Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, has expressed her view that the government's initiatives and programs aimed at youth development in the country are failing to make a real impact on the lives of young people.
According to her, these initiatives are merely propaganda and do not bring about the desired changes. She mentioned examples such as “youth in Agric, YouStart, etc” and stated, “These are not changing the lives of our young people.”
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings made these remarks during a lecture held in Hohoe, Volta Region, to commemorate the 44th Anniversary of the June 4 uprising. The lecture focused on the theme: “Saving our Democracy: The Spirit of June 4.”
She emphasized the need for the government to understand the aspirations of the youth and align its policies accordingly, instead of imposing measures that may sound good on paper but do not contribute to nation-building. She stated, “This is not how you build a nation.”
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings highlighted the importance of discipline, integrity, accountability, and transparency as the foundation on which the country's democracy, which has been running for 30 years, was built.
Addressing members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), she urged them to take pride in their heritage, stand up against injustice, and avoid division based on tribal or religious grounds.
Mr Governs Kwame Agbodza, MP for Adaklu and Minority Chief Whip, called on party members to uphold the vision of the NDC's founders and make sacrifices to ensure victory in the 2024 general election. He emphasized that believing in the ideals of the June 4 uprising would make the upcoming election less challenging.
Mr Samuel Ablakwa Okudzeto, the North Tongu MP, urged the NDC to work hard to regain the Hohoe Parliamentary Seat from the New Patriotic Party. He encouraged the youth within the party to draw inspiration from the courageous and sacrificial story of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings and actively oppose injustice and destruction.
Mr Eric Bortey, the General Secretary of the June 4th Movement, stated that the celebration of June 4 helps citizens understand the history of the NDC. He pointed out that the factors that led to the uprising, such as the high cost of goods and services, are still prevalent in society.
Alhaji Farouk Gyamodie, the Volta Regional Chairman of the June 4 Movement, highlighted bad governance, political arrogance, corruption, commodity shortages, and tribalism as some of the issues that sparked the June 4 uprising. He emphasized the need to continually tell the story of June 4 to ensure its significance is recognized.
Mr Antwi Bosiako, a member of the June 4 Movement, noted that aside from the declaration and celebration of Independence on March 6, 1957, the June 4 uprising was the only event that brought joy to Ghanaians.
