National Youth Month Celebrations: NYA Pays Courtesy Call on Christian Council of Ghana

As part of activities marking National Youth Month, the National Youth Authority (NYA) paid a courtesy call on the Christian Council of Ghana to explore avenues for collaboration in promoting discipline and responsible citizenship among Ghanaian youth.

Speaking during the meeting, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority, Osman Ayariga Esq. stressed the importance of character development alongside digital and professional skills.

"A generation that is digitally brilliant but morally adrift cannot build the Ghana we want. We need young people who are as disciplined and honest as they are skilled," he said.

Mr. Ayariga  noted that while the digital age has provided young people with unprecedented opportunities to learn, organise, and express themselves, many have unfortunately used these platforms to insult public officials, traditional leaders, religious figures, and one another.

He emphasized that although freedom of speech is a fundamental right that must be protected, it should be exercised responsibly and respectfully.

He further stated that the National Youth Policy recognizes that youth development extends beyond education and employment to include citizenship, discipline, and the everyday values that strengthen society. According to him, these values include obeying the law, protecting public property, rejecting corruption, and treating others with dignity and respect regardless of their differences.

Mr Osman Ayariga Esq. therefore appealed to the Christian Council of Ghana to partner with the Authority in nurturing a responsible generation of young people.

"Let us raise young Ghanaians who choose integrity over shortcuts, service over self-interest, dialogue over violence, and truth over rumour. At the National Youth Authority, we will continue creating opportunities that empower young people economically and socially, but skills without character can only go so far. Talent without integrity is a liability, not an asset," he stated.

He also made a special appeal for a collective effort to raise a generation that is ambitious without being reckless, digitally connected without being careless with the truth, and confident while remaining open to correction.

Concluding his remarks, Mr Ayariga expressed gratitude to the Christian Council of Ghana for the warm reception and urged the Council to join hands with the Authority in restoring positive values among the youth and building the Ghana that everyone envisions.

In his response, the General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, Rev. Dr. Cyril G. K Fayose welcomed the delegation from the National Youth Authority and commended the Authority for the visit, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening collaboration between the two institutions.

He noted that the Christian Council has always been committed to the welfare and holistic development of Ghanaian youth. According to him, issues such as youth hooliganism, cybercrime, and the increasing use of abusive language among young people require urgent and sustained attention if the nation is to raise responsible future leaders.

The General Secretary assured the Authority that the Christian Council fully embraces its call to promote discipline and responsible citizenship among the youth. He added that the Council would mobilise its churches and regional structures to support the campaign and help spread the message across the country.

He further identified cybercrime as one of the major challenges confronting young people today and called for collaborative efforts to address the issue through education, mentorship, and moral guidance.

He concluded by expressing the Council's readiness to partner with the National Youth Authority, emphasizing that instilling discipline in the youth requires consistency, commitment, and sustained collaboration from all stakeholders