Toase (Ash), Oct 28, GNA - Mr Charles Yeboah, Atwima District Chief Executive, has said that if the country is to entrench democracy and speed up development the youth must avoid negative tendencies. He said violent demonstrations by students that leave in their trail massive destruction of public property should be stopped.

Addressing students of the Toase Secondary School in the Atwima District at the inauguration of its Cadet Corps, Mr. Yeboah asked the cadets to play an advocacy role among their peers on the dangers of indiscipline, alcoholism and smoking.

He said the government would continue to provide the basic infrastructure for the attainment of education objectives. Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Doe Ogbey of the Fourth Battalion of Infantry, the reviewing officer, asked parents to understand the reasons for punishment meted out to their children when they misconduct themselves in school.

''Parents should understand and recognise the harm that over indulgence as well as soft and pleasure-loving life can do to the upbringing of the child.''

Lt-Col Ogbey said the academic fortunes of a school depend largely on parents, teachers, students and the community who collaborate for effective teaching and learning.

He said the formation of the cadet corps should constitute an effective mechanism for the promotion of discipline and that as products of the military the cadets should be role models and not place themselves above school regulations.

Nana Adom Frempong, Headmaster of the school, said the formation of the cadet corps is to help check students' behaviour and instil discipline into them.

He asked the cadet corps to protect, defend and maintain school property and commended Mr Yaw Konadu, a tutor of the school, for his untiring efforts at getting the cadet corps established.