Togbe Atsugah Sogah II, Dufiaga of Sogakope and Divisional Chief of Fieve Traditional Area, commended President John Dramani Mahama for safe repatriation of Ghanaians affected by South Africa’s xenophobic attacks and support for their reintegration.
The Chief also praised Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs, for what he described as his exceptional leadership and commitment in coordinating the evacuation exercise.
He said the successful return of thousands of stranded Ghanaians demonstrated the Government’s commitment to protecting the welfare of its citizens wherever they might be.
Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency at Sogakope, Togbe Sogah said the Government’s decision to provide each returnee with a GH¢5,000 reintegration package and a GH¢500 transportation allowance reflected compassion and a strong sense of national responsibility.
He said beyond ensuring the safe return of the affected citizens, the financial assistance would enable them to resettle, rebuild their lives and explore new opportunities in Ghana.
The Chief appealed to the youth to prioritise acquiring employable skills and pursuing legitimate livelihoods rather than embarking on risky migration journeys in search of better economic opportunities.
He observed that although the search for greener pastures was understandable under prevailing economic conditions, many young people ended up facing exploitation, violence, discrimination and other forms of abuse in foreign countries.
Togbe Sogah urged government agencies, development partners and the private sector to expand technical and vocational education, entrepreneurship training and apprenticeship programmes to equip young people with practical skills for sustainable livelihoods.
He further called on the Government to intensify efforts to create decent and sustainable employment opportunities to discourage irregular migration among the youth.
According to him, increased investment in agriculture, manufacturing, technology, tourism and small and medium-sized enterprises would create meaningful jobs and enable young people to contribute to national development while remaining in the country.
“The future of Ghana depends largely on the productive engagement of its youth. When young people are empowered with jobs and opportunities, they become agents of development rather than risking their lives abroad in search of uncertain prospects,” he said.
On governance, Togbe Sogah called on the Government to strengthen the fight against corruption by ensuring that both former and current public office holders were held accountable for the management of public resources.
He stressed that accountability should be pursued without fear or favour, adding that public officials entrusted with state resources must account for their stewardship where evidence of financial impropriety existed.
The Chief said strengthening transparency and accountability institutions would help restore public confidence in governance, safeguard the public purse and ensure that resources earmarked for national development were used for their intended purposes.
He expressed confidence that sustained commitment to good governance, youth empowerment and economic transformation would position Ghana for accelerated growth and reduce the factors driving many young people to seek opportunities abroad under unsafe conditions.
GNA
