Ghanaian Chronicle, Accra, 3 April 2002

Chief Blames Past Government for High Unemployment Among Youth

THE CHIEF of Ayirebi in the Birim North District (BND), Obrempon Agyekum Gyapre II, has said that the past government's disregard for technical and vocational schools contributed to the creation of unemployment in the country.

He explained that the disregard halted the training of technicians to man our factories and industries and even set up their own shops to create employment.

"The shortage of technicians forced the closure of our factories and industries since the institutes to train them were disregarded," he claimed.

Obrempon Gyapre made these claims recently at the education reform review forum at New Abirem.

The chief noted that the low enrolment in schools that was experienced in the recent past was due to high tuition fees which was unbearable for most parents who are peasant farmers.

Nana praised the NPP government for its new educational policy which called for reduction in tuition fees, making it possible for parents to send their children to school, saying: "It is indeed a positive change and we are feeling it too."

On the rise of indiscipline among the youth especially students, the traditional ruler blamed the government for allowing unacceptable foreign cultures to be introduced in the country through films and songs.

Elaborating, he observed that most of the indisciplined acts have been copied by the youth through films they watch and songs they listen to on national television and radio stations which, according to him, is very wrong and should not be allowed to continue.

The Ayirebihene also added his voice to the call on the government, Ghana Education Service (GES) and heads of private schools to reintroduce caning into the schools as a way of punishment for misconduct.

"I will propose that students who vandalise public property during demonstrations should be made to face the law courts and if possible imprisoned to serve as deterrent to their recalcitrant colleagues."