Omanhene of Esikado Traditional Area, Nana Kwabena Nketsia V, says the indecisiveness and lack of recognition of Ghanaian culture by successive governments has stalled the country’s development over the years.

To him, the dream of independence fell on the rocks after the overthrow of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah in 1966, stressing that development has been on a snail pace ever since.

“We completely lost our identity as black people after that unfortunate military junta that overthrew Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. And ever since, the dream of independence collapsed, so we need to reconsider our way of thinking as a people,” the respected traditional ruler asserted.

Nana Nkestia expressed his frustrations at the launch of the Ghana Youth Awards, which was organized by the Ghana Youth Network, a non-governmental organization on Wednesday in Accra.

He is the life patron of the group, which was formed few years ago.

He, however, labeled present and previous leaders of the country as perennial under achievers, who sought political powers to enhance their personal livelihoods and not to improve upon the conditions of the general populace.

He intimated: “Politicians instead of serving the people have rather taken delight in enriching themselves and family members and as if that is not all, most of them turn round to sow seeds of acrimony among the people so they can get enough room to operate,” adding that the essence of governance have been relegated to the background.

According to him, the unbearable living conditions in the country have compelled lots of young women in the country to engage in prostitution to fend for themselves, insisting posterity would not forgive leaders of today, if proper foundations are not laid for the youth to ride on.

“… Because of the bad economy, we see beautiful young women selling their bodies for money just to earn a living. And we should ask ourselves who are the cause of this menace creeping in the social fiber of the nation? It is about time the passion for “Azonto” dance was translated to nation building,” Nana Nketsia advised.

The award ceremony is scheduled to take place later in the year to award 16 individual categories, three groups, and a long term commitment award to an organization that has supported youth development for five years in the country.