Abutia (V/R), Sept. 8, GNA - Mr Kofi Osei Ameyaw, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Diasporan Relations, said government was committed to involving the youth in national development. He said there was the need for authorities to treat the youth fairly and to make them part of the decision making process. Mr Ameyaw was speaking at the 10th anniversary celebration of the instillation of Togbega Kodzo Gidi V, Fiaga of Abutia Traditional Area, as chief at Abutia at the weekend. Mr Osei Ameyaw observed that the elderly in society have stifled the youth for far too long, undermining their capabilities. He appealed to kingmakers to select rightful heirs to stools and skins to avoid the numerous chieftaincy disputes plaguing the nation.

Mr John Dramani Mahama, who was also at the event, said there was the need to involve the youth in national development. He said the fact that Togbega Gidi was installed as a chief at the tender age of 20, and has been able to rule successfully, indicated that the youth could achieve success if assigned leadership roles in the country.

Mr Mahama said "I am always excited when I see enthusiastic youth on my campaign and I say to myself these are the future leaders whose youthful exuberance should be channel into productive use". Togbega Gidi appealed to political parties and their supporters to ensure that the 2008 Election was conducted freely, fairly and peacefully. The Abutia Traditional Council awarded 8 distinguished personalities from the area, including Ms Elizabeth Ohene, a Minister of State responsible for Tertiary Education.