The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority, Osman Ayariga, has called on churches, families and government to work together to rebuild the moral values of young Ghanaians in the digital age.
Speaking at the Christian Council of Ghana to mark National Youth Month, Ayariga said Ghana needs a generation that is “as disciplined and honest as they are skilled,” warning that technology without character poses a threat to national development.
The event was held under the theme: “Rebuilding Values, Inspiring Patriotism: Empowering the Youth in the Digital Age”.
Referencing recent incidents, the NYA CEO cited and condemned the assault on the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School over unverified ritual allegations, a teacher attacked at Kade SHTS for enforcing exam rules and violent clashes between students of Obrachire SHTS, Swedru SOBS, Aggrey Memorial and Adisadel College.
“Different schools, different triggers but the same pattern a shrinking capacity for young people to disagree, lose or feel wronged without resorting to violence,” he said.
“Our schools should be building character alongside academic results, not becoming places where fists settle what conversation should.”
He added that the digital space is also under threat with social media being used to insult public officials, chiefs, pastors and citizens instead of for learning and engagement.
“Free speech is a right worth protecting but it comes with a responsibility to speak truthfully and with some basic respect. A stronger democracy isn’t built on abuse and pile-ons.”
Ayariga urged the Christian Council to use its “pulpits in nearly every community” to preach discipline, respect for authority and lawful process through Sunday schools, youth fellowships and media programmes.
Quoting Proverbs 22:6 and Hebrews 12:11, he said: “Our job now is straightforward, even if it isn’t easy. Raise young Ghanaians who choose integrity over shortcuts, service over self-interest, dialogue over violence and truth over rumour.”
“Talent without integrity is a liability, not an asset.”
He assured that the National Youth Authority will continue creating economic and social opportunities for youth but stressed “skills without character only go so far”.
The General Secretary of the Christian Council, Rev. Cyril G.K. Fayose welcomed the partnership as historic.
He said the Council with its 31 member churches present in all 16 regions is ready to “put our heads together and release a pastoral statement” to focus churches on youth discipline, integrity and patriotism.
Rev. Fayose also raised concerns about cyber crime, saying many older Ghanaians are being scammed online.
He proposed that young people should be trained to help them navigate technology safely.
“We have to start it gradually from home to our basic schools, to our secondary schools, to our tertiary schools, to our Sunday schools. It is what we do consistently that has impact,” he said.
He assured the NYA of the Council’s full support in raising leaders the country can count on.
The programme formed part of activities for National Youth Month and drew the clergy, NYA management and the media.
