The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Abdulai Ayariga Esq., has officially launched the 2026 National Youth Month Celebration, urging young Ghanaians to embrace patriotism, integrity, discipline, and responsible digital citizenship as the country navigates the opportunities and challenges of the digital era.
Addressing government officials, development partners, youth leaders, members of the diplomatic community, and other stakeholders at the launch ceremony, Mr. Ayariga described this year’s celebration as a defining moment to reposition Ghana’s youth at the centre of national development.
Speaking on the theme, “Rebuilding Values, Inspiring Patriotism: Empowering the Youth in the Digital Age,” the NYA CEO said while technological advancement continues to create new opportunities for innovation, education, entrepreneurship, and global engagement, it has also brought challenges including misinformation, cyber insecurity, substance abuse, indiscipline, and declining societal values.
He stressed that technology alone cannot secure Ghana’s future, insisting that innovation must be guided by integrity, discipline, and patriotism.
“Technology will shape our future, but our shared values must remain the foundation upon which that future is built. Innovation without integrity cannot build a resilient nation, and talent without patriotism cannot transform society,” he stated.
Mr. Ayariga noted that National Youth Month has evolved into a nationwide platform that promotes youth participation in governance, entrepreneurship, volunteerism, civic engagement, peace-building, and national development.
He announced a month-long programme of activities designed to promote leadership, volunteerism, community service, innovation, healthy living, and responsible citizenship across the country.
Among the key activities are the National Voluntary and Community Service Day on August 1, engagements with Christian and Muslim religious leaders, the National Youth Conference at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the National Youth Parliament Sitting, an Inter-Agency Football Gala, an Inter-Generational Dialogue, and the “Red Means Stop Campaign 2026,” which seeks to raise awareness against drug abuse and substance misuse.
According to the NYA CEO, the National Youth Conference and the celebration of International Youth Day will serve as flagship events, bringing together policymakers, entrepreneurs, development partners, academia, and thousands of young people to deliberate on youth development, digital transformation, employment, and nation-building.
Mr. Ayariga also highlighted Ghana’s role as host of major international youth engagements, including the TICAD Youth Drive under the theme “Youth Agenda 2055: From Vision to Action,” and the first in-person edition of the Pan-African Youth Parliament for Democracy. He said the events reinforce Ghana’s growing reputation as a continental hub for youth leadership, democratic participation, and international cooperation.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to youth empowerment through initiatives such as the National Apprenticeship Programme, which provides tuition-free technical and vocational training, starter packs, nationally recognised certification, and pathways to employment and self-employment.
Mr. Ayariga called on development partners, the private sector, civil society organisations, traditional authorities, religious institutions, parents, and the media to support the National Youth Month activities, stressing that building responsible young citizens requires collective national effort.
Delivering a direct message to Ghana’s youth, he encouraged them to recognise their critical role in shaping the country’s future.
“Do not underestimate your power to shape the destiny of this nation. Your ideas are consequential. Your talents are indispensable. Your voices are vital. Your integrity is non-negotiable,” he said.
He concluded by officially launching the 2026 National Youth Month Celebration and reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to rebuilding national values, inspiring patriotism, and empowering young people to drive Ghana’s sustainable development.
