Regional News of Tuesday, 21 June 2011

Source: GNA

Cadet Corps delegation calls on Youth and Sports Minister

Accra, June 21, GNA - Mr Clement Kofi Humado, Minister of Youth and Sports, on Tuesday said government was obliged to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure that the youth were developed within a positive value system.

He appealed to stakeholders involved in youth activities, to collaborate and support the revival of youth voluntary associations and organisations such as the Cadet Corps, Red Cross Society, Girls Guide, Boys Brigade and YMCA to empower the youth.

Mr Humado made the request when a 19-Member Sea and Air Cadet Corps delegation from Senior High Schools (SHS) in the country called on him in Accra.

The delegation selected from schools throughout the country, are expected to travel to the United Kingdom, United States of America and Hong Kong for an Exchange Programme.

The schools included; Ghana Telecom University College, Ghana Armed Forces Senior High Secondary, Pope John Senior High Secondary School, St Mary's Senior High Secondary, St Peter's Senior High Secondary, Nkwatia-Kwahu Senior High Secondary, Tema Senior High Secondary and Nungua Senior High Secondary.

Mr Humado said the delegation was 93Ambassadors" of Ghana and therefore should portray a positive image of the country to the outside world since Ghana was noted for her hospitality, democracy, cultural values as well as sports.

"As eminent ambassadors of your country, and being the only African country among the 21 countries, you are expected to shine like the Black Star and raise the flag of discipline among your colleagues," he added.

He pointed out that the Exchanges programme afforded them an opportunity to put their skills in a practical environment and should learn about other cultures to bring back knowledge that could be applied for the country's development.

Mr Charles Aheto-Tsegah, Deputy Director General, Ghana Education Service (GES), cautioned the delegation not to use the programme as an avenue to escape but endeavour to return with good and positive plans.

He noted that the programme was an annual affair which sought to provide an opportunity for cadets to broaden their knowledge, as well as a platform for capacity building for students in terms of their psycho-physical skills.

Mr Aheto-Tsegah appealed to parents and guardians to give all the needed support to their children and wards for the trip. He urged escorts on the trip with the delegation to supervise and provide the needed support.

The delegation will be away for two weeks, and the first batch is expected to leave on Saturday, June 25 and the rest on Monday, July 18.