Embrace spirit of selfless volunteerism - Nii Lante Vanderpuye
The Minister for Youth and Sports, Mr Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye has advised Ghanaian youth to imbibe the spirit of selfless volunteerism in other to contribute to the development of the country.
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He said at a time when commitment to work is tied to financial benefits there was a need for the youth to sacrifice for the future they want through volunteerism.
According to the Minister there was a need to advocate for change in the mental setup of young people to appreciate the spirit of sacrifice in order to build a better future.
He was speaking at the inauguration of China-Ghana Graduates Association (CGAA) at the Tang Palace Hotel in Accra on Tuesday.
He said the relationship between Ghana and China has gone beyond trade and commerce and that it was important for nationals of both countries to come together to advance a new trend of friendship which includes the appreciation of cultural and traditional values.
Touching on Ghanaian cultural values, he bemoaned the fact that the Ghanaian media especially television was now inundated with 90 per cent of foreign content such as telenovelas which he said weakens the prosperity of the country.
He therefore called for a rigorous change in mental attitude needed to reform and re-orient the youth to fight for what is desirable and right for the country.
He admonished members of the association who have adopted the Chinese culture to also take upon themselves the sense of discipline inherent in the Chinese culture for their personal development.
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He said the discipline, evident in Chinese society used to be fashionable in Ghana through youth organisations such as the Boys Scout, The Girls Guide, YWCA,YMCA and others which have inspired moral cultural and social discipline in the Ghanaian youth.
The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Ghana, Madam Sun Baohong expressed satisfaction at the growth of Ghanaian Chinese graduates in the country.
She said although the association is young, its presence will serve as a catalyst in advancing the traditional friendship and cooperation in various fields between China and Ghana.
According to her, the bilateral cooperation between China and Ghana has yielded fruitful results citing education in particular. She said cooperation in education is growing as evidenced by Chinese government scholarships to more than 500 Ghanaian students.
The provision of intellectual, social and economic support to numerous Ghanaian graduates upon their return from china has promoted social, economic and trade cooperation between China and Ghana, she added.
Commending the leadership of CGGA, she said she is optimistic the association will serve as a good platform for mentorship to enthusiastic Ghanaian students interested in Chinese culture and language.
She said the association needs the support of governments of both countries to encourage the successful academic and career progression of China Ghanaian graduates.
On his part, the President of CGGA, Mr. Charles Mawuenyega said embracing certain Chinese key values by Ghanaians will help accelerate the country’s socio-economic development and further deepen the ties of friendship between Ghana and China.
He said the association seeks to promote a network of Chinese and Ghanaian graduates and interested individuals who are committed to promoting a mutually beneficial relationship between China and Ghana in particular and the African continent in general.
According to him the association is committed to creating a common educational and cultural platform for the training of individuals of both countries and the sharing of knowledge and positive values that would impact society.
He called on Ghanaian students to cultivate the spirit of volunteerism by working with local people and grass-root organisations.
In addition he said there was a need for active collaboration between Chinese stakeholders and relevant Ghanaian governmental organisations and established associations to further strengthen and deepen the already cordial relations between the two nations.
View photos of the event below :
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