George Opare-Addo and Abdulai Ayariga at the event
President John Dramani Mahama has challenged Ghanaian youth to move from being consumers of technology to becoming creators and innovators who can drive the country’s digital transformation.
Delivering the message through the Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare-Addo, President Mahama said emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, blockchain, digital commerce and automation present major opportunities for jobs and sustainable livelihoods.
Mr. Opare-Addo spoke at the opening of the 2026 National Youth Conference at the Great Hall of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), in Kumasi, the Ashanti Region.
The two-day event, which ended on Tuesday, August 12, 2026, was organised by the National Youth Authority (NYA) in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment as part of National Youth Month celebrations.
The conference was held on the theme, “Rebuilding Values, Inspiring Patriotism: Empowering the Youth in the Digital Age.”
It brought together government officials, traditional and religious leaders, academia, development partners, and youth across the country.
Seize the Digital Opportunity
Mr. Opare-Addo said the digital age is already here and shaping economies and urged the young people to use technology productively.
“The question is no longer whether technology will change our lives, the question is whether Ghanaian youth will be creators of that change or merely consumers of technologies created by others,” he stated.
He noted that opportunities in digital commerce, remote work and the creator economy can generate income and employment.
“Some Ghanaians are already living in the country while earning foreign currency by working remotely for international companies,” he added.
Character And Patriotism
The Minister stressed that talent must be matched with strong values. He listed integrity, discipline, honesty, respect and responsibility as essential for success.
“Your character will determine how far your talent can take you,” he said, warning that losing public trust can do more damage to a career than losing money.
He also cautioned social media influencers against abusing their platforms.
“Influence without responsibility can become dangerous,” he said, urging youth to use online spaces to educate and promote development.
Mr. Opare-Addo said patriotism goes beyond singing the national anthem to being responsible citizens by protecting public property, paying taxes, keeping the environment clean, and refusing to cheat.
“If you see a problem in Ghana, don’t only complain about it. Ask yourself what you can do about it,” he said, citing the need for citizens to keep drains clean to help address flooding.
Jobs and Skills for the Future
NYA CEO, Abdulai Ayariga, said the government is rolling out programmes to equip the youth with practical skills. The National Apprenticeship Programme, he said, is targeting young people unable to enter tertiary education and is being aligned to regional economic needs.
Mr. Ayariga announced a new Domestic Care Economy programme to be introduced next year to create sustainable jobs, and said the government is working with the private sector to transition national service personnel into permanent employment.
24-Hour Economy Opportunities
Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, urged the youth to position themselves for jobs from the government’s 24-hour economy initiative. He said the hubs will include pharmacies, clinics, schools, banks and stores, and will go beyond ordinary markets.
He disclosed that 41 such projects are ongoing in Ashanti, with similar projects in all 261 districts nationwide. He encouraged paticipants to engage their assemblies to understand and benefit from the projects.
Dr. Amoakohene also said opportunities exist in the security services, but noted that inadequate offices and accommodation remain challenges to expansion.
He urged the young people to acquire relevant skills and stay alert to opportunities being created.
A Daily Guide Report