Nkawie-Ashanti, Feb. 20, GNA - Mr Thomas Ofori- Donkor, Atwima Nwabiagya District Chief Executive has observed that the youth have a major responsibility to shape the social, economic and political destiny of the country, He said they could contribute meaningfully towards the country's development when they were imbued with the spirit of patriotism, nationalism and discipline.

Mr Ofori-Donkor made the observation when addressing a parade of pupils and students in the district after a flag-hoisting ceremony dubbed "Rally Round the Flag" at Nkawie-Ashanti to herald the official countdown to Ghana's 50th Independence Anniversary.

He noted that the rapid socio-economic development of the country depended on the commitment and selflessness of the youth and advised them to be patriotic in their activities in the society. Mr Ofori-Donkor advised the youth to maintain a healthy environment in the pursuit of academic knowledge.

Mr Eddy Obeng-Darko, Atwima Nwabiagya District Director of Education said, sacrifices by the forefathers in the struggle for independence would be in vain when the youth failed to build meaningfully on the legacy bequeathed to them.

He said the vision and ideals of the forefathers to attain political freedom from British Colonial rule should encourage the youth to forge ahead in unity to build a prosperous, peaceful and stable nation.

Mr Obeng-Darko pointed out that attainment of political independence should be linked with economic freedom and called on Ghanaians to avoid animosity, pride, ethnicity and unite to harness the enormous resources of the country to improve the living standards of the people.