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An annual awards scheme set up to honour young people who have chalked many successes in various fields of endeavour has been launched in Accra. The awards, dubbed, �National Youth Achievers Awards,� is to recognize and reward outstanding achievements of the youth in various fields including arts, business, science, politics, humanities and education. It is also to provide inspiration and encouragement to young people to aspire to great heights in their careers by linking them with successful individuals. John Dramani Mahama, Vice President of Ghana and patron of the awards, in his address, said one of the challenges of a fast changing demographic state such as Ghana is meeting the needs of the people. �This demographic stage presents its own challenges such as educational opportunities, provision of adequate health care and creation of job opportunities for the populace,� he said. Mr. Mahama however noted that the greatest challenge was the vacuum created in recognizing particular successes by the youth. He said the youth make up a bulk of the population according to the recent census, hence the need to reward them for their achievements. The Vice President said the awards will not only act as a catalyst for winners to continue on track but make them role models for other young people to emulate. Roland Agambire, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of rlg Communication, said the sponsorship of the awards by his outfit formed part of a promise made during the company�s 10th anniversary celebration. �The decision to sponsor this programme therefore stems from the realization that the very essence of this programme falls in line with not only the said promise but also the bigger vision and aspiration of rlg which are talent creation and technological advancement,� he said. Mr. Agambire urged young persons in Ghana to develop their skills and talents through discipline, focus, endurance and the passion to succeed in life. He said, �These efforts would translate into economic growth run by a teaming talented and focused young entrepreneurs and achievers.� Mr. Agambire later encouraged organizers to use the awards to unearth talents. Representing the organizers, Hedwig Naa Tolloo Quist, Event Director at Charterhouse, Ghanaians between the ages of 15 and 30 could apply online or pick a form at any rlg office or participating radio stations and submit them before 27th July 2012. A jury made up of renowned achievers in their field will shortlist the entries based on specific criteria spanning 17 different sectors. She said award winners will receive a plaque and citation presented personally by the Vice president at the main awards which will be held in August 2012. �After the main event, there will be an achievement museum to chronicle youth achievement and the annual achievers summit, which will bring young and old achievers together to share ideas,� she said. Ms. Quist later called on the media and corporate society to support the initiative.