Kumasi, April 08, GNA - Mr Ampofo Twumasi, the Deputy Minister of Education and Sports, has expressed concern about the spate of examination malpractices, drug abuse, rioting and hooliganism among the youth in the country.

He has therefore advised the youth especially those in educational institutions to direct their energies towards progressive ventures that could benefit the nation and themselves in future. Mr Twumasi gave the advice at the launch of a 112-page book entitled "Perfecting the sentiments of the youth today" in Kumasi on Friday.

The book, written by Master Jonathan Osei Owusu, a 20-year-old former student of the Adisadel College, Cape Coast, aims at creating awareness about the dangers of indiscipline, HIV/AIDS and how to find solutions to the menace.

He noted that indiscipline and HIV/AIDS have been the challenges, which have eaten into the fabric of society especially among the youth. Mr Twumasi therefore appealed to school authorities, boards, Parent/Teacher Associations and past students' associations to support the Ministry of Education to tackle these problems.

The Deputy Minister suggested that activities such as sports, writing and reading clubs, tourism and debating clubs that would help direct the energies of the youth towards productive and gainful future should be encouraged and supported by all.

He commended the efforts of the author, Master Owusu, for the good work done and expressed the hope that the book would help to change the attitude of the youth.

Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Ashanti Regional Minister in a speech read for him, noted that indiscipline among the youth was a major social canker that should be checked.

Master Owusu stressed the need for the government to come out with comprehensive youth policy to guide and protect the youth. Mr S.K. Obeng, a former director-General of the Ghana Education Service, called on individuals, churches and organisations to support authors.