The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Abdulai Ayariga, has challenged Ghanaian youth to transition from being mere passive consumers of online content to active creators of innovative businesses and digital solutions that drive national development.

Speaking at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Mr. Ayariga urged young people to harness the power of modern technology to build wealth, solve local challenges, and prepare themselves for global opportunities.

His remarks were delivered during the opening ceremony of a three-day National Youth Conference organized under the theme: "Rebuilding Values, Inspiring Patriotism: Empowering The Youth."

Ayariga emphasized that the conference was deliberately structured to provide young people with a direct platform to shape conversations regarding their future. He urged participants to redefine how they interact with technology daily.

“Don't use your phone only to watch other people build, learn to build too. Don't only scroll, create. Don't only complain but contribute. Don't only wait for the opportunity, prepare for it,” Mr. Ayariga charged the youth.

He stressed that while digital tools offer unprecedented potential, core values such as integrity, discipline, respect, and responsibility must continuously guide the conduct of young people both online and offline.

Rejecting the narrative that young people are a burden to the nation, Mr. Ayariga declared that the youth represent Ghana’s most critical force for economic and social transformation. He assured participants that the NYA will continue to deepen its collaboration with government agencies, development partners, civil society, academia, and the private sector to expand economic avenues for the youth.

Corroborating the NYA CEO's call, the Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Professor Christian Agyare, described the conference theme as highly timely, particularly in an era dominated by Artificial Intelligence (AI), social media, and digital enterprise.

Prof. Agyare cautioned that while technological skills are essential, they must be anchored in strong moral character and patriotism.

“Skills without integrity can be misused, and knowledge without character can become destructive,” Prof. Agyare warned.

The Vice-Chancellor strongly admonished the youth to reject the pervasive "get-rich-quick" mentality that threatens societal values. Instead, he urged them to build sustainable, long-term success through honesty, creativity, perseverance, and hard work.

Prof Agyare emphasized that genuine patriotism requires young people to actively contribute to their communities, respect public institutions, and apply their unique talents to solve national problems. He reaffirmed KNUST's commitment to supporting initiatives that produce practical, transformative outcomes for young Ghanaians across the country.