The District Director of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) for Amansie District, John Ankrah, has urged young people in Fiankoma and surrounding communities to prioritise education, skills development and entrepreneurship as the newly formed Fiankoma Youth Association (FYA) begins its activities.
The call was made during the launch of the Fiankoma Youth Association on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Fiankoma.
The association seeks to bring together stakeholders within the Fiankoma Electoral Area to identify development needs, initiate projects and lobby for programmes that will benefit communities in the area.
Speaking at the launch, Ankrah encouraged the youth to place greater emphasis on human capital development and acquire the knowledge and skills needed to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
He identified education, vocational and skills training, entrepreneurship and community service as important areas through which young people could improve their prospects and contribute to local development.
Warning against drug abuse
Ankrah also used the occasion to caution young people against substance abuse, describing drug abuse as a major threat to the development and future of the youth.
He said substance abuse could have serious consequences for physical and mental health and could contribute to addiction, mental health problems, poor academic performance and reduced productivity.
He further warned that young people affected by drug abuse could drop out of school, become economically dependent and, in some cases, turn to criminal activities to sustain their habits.
Beyond individuals, he said substance abuse could place pressure on families, contribute to insecurity and undermine the development of communities.
He therefore urged young people in Fiankoma and its surrounding areas to make responsible choices and avoid drugs that could jeopardise their education, health and future.
Youth association targets community development
The formation of the Fiankoma Youth Association is expected to provide a platform for young people and other stakeholders to work together on development issues affecting the electoral area.
The association’s focus on initiating and lobbying for development programmes could provide an avenue for the youth to participate more actively in addressing community needs.
Ankrah commended the founders and organisers of the association, as well as community leaders and other stakeholders who supported the launch.
Among those acknowledged were the Assembly Member for the Fiankoma Electoral Area, the Fiankoma Odikro, the Amansie Central District Health Director and other dignitaries who attended the event.
The launch ended with calls for greater youth participation in community development and a renewed emphasis on equipping young people with the skills and opportunities needed to contribute to the future of Fiankoma and the wider Amansie Central District.