Nsoatre (B/A) Aug. 17, GNA - Mrs Akua Debrah, Brong Ahafo Regional Director of Education has advised the youth to refrain from indulging in social vices and rather concentrate on either their education or vocations.

"It is disheartening to see our youth, who are the leaders of tomorrow, engaged in vices like armed robbery, fraud and sexual promiscuity, which will definitely jeopardize their future," she said in an address read for her.

The occasion was the inauguration of the Amalgamated Nsoatre Students and Associates at Nsoatre in Sunyani municipality under the theme, "Youth empowerment for community and national development". It was also to raise funds to carry out the union's objectives of promoting quality education, environmental protection and entrepreneurial skills for the youth of the town.

The membership of the union comprises students in both tertiary and pre-tertiary institutions as well as all the youth of the traditional area whether educated or not.

Mrs Debrah said it was refreshing that students and youth at Nsoatre had initiated the formation of the union and urged the leadership to exhibit hard work, dedication, transparency and truthfulness in all their dealings towards the achievement of the union's set objectives.

The regional director called on the people to support the union so that members could work as a team, devoid of antagonism and rumour mongering.

"We must all support the union to achieve its set objectives to ensure the progress of the town," she said.

The founder of the union, Mr Anane Adjei, a former President of Brong Ahafo Students Union, called on the traditional authorities of the area to ensure the peaceful resolution of the chieftaincy dispute in the area.

He explained that the union was determined to collaborate with all stakeholders for the rapid development of the community, noting that disputes had set back the clock of progress of the area. Mr Isaac Gyeabour Kyere, President of the Union, said members would engage in agricultural ventures to mobilise funds towards the achievement of set objectives and called for unity among members.

He said the union would also assist in the sensitization and implementation of national programmes.

Ms Justine Owusu Banahene, President of Brong Ahafo Students Union, advised the students to study hard for a brighter future and urged parents to support the education of their children and not to encourage teenage pregnancy.

Nana Kusi Appiah, Atipimhene of the traditional area, called on the youth to exhibit decorum in their discussions on political issues and to scrutinize the track records of political parties and candidates before taking any decisions on December 7.

He commended the youth for forming the union and pledged the unflinching support of the traditional authorities towards the achievement of its objectives for the benefit of the people in the area.