The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has challenged Ghana’s youth to move beyond complaining and consuming digital content and instead use technology to create value, businesses and jobs.
Speaking at the 2026 National Youth Conference at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the Minister said Ghana’s young people have access to unprecedented digital opportunities and must position themselves to take advantage of them.
He said the digital age has already arrived, with artificial intelligence, big data, blockchain, digital commerce and remote work creating new possibilities for young people.
“Don’t just look for jobs online. Look for ways to create value online. That is what a digital empowerment should be.”
The Minister, however, cautioned that digital empowerment must go hand in hand with character, insisting that talent and technology without responsibility could become harmful.
Opare Addo acknowledged that young people cannot survive on potential alone, stressing the need for decent jobs, access to finance and practical skills that are connected to labour-market opportunities.
“Government is therefore expanding the National Apprenticeship Programme and developing other pathways to help young people transition from skills training into employment.
The Minister also announced plans to strengthen the transition from National Service into employment through a proposed programme, with greater emphasis on private-sector opportunities.
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority, Osman Ayariga, also urged young people to make productive use of digital technology.
He said smartphones and digital platforms have given young people tools that previous generations could not have imagined.
“Don’t use your phone only to watch other people build. Use it to build. Don’t only scroll but also create. Don’t only complain but contribute.”
He said youth empowerment must go beyond motivational speeches and include practical skills, mentorship, access to information and platforms where young people can influence decisions.
The call for stronger values was echoed by the Vice Chancellor of KNUST, Professor Christian Agyare.
Prof. Agyare said as young people acquire technological, entrepreneurial and professional skills, equal attention must be paid to their values and morals.
“Skills without integrity can be misused, and knowledge without character can be disruptive.”
He urged young people to resist the growing get-rich-quick mentality and instead build success through hard work, honesty, creativity, diligence and perseverance.
Member of Parliament for Oforikrom, Michael Aidoo, meanwhile, raised concerns about funding for youth development programmes.
He said the District Assemblies Common Fund made no allocation to the National Youth Authority and youth employment agencies in 2026, describing the situation as a potential setback for youth-focused programmes.
“As a committee, we take this matter seriously and I wish to use this platform to commit publicly to pushing for the full restoration of these statutory allocations.”
Mr Aidoo said Ghana must invest more in practical and marketable skills in areas including technology, agribusiness, creative arts, trades and artificial intelligence.
The 2026 National Youth Month is being marked under the theme “Rebuilding Values, Inspiring Patriotism, Empowering the Youth in the Digital Age.”
The Ministry says it will continue the engagement with young people at a National Youth Forum scheduled for August 19, where young people are expected to raise concerns, share ideas and propose solutions to challenges confronting them.
By Ibrahim Abubakar
