The Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has said that building young people of good character is key for national development.
“As we empower the youth with skills, modern technology and available opportunities, we must also build young people of good character as well.
That is what will make the needed difference,” he said.
minister stated that one could be the most talented artist, footballer and expert in a particular profession, but such a person’s career may not be successful not because of the lack of talent but as a result of the lack of discipline in one’s endeavours.
Conference
Mr Opare Addo made the remarks while addressing the opening ceremony of the National Youth Conference at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi last Tuesday.
The conference, being held on the theme: “Building values, inspiring patriotism: Empowering the youth in the digital age”, forms part of the 2026 National Youth Month Celebration focused on youth empowerment, leadership, volunteerism, civic responsibility, innovation and national development.
Mr Opare Addo indicated that the nation could not be built on weak values, particularly among the youth, stressing that “integrity, discipline, honesty and responsibility among the youth are essential values towards the progress of the country”.
The gathering
He said character would determine how far talents would take people, and added that “we are seeing a lot of talented people fail because talent alone is not enough to carry far”.
“You may be brilliant, but if you cannot be trusted, people will hesitate to give you any opportunity or responsibility. Likewise, you may have a great business idea, but if you lack discipline, that idea may never become a successful enterprise,” he said.
He, therefore, advised the youth not to be overly interested in acquiring skills and knowledge at the expense of their character, stressing that “you must concentrate on both to be able to excel in your respective fields”.
Digital age
Mr Opare Addo mentioned that the digital age had come to stay, especially artificial intelligence and blockchains, among others, and urged the youth to leverage them to find meaningful employment to contribute to the growth of the nation.
“Do not use your phones to engage in unproductive activities in today’s era of technological advancement. Rather, you can use the data to generate revenue and create employment for yourself,” he stated.
Digital transformation
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Ayariga, said digital technology had transformed work and communication among people, and their participation in public life and activities.
“A young person with a smartphone can now access knowledge, create content, mobilise people and reach audiences far beyond their community.
This is the power of technology, and we must know how to use it,” he said.
While advising the youth against using their mobile phones to watch what others had built, he encouraged them to rather use their devices to build the nation, urging them not to “wait for opportunity” but to “prepare for it so that when it comes, you are actually ready to embrace it”.
Equal attention
The Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Prof. Christian Agyare, said that as the youth acquired digital, entrepreneurial and professional skills, they should pay equal attention to their values and morals.
“There is nothing wrong with aspiring to wealth and success, but let your success be built on hard work, diligence, honesty, creativity and perseverance.
The charge to be diligent in whatever your hand finds to do remains relevant,” he stated.
Writer’s email:
