Kumasi, July 28, GNA - Dr Kwaku Agyemang-Mensah, Ashanti Regional Minister, on Wednesday saluted personnel of the National Service Scheme (NSS), for their invaluable contributions to national development. He said the NSS that had proven to be an indispensable partner in the country's development had galvanized the energies of the youth into productive ventures in various sectors of the economy.

Dr Agyemang-Mensah was speaking at an awards ceremony, organized by th= e Regional Secretariat of the NSS for 81 personnel in Kumasi.

He said: 93 It is an undeniable fact that without the personnel, some schools in the rural communities would have been without teachers. They are found in the remotest parts of the country, where some workers refuse to go." Dr Agyemang-Mensah said the government had recognized the role of the personnel in making life better for the people, and gave the assurance that the authorities would improve on their working conditions. He asked the personnel to bring their experiences, knowledge and skill= s to bear on their future engagements. Mr Kwesi Quainoo, Regional Director of the NNS, advised the personnel to 93enter the world of work with diligence, conscientiousness and integrity."

He appealed to the youth to embrace the government's Youth in Agriculture Programme instead of waiting for non-existing jobs. All the 81 service personnel were presented with certificates with the overall best personnel, Mr Wisdom Deku Apeedo, taking home a double-door refrigerator and a citation.