Dr. Isaac Kwaku Adu, a lecturer at the University of Agriculture and Environmental Studies at Bunso and Somanya has recommended to the leaders of the Catholic Youth Organisation (C.Y.O) to Introduce C.Y.O in Agriculture to improve their standard of living-through improved income and to Support Youth Activities in the Unit and Parish level of the Organisation.
He said Youth in Agriculture will also motivate the Youth to stay in rural areas and it is crucial to improve the image of agriculture and farming so that more young people think of it as a viable career option.
Addressing National Management Council of the Ghana Catholic Youth Organisation during 60th Annual General Meeting at Koforidua, Dr. Isaac Kwaku Adu called for the introduction of C.Y.O Brass Band,C.Y.O Choir and Lectors to attract the Youth to stay in church and make the Organisation active at all levels.
Acknowledging the Contributions of the Ghana C.Y.O in the Society, the Lecturer,who is a formal Diocesan CYO leader and currently a Patron and member of the C.Y.O at Akyem Tafo Unit expressed worry of the Introduction of Youth Choir in the church instead of C.Y.O Choir and said it is only the C.Y.O that has structures to build the Youth in the church for the Society and Communities.
Senior Crusader Kwaku Adu called for the adoption of modern ways of leading and Organizing the Youth for the CYO and stop using methods used in 1949 and beyond.
Guest Speaker for the opening ceremony, Reverend Father Emmanuel Ndode who is a priest from Cameron lauded leaders of the CYO for their dedication and commitment to work for God and Ghana and encourage them to continue the good work.
Chairman for the Ghana C.Y.O, Senior Crusader Gabriel Maurice Nartey said the Organisation, through the Church sent three Crusaders to Botswana last in 2022 to Participate in FIMCAP – International Federation of Catholic Parochial Youth Movements Camp.
He said a committee was set up to review Constitution for the CYO and they are done with their work and the report is yet to be sent to Ghana Catholic Bishop Conference for advice.
He said the total number of Crusaders who renewed their membership in 2022 were 13,448 but it increased to 16,448 in 2023 and said the National Executive Board is targeting over 20,000 members to renew members for 2023/2024 calendar year.
In order to achieve the 20,000 target, the Chairman said 75% of the total renewal fees will be giving to any Diocese or Archdiocese who will register more crusaders to train at least 40 Crusaders in leadership skills.
Source: mybrytfmonline/Mensah Atakora
