Accra, June 16, GNA- The Ghanaian youth were on Saturday urged to develop a high sense of nationalism and patriotism to spearhead the development of the country.

They are to champion the course of nationalism in light of the declining spirit of patriotism, selflessness, hard work and dedication to service.

Ms. Joyce Aryee, Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Chamber of Mines, made the appeal during the Greater Accra Regional Council of the Boys Brigade, Ghana, 25th annual regional delegate conference in Accra. The Conference was to give the council the opportunity to review their 10 years of service, restructure their plans for the best results. Speaking under the theme: "Moving forward- The youth as champions of Nationalism" , Ms. Aryee, in a speech read on her behalf said although there is too little sense of nationalistic pride among Ghanaians today, nationalism had a very strong influence on the people in the struggle for independence.

She said great sons of Ghana suffered a great deal during the colonial regime but at the end of the turbulent times their sacrifices paid off.

She noted that the promotion of unity, integrity and patriotism among the youth were areas that needed serious attention because of their crucial importance to the survival of the country's heritage. Ms. Aryee said, the beauty of our diversity as a people in terms of ethnicity; political persuasion or religious affiliation would be meaningless if they allowed it to degenerate into tribalism, political intolerance and religious conflict.

"If we could call ourselves Ghanaians and be proud of whom we are, our diversities will rather be used to enhance the overall development of the nation," she added.

She said, it was unfortunate that after several years of independence and in spite of all that the country had done for Ghanaians they fail to share the conviction that this is the only country they have and must cherish and uphold.

" Patriotism to one's country goes beyond singing the national anthem or supporting the national football team but requires the love that drives one into acquiring and applying values and ethics that leads to high productivity, civic responsibility and national preservation. Patriotism also calls for sacrifice at all times..." she said. Ms. Aryee advised the youth, as champions of nationalism, to talk and walk in integrity and follow the highest standards of personal honesty saying, "When we are confronted with temptation to compromise or shade the truth, we must turn our backs on it and do what is right for mother Ghana".

She challenged every Ghanaian not to chicken out at the least crises but with fortitude and determination, take up challenges squarely.

She therefore urged all parents, teachers, guardians, religious bodies and the Boy's Brigade to inculcate a high sense of patriotism into the hearts and minds of future generations. The Regional Chairman of the Boys' Brigade, Kodwo Dadze Inkoom said it was imperative to observe that parenting was being compromised and as a result streetism and peer pressure had taken the better part of the youth

He noted that the country could achieve the economic height envisaged only if the empowerment of the youth was given the needed attention. He said organizations that are concerned with the development of the youth needed support and motivation to catch the energy and enthusiasm of the youth and to channel it purposefully. Mr. Inkoom called on all government institutions involved in the welfare of the youth to collaborate with identifiable youth movements to restore hope and to empower the youth who are the greatest assets of the nation.