Cape Coast July 18, GNA - The Central Regional Minister, Mr Isaac Edumadze, on Saturday expressed concern about the way some opinion leaders in communities hide behind the youth to indulge in indiscipline acts.

He said, it was worrying that at the slightest provocation or misunderstanding some students and youth take the law into their hands and destroy property and attack peace officers.

Mr Edumadze expressed the concern in a speech read for him at the Central regional branch of the United Nations Association Ghana (UNA-GH) congress in Cape Coast under the theme, "developing the rule of Law". He said it was unfortunate for the youth to allow themselves, to be used for such evil agenda without analysing the facts involved and the consequences of such actions.

UNA-GH, which was formed in 1952 is a voluntary non-governmental organisation designed to actively disseminate information about the aims and objectives of the United Nations as well as undertaking projects for the care of the needy.

The Congress that coincided with the election of new executives was to take stock of their activities and to adopt plans to enhance the work of the Association.

Mr Edumadze underscored the important role the Association in the development process as well as maintaining peace particularly in the Northern Region.

He said in spite of efforts by the UN peace and security still remain a thorny issue in some parts of the world including West Africa, stressing that peace and security could never be ensured in any society if the principle of good governance and rule of law did not exist.

Mr Edumadze pointed out that there could never be good and democratic governance in any state if the people did not conform to the ideals and principles of democracy and the rule of law.

He said the UN currently faces the challenge of developing good governance and rule of law worldwide and stressed that it was the responsibility of all to ensure that the rule of law prevailed in the world.

The minister reiterated the government's commitment to the rule of law and democratic governance, adding, "our government has pledged itself to rule according to the tenets of the constitution and other laws of the land, the clarion call is that all citizens must respect the laws and conform to them".

Mr Edumadze said in this year being an election year a lot of indiscipline was going to be recorded and called on members of UNA-Gh to start "blowing the trumpet of peace, stability and adherence to the rule of law".

They should consider themselves as Apostles for the campaign against indiscipline and the adherence to rule of law.

Mr Muniru Arafat Nuhu, Municipal Chief Executive, said to ensure peace and development there was the need for justice and tasked the congress to combine justice with peace to ensure development in the country.

He urged them to endeavour to extend their activities to other parts of the country and to ensure that they achieved the aims and objectives of the Association.

Mr Emmanuel Amuasekyi-Amoa, Secretary General of UNA-GH, urged the members to take the work of the association seriously by maintaining the objective of the UN to ensure peace.

A nine-member Regional Executive was elected for a two-year term. Mr James Alfred Kwesi Dougan, a 70 year-old former MP in the first Republic was elected President, Mrs Gladys Amoah, a teacher as Assistant President, with Mr Kwamina Dadzie-Dennis as secretary, Mrs Cynthia Jemima Shitta, financial secretary, Evangelist Peter Sackey as organiser and Ms Joyce Thompson, women's organisers were all elected unopposed.

Mrs Dinah Sam was however elected treasurer when she beat Ms Felicia Opoku-Mensah while Mr Arise Amenakalor-Zoiku also became the project coordinator when he beat Mr Frank Mensah Mr Dougan thanked the members for the confidence reposed in them and pledged that they would live up to expectation and called for their support and cooperation.

Mr Amuaskyei-Amoa also thanked the member for conducting the election in a peaceful manner and asked them to give the executives the needed support since the political, traditional and civil society were all looking up to them to perform efficiently He also advised them to do away with backbiting and vices that would put the name of the Association in disrepute.