20 US Peace Corps volunteers sworn in

Mr Gene A. Cretz, American Ambassador to Ghana, on Thursday swore in 20 Peace Corps agriculture volunteers at Addo-Nkwanta in the West Akyem Municipality.

He said the Peace Corps Ghana staff had done their best to give volunteers the right tools to be effective change agents and link communities to development resources.

Mr Cretz said they were the change agents who could use their training and cross cultural exchanges to develop relationships and explore ways in which to make the community a healthier, more productive and a happier place.

He said he was counting on them to help reach the United States and the Ghanaian goal of promoting social and economic development by assisting small-holder farmers with food production, animal husbandry and health education.

“I count on you to teach communities how to raise their living standards,” he said.

Mr Cretz challenged them to “wage peace and make a difference” so that their impact would live on long after their service ends.

Mr Victor Smith, Eastern Regional Minister, in a speech read on his behalf, urged the volunteers to be mindful of the cultural differences that existed between the two countries.

He said as they learnt more about the culture of Ghana, they should also endeavour to teach the people their culture.

Mr Smith said in their interactions, they should remember they were ambassadors of US in which ever community they found themselves.

He said as agriculture volunteers, they also had to remember that they were role models, especially to the youths in their communities, and so must live above reproach in all their endeavours.

Ms Golda Asante, Eastern Regional Technical Coordinator on HIV, appealed to the American Ambassador to consider bringing Peace Corps volunteers who would help the technical team in the advocacy of HIV/AIDS.

Source: GNA