The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) congratulates Ghanaians on the occasion of Republic Day.

The significance of this day to the nation cannot be glossed over as it was the last signal that Ghana had actually liberated herself from colonialism and the inherent backwardness of a nation not having independence.

It is important to draw the attention of Ghanaians to the fact that the principal reason for which the founding fathers of this nation struggled for Ghana to become a republic was not only to liberate the citizens from the shackles of colonialism, but also to bring about improvement in their livelihood, equitable economic development and the general welfare of the citizenry.

The National Union of Ghana Students continues to be shocked at the turn of events regarding the conflict in Bawku that has among others necessitated the closure of some schools in these areas. The unpleasant experience some parents go through in relocating their wards to other parts of the country to continue their education is also worrisome.

Not only does the conflict in Bawku affect the human resource development of the area, but also, it affects the overall socio-economic development of Bawku and Ghana as a whole.

Indeed, NUGS is not very impressed about attempts made so far by the various stakeholders in resolving the Bawku crisis. We therefore recommend a holistic approach that would not only involve chiefs and politicians in resolving the conflict, but seriously roping in the youth of the area especially students in tertiary institutions.

NUGS is also appealing to the youth of Bawku and its environs that the future and Bawku belongs to them and for that matter, they should see the conflict as a destroyer and thus marshal all forces to ensure that peace, law and order return to the Bawku area.

NUGS is reiterating her call on government to expedite action on the National Youth Policy. The June deadline as was alluded to by the Minister of Manpower, Youth and Employment has elapsed whiles the Youth Policy has still not been passed. The relevance of a Youth Policy in relation to education and skills training, HIV/AIDS, mentoring, entrepreneurial development, research, science and technology cannot be duly overemphasized.




KWEKU TUOHO BOMBASON DAVID SEBASTIAN DAMOAH
NUGS PRESIDENT PRESS & NFORMATION SEC.
(0242773027) (0244818991)