Ebenezer Nartey, Member of Parliament for Ablekuma Central has advised the youth to desist from drug abuse and instead invest their time and energy into productive ventures.

He said most youth had very remarkable talent when put to use could contribute to their general wellbeing and the nations' as a whole, however, most were influenced into bad practices which included substance abuse.

He said this at the Launch of the 2019 edition of the "Mata-keteke Art and Trade Festival" held in Accra to showcase talents, craftworks and local dishes of persons within the constituency and to create an avenue for trade and tourist activities.

Mr Nartey said he was impressed to see some persons within the neighbourhood display products in their stands, adding that such persons deserved support to expand their businesses.

"I must say I was impressed when I saw people I know in this Constituency display their own products such as bags made with kenkey husk, sandals made of beads and the display of Ghanaian beverages," he said.

He said people who had some forms of handicrafts must be encouraged and supported to produce more to grow their businesses and impact the economy.

He said he had embraced the idea of the festival and would engage all stakeholders within the community to make the main event a success.

Paa Kwasi Kwao, Chief Executive officer of Swaghaus Events, said he decided to organise such a festival within his neighbourhood to drum down the Ghanaian arts, culture and to serve as an avenue for persons to market and sell their products and foodstuff.

He said the festival would empower the youth and urge them to develop their capacity in their career choices.

He said the main event was slatted from December 21 to 28 and would bring on board various personalities who had impacted the art, trade and entertainment industry to celebrate this year's "Mata-keteke festival" in a grand style.

He expressed appreciation to MTN, Nana Takyi Bitters and all media partners for their support.