Cape Coast, July 2, GNA - Mrs Ama Benyiwa Doe, Central Regional Minister, on Wednesday advised the youth to eschew social vices and take their studies seriously.

She said the nation cannot "stand on the shoulders" of its youth who are seriously engaged in vices such as armed robbery, cyber crime, drug abuse and trafficking, occultism and other dangerous practices. Mrs Benyiwa Doe gave the advice at the 2nd "National Youth Rally" held at Cape Coast to mark the 49th Republic Day celebration. The rally which was organized by Christian churches and Para -church organizations was attended by about 4000 youth drawn from schools in the central region under the theme, "Raising the Standards". It was among others to help the youth make wise and Godly choices, and live above society's standards in the face of the challenges and complex issues confronting them.

The Regional Minister underscored the important role the youth play in the socio-economic development of the nation, but expressed concern about the alarming rate at which some sections of the youth were involved in all manner of vices in the society. Mrs Benyiwa Doe in this regard tasked them to use what they have learnt from the rally to enable them abstain from pre-marital sex to curb the HIV/AIDS pandemic and to be obedient in school, at home and their work places.

Mrs Benyiwa Doe said although the region was endowed with rich resources, the same could not be said about the economic status of the people, and pointed out that for the region to come out of its economic problems, there was the need to take education serious, so as to build a strong human resource base that can change the economic story of the region.

"I therefore want to appeal to you to make education a priority. Go to school, that is the only way you can come out of poverty," she added. Ms Joyce Portia Denu, a Counsellor at Adisadel College, who spoke on the topic "Leadership Challenges" told them that a good leader should be ready to sacrifice and have the requisite skill that would enable him to actualize his/her goals.

She further said a good leader should have goals, and strives to be democratic, committed, loyal and trustworthy, and should be able to stand to the test of time. Ms Denu urged them to serve as role models for others to emulate and endeavour to be selfless, firm and fair in whatever they do in the society.