He said their role in the development of their countries and Africa, started by great leaders like Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first President, could not be overemphasised.

Prof. Okine, also a renowned Ghanaian poet, made the call at the launch of the Ghana Chapter of Speak Africa, a youth focused Pan African multi-media, communication initiative, on the theme: "Productive Youth for Stability and Economic Development", in Accra on Saturday. The event was sponsored by Ghana Media Advocacy Programme and Curious Minds Youth Group, non-governmental organisations, operating in Ghana, and UNICEF.

Prof Okine said Dr Nkrumah was committed to providing a voice for the youth through effective platforms like "the Young Pioneers," which encouraged young Ghanaians to engage in the unification and development of their country and Africa. Miss Selome Araya, Representative of Speak Africa Secretariat in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, said that the communicative initiative, created an opportunity for young Africans to discuss issues affecting them, their countries and the continent.

She said that there was the need for Africa to harness the potentials of the youth, who formed 60 per cent of the continent's population and 45 per cent of its work force that was under 25 years of age, for development. Miss Araya said that apart from the Ghana Chapter, Speak Africa has launched branches in Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria. She advised the youth of Ghana to take advantage of the communication platform and contribute to their development and that of their country and Africa.

Speak Africa, is designed to empower "young voices" with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and experiences through the radio, Television, news papers and other media outlets.