Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has urged young people to use digital platforms responsibly and guard against the spread of misinformation, prejudice and content that could undermine peace and social cohesion.
She said although technology and digital platforms had the potential to deepen divisions within society, they could also be powerful tools for promoting knowledge, creating opportunities and building peaceful communities.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang made the call when she addressed participants at the 2026 West Africa Youth Days held in Accra.
She encouraged the youth to make constructive use of social media, digital platforms and other emerging technologies, stressing the need for young people to use such tools to contribute positively to national and regional development.
According to her, the growing influence of technology placed a responsibility on young people to be mindful of the information they consume and share online.
She also called for sustained efforts to improve education and expand opportunities for young people, noting that greater access to knowledge and opportunities could help equip the youth to play a meaningful role in society.
The 2026 West Africa Youth Days was organised by the Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa and hosted by the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Accra.
The event brought together young people and other stakeholders to discuss issues affecting the youth and the future of the West African sub-region.
President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, also urged the youth to remain courageous and hopeful despite the difficulties confronting the region.
He identified economic hardship, youth unemployment and violent extremism among the major challenges facing young people in West Africa.
Rev. Gyamfi urged the youth not to surrender to fear or despair but to remain resilient and committed to contributing to the development and peace of their communities.
He stressed the importance of hope, courage and responsible leadership in addressing the challenges confronting the region.
