The Municipal Chief Executive for Techiman South, Hon. Kwaku Adjei Mensah, has urged young people to prioritize their education and continue beyond senior high school.
Drawing from his background as a former Member of Parliament and his current role as Municipal Chief Executive, he highlighted a concerning pattern where many youths in the locality show reluctance to advance their studies after completing Senior High School.
He expressed regret that numerous young individuals prefer not to seek additional knowledge or higher learning, choosing instead to enter the security forces.
“I will encourage the youth to take their education seriously. From my experience as a former Member of Parliament and now as a Municipal Chief Executive, I have observed that many young people do not like learning and are unwilling to further their education after Senior High School.” He said.
Hon. Kwaku Adjei Mensah cautioned young people against entering security services primarily for immediate financial gain, advocating instead for university or tertiary-level studies. He explained that advanced education would help produce more professionals capable of significantly supporting the nation’s progress.
“Instead, most of them only think about joining the military, fire service, police, and other security agencies as a way of earning money early in life. “
“I am therefore appealing to every SHS graduate that if you obtain good results, you should further your education by enrolling in a university or other tertiary institution. You must focus on learning hard and stop pressuring yourselves to make quick money at a young age by rushing into the security services.” He stated.
The Techiman South MCE added: “Through this medium, I, Hon. Kwaku Adjei Mensah, urge the youth to stop entering the security services solely for quick income and instead pursue tertiary education, so that more young people can become professionals and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
Hon. Adjei Mensah shared these remarks during his speech as the guest of honor at the Bonokyem Youth Conference, which took place at Techiman Bonokyem Hall and was part of the broader Bonokyempem Youth Festival. This nine-day event combines education, cultural activities, and youth development through diverse programs.
The celebrations started in November with initiatives focused on cultural and tourism awareness, as well as a summit for youth empowerment. On December 13, the festival officially began with the “Bono is Clean” campaign, involving a community cleanup activity. The following day, December 14, featured an arrival party, the Creators Fest I Tour, and a Bon-Fire gathering.
The formal launch, along with a press conference and preview art exhibition, occurred on December 15. Activities resumed on Tuesday, December 16, emphasizing donations, health screenings, and a small-scale fair. The next day, December 17, will include another session of health checks, Creators Fest II, Media Avenue, a trade fair, and traditional competitions like Gwana Ampe.
On December 18, the program will continue with the trade fair, a Most Strongest contest, DJ scratch shows, and additional games. Starting December 19, the Duaduakwa Street Arts & Carnival will showcase a large trade fair, creative zones, street performances, cultural exhibitions, a carnival procession, and a jam session.
December 20 will highlight the Culture and Heritage Fest, accompanied by a music festival, food bazaar, closing trade fair, awards ceremony, heritage night, arts and vintage display, and fashion show. The event will wrap up on December 21 with a Thanksgiving service, marking the end of the week-long festivities.
Regarding the preservation of culture, Mr. Fosu Gideon, President of the Bonokyem Association, stressed the need to introduce children to their customs and principles early on, especially in the former Brong Ahafo Region. “In the erstwhile Brong Ahafo Region, we teach our children our traditions and culture from an early age, we do not wait for them to grow up before doing so, so that their minds do not drift away from these values.” He told our reporter.
He noted that the Bonokyem Youth Festival aims to embed deep cultural principles in young people, ensuring continuity and preparing them for responsible future leadership. He also called on traditional authorities, parents, and community influencers to assist and mentor the youth in constructive pursuits that benefit both individuals and the nation.
“This program is designed to instil our cultural values in the youth, so that they will not depart from them. That is the main reason behind this initiative.
“As the saying goes, success without a successor is ultimately failure. For this reason, I appeal to our leaders to support the youth and train them in whatever positive ventures they choose to pursue ventures that will benefit them and contribute to national development.” He said.
Mr. Fosu Gideon concluded by encouraging young people to study, uphold, and safeguard their heritage for coming generations. “My advice to the youth is that every successor must be someone who understands his or her culture and tradition, is well educated, possesses relevant skills, and is competent in whatever responsibility he or she is called upon to perform.”
Source: Elvisanokyenews.com
