By Iddi Yire, GNA
Accra, Oct 12, GNA – Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has as part of her trip to Brussels, met with the Ghanaian community in Belgium, including chiefs, elders, members of the Ghana Council and the youth.
A statement issued by the office of the Vice President, said it was an opportunity for them to have a warm and meaningful engagement while discussing various concerns.
The Vice President expressed appreciation for their continued support and contributions to national development, encouraging them not to forget home and to remember that Government was willing to sustain initiatives that bring tangible benefits to communities in Ghana.
Several key issues were raised, including food safety, youth discipline, labor export, and illegal mining (galamsey).
Prof Opoku-Agyemang said Government remained fully committed to ending the menace of galamsey.
She noted that Ghana had mined for generations, but never witnessed such environmental degradation until recent years.
To address this, she said new measures were being implemented to ban mining in forest reserves and water bodies.
“While fixing the problem will take time, we have the resolve and determination to restore our environment,” she said.
On the matter of food safety, she assured them that the government was working closely with researchers to improve soil testing and promote safe agricultural practices.
Speaking on issues regarding the youth, Vice President Prof Opoku-Agyemang strongly advised parents to portray Ghana as a home where everyone belongs to their children abroad.
She also called on the youth to maintain discipline and stay focused, reminding them that every action had consequences.
She emphasized the need to protect and respect Ghanaian workers who travel abroad with quality Ghanaian training.
She also spoke on government initiatives such as the Adwumawura Programme and the 24-Hour Economy Policy, which aim to expand employment opportunities both locally and for Ghanaians in the diaspora who wish to return home.
“Together, we can build a Ghana that offers opportunities, fairness, and dignity,” she stated.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah