Accra, June 28, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills on Tuesday left Accra for Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, to attend the 17th Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU).

Mr Koku Anyidoho, Head of Communications at the Office of the President told journalists that President Mills was of the conviction that the youth should be given the platform to serve the nation with their skills since the future belonged to them.

"Remember that President Mills, as a Professor, spent 25 years mentoring the youth; it is his DNA to help people to climb up. So, it is nothing new to him to attend to the youth and to have space for them in the governance process," he said.

Mr Anyidoho said President Mills would impress upon his fellow African leaders to create space for the youth in the governance process.

He would also brief his colleagues on the extent to which his administration was empowering the youth to take up leadership positions to fulfill the Better Ghana programme.

He said the President remained focused on his development programme. Mr Anyidoho advised his fellow youthful colleagues in Government not to abuse the trust and confidence the President had reposed in them.

President Mills was seen off at the Airport by the Vice President, Mr John Mahama, the Inspector General of the Police, Mr Paul Quaye, Ministers of State and Service Commanders.

President Mills is expected back on July 2.