The Kyidonhene of Akuapem and Mamfihene, Nana Ansah Sasraku, said the traditional authorities in Mamfi-Akuapem had decided to use the community centre as an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre.

He explained that the chiefs were of the view that using the community centre for ICT would be more beneficial to the people than using it for social activities such as beauty contest and dancing competition on festive occasions.

Addressing this year’s annual Ohum durbar of the chiefs and people of Mamfi at the weekend, Nana Sasraku said ICT was a tool for development but in many communities in the country, people had limited access to it and that affected their opportunity for employment.

He said youth employment is a shared responsibility between government and society and traditional authorities, who form part of society, had a role to play.

Nana Sasraku said the high youth unemployment rate should be a concern to all, especially traditional leaders, because unemployed youth often indulged in social vices which disturbed the peace, stability and development of society. He urged the community members to make use of the ICT centre since ICT had become relevant in all spheres of life.

Mr Victor Smith, Eastern Regional Minister, commended the chiefs and people of Mamfi for their bold initiative and pledged government’s support to the project.

On behalf of the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Ms Sherry Ayitey, Mr Smith donated five laptop computers to the chiefs to support the ICT centre initiative.