By Dennis Peprah
Sunyani, (Bono), March 6, GNA-Dr Degraft Gyan Kwafo, the Chairman of Council of Bono and Ahafo Associations of North America (COBAANA) has urged Ghanaian associations and citizens, abroad to invest and contribute towards addressing the growing youth unemployment in the country.
COBAANA is the largest umbrella association of Bono and Ahafo natives, resident in the diaspora and sought to push the holistic development of the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regions.
As the nation commemorates the 69th Independence Anniversary, Dr Kwafo noted that many Ghanaians, living abroad have acquired valuable knowledge, skills, networks, and financial resources which can be harnessed to support economic growth back home.
Speaking to the media in Sunyani, he implored Ghanaian associations across the diaspora to consider investing in businesses, industries, and entrepreneurial ventures in the country that could create sustainable employment opportunities for the youth.
He said those investments would not only create job opportunities but also spur rapid socio-economic growth and progressive development and bettering the socio-economic livelihoods of the ordinary Ghanaian in particular.
Dr Kwafo emphasized that: âThe independence is not only a time to celebrate the nationâs freedom, but also a moment for reflection and renewed commitment to national developmentâ.
He expressed the worry that youth unemployment remained one of the major challenges confronting the nation which required a collective effort from both citizens at home and those living abroad.
âAs we celebrate our independence, we must move beyond reflection and commit ourselves to practical actions that will strengthen our nation. Ghanaian associations abroad should explore opportunities to establish businesses, support start-ups, and create jobs in Ghana to help reduce unemployment among our youth,â he stated.
Dr Kwafo also called on Ghanaians to rally behind the government and support her âBig Pushâ road infrastructure initiative, describing the ‘big pushâ as a laudable initiative that would accelerate national development through major infrastructure investments and economic transformation initiatives.
He stressed that national development could not be achieved by government alone and therefore required the cooperation and support of all stakeholders, including the private sector, traditional leaders, civil society, and the Ghanaian diaspora.
Dr Kwafo encouraged unity, patriotism, and a renewed sense of responsibility among Ghanaians as the country continued to build a prosperous future for generations to come.
âGhanaâs progress depends on our collective efforts. Let us use this independence celebration as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the growth and development of our beloved nationâ, he advised.
Dr Kwafo reaffirmed COBAANAâs dedication to supporting development initiatives in the Bono and Ahafo Regions and thereby contributing to national progress through projects like the Dialysis and Medical Center project being put in place by the association in Sunyani.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba