Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, New Patriotic Party (NPP), Parliamentary Candidate for Takoradi Constituency has observed that the country's development depended on meaningful contribution of the individual especially the youth.
He noted that when the youth were given the opportunity to be in leadership positions, it would encourage them to develop their skills and unearth their potentials.
Mr Darko-Mensah was speaking at a youth forum and launching of a website for job opportunity in Takoradi on Wednesday.
He pointed out that the youth were future leaders of the country and their development must be a priority for all stakeholders since their energies, ideas and intellect could be harnessed for national development.
"The youth want to be recognized and given responsibility that would challenge them to be productive and make a difference in every sector of the economy," he added.
Mr Darko-Mensah, said needs of the youth were job opportunities, career development and social recognition.
"Today, oil has been found and Takoradi would be the 'Aberdeen of Africa'. There is the need to ensure that the youth are engaged in meaningful ventures hence the launch of the website."
He explained that the website www.jobbers.com.gh or www.jobbersgh.com was one of the key tools to place employable people in the metropolis to work.
Mr Darko-Mensah said the website was expected to link job seekers with employers through the use of modern communication technologies and the youth must take advantage of the website to find jobs that would meet their needs.
He explained that with this website, people to be employed would be contacted through text messages on their mobile phones and email addresses.
Mr Darko-Mensah said the website would serve as a labour market for masons, carpenters, engineers, bio-chemist, lawyers, teachers, farmers and fishermen.
"With a click of a mouse, the emerging oil and construction industry would have access to a pool of young talented people prepared to work and make contribution to the country's economy," he said.
Mr Darko-Mensah said the website would assist in reducing graduate unemployment and make jobs available to many young people within Western Region and beyond.
He said the website would be marketed widely using television, radio stations and billboards as well as personalized information kits to individuals and companies.