The Deputy CEO for the National Youth Authority (NYA), Akosua Manu, has described the Nima-Mamobi gang clash as a shameful act.
Akosua Manu intimated that beyond the act not representing what the country is, there is a real concern when it comes to violence.
“I think that it was shameful. Ultimately, it’s not a good image for us as a country. There are young people who are doing so many things and there are times that we want to get them involved in more productive activities.”
Akosua Manu
The Deputy CEO partially blamed some of these acts on what the media shows through movies. According to her, such portrayal leads to the youth being curious to perform such stunts in real life.
“When I first saw the video, I actually thought it was another African country. I didn’t for a second think it was here in Ghana.”
Akosua Manu
The Deputy CEO averred that there are people who know the persons involved in these acts but have refused to report to aid investigation. She explained that people don’t volunteer information for the fear of reprisal or the fear of attack. However, she stated that progress in arresting these perpetrators will be made if people agree to volunteer information.
“For instance, when it comes to the gentleman called Hussein, admittedly people knew of his history and there were others too who communicated that growing up in the Zongo is not easy because these things happen often.”
Akosua Manu
Akosua Manu suggested that if people are given the assurance that their identity will not leak, they will volunteer to give out information on these persons.
NYA to introduce youth volunteering programme
The Youth Authority Deputy CEO disclosed that her outfit in its bid to get the youth busy, is considering launching a National Youth Volunteer Programme. nima
Although the initiative is at its initial stage according to Mrs. Manu, the goal is to get young people to commit to some project within their community, especially where there is a need to fix problems.
“It is now coming to the table of government. So, in a true spirit of volunteerism, when people volunteer it’s not to get compensation per se. You would either be given some stipend or get under paid.”
Akosua Manu
Akosua Manu commended the Police for its swift response and also in giving information to the public on the happenings. She revealed that in light of the fear and panic people go through in these areas on a daily basis, the police acted well in its response.
The Deputy NYA CEO was hopeful that the situation was not going to repeat itself. She further called for justice to be served to serve as deterrent to other people who are engaged in activities that could potentially disrupt the nation’s peace.
“I commend the Police because some of these things are not easy. You go to work not knowing what will happen and then you get caught up in these things.”
Akosua Manu
Akosua Manu suggested that beyond finding the perpetrators, there should be a safety net to enable witnesses come forward and report these culprits.
“… these are the people who are ruining the community, sowing seeds of discord in the youth and making them violent.”
Akosua Manu
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