Bolgatanga, Dec. 22, Gna - The Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Mahami Salifu on Monday urged the youth to lead the crusade for a peaceful election next year.

He said the youth have the energy to push forward the process of societal change and development, and thus can play a vital role to make next year's general elections "trouble free".

These were contained in a speech delivered on his behalf by the regional coordinating director, Mr. George Anaba, at a forum organised in Bolgatanga to discuss the Draft National Youth Policy.

The forum was organised by the Regional Office of the National Youth Council (NYC) for the general public and youth-related organisations as part of a nationwide consultative process for inputs to fine-tune the draft national youth blueprint.

The Regional Minister said even though the youth hold the key to development, they could also pose a major problem to the process if not assisted to develop properly.

Mr. Mahami advised the youth to guide against lifestyles and sexual practices that might predispose them to HIV/AIDS.

In a welcoming address, the Upper East Regional Co-ordinator of the NYC, Mr. Daud James Abangos urged youth groups to study the draft policy carefully and make appropriate suggestions for improvement. He said the purpose of coming out with a national youth policy was to provide coordinated approach towards finding solutions to the problems facing the youth.

Mr Abangos advised youth groups to register with the NYC so that they could benefit from services and assistance programmes channelled through the organisation.

The draft National Youth Policy is a revised version of one formulated in 1999 by the former National Democratic Congress (NDC) government. The policy seeks to, among other things, inculcate in the youth strong spiritual and moral values to enable them to grow into responsible citizens.

Earlier, Mr Anaba, on behalf of the Regional Minister presented certificates of registration to 13 youth groups in the region that have registered with the NYC.