Accra, March 6, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills on Saturday announced that the "Better Ghana agenda" promised by his administration would revolve around the youth to move the country to higher heights. "We are committed to investing in the youth in order to build the critical mass that will not only sustain the development agenda, but more importantly, move it to higher heights."

President Mills who announced these when he addressed the 53rd anniversary celebration of Ghana's independence in Accra, added "Today is a day for the youth and you must be proud of what you have achieved as regards your invaluable contribution to celebrating such a momentous occasion." The programme which lasted for about one and half hours was also attended by John Dramani Mahama, Vice President, former President John Agyekum Kufuor, former Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, Ministers of State, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, the security agencies, teachers and students.

President Mills called on the youth to embrace all the facets of education, as it was the main key that could unlock their future potentials. "Be it in the area of medicine, law, engineering, or entrepreneurship, education is the key that will unlock your potential and equip you with the capacity to take control of your destiny."

To succeed in their educational endeavours, however, the President appealed to teachers and parents to inspire the children and focus on their education by encouraging them to take up responsibilities that would determine their adult performance.

"Government has the responsibility to set high educational standards by supporting teachers to give of their best, as well as providing the right atmosphere for teaching and learning."

President Mills warned the youth against taking shortcuts in their life endeavours, as that could ruin their future progress. "There will be hurdles you have to jump over; there will be challenges; there will be extremely tough times; but do not be quitters. Winners are not quitters and quitters are not winners." He urged the youth to uphold virtue, morality and honesty in order to become great men and women and encourage the government to give meaning to the modern educational system that would create opportunities for all in the country. He promised to continue hosting well-behaved pupils and students to drum home the fact that virtue was a trait that should be placed on a high pedestal in the country.