Osman Ayariga and National Chief Imam Lead Push for Youth Moral Renewal and Social Media Safeguards

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Ayariga, has launched a nationwide appeal to religious leaders, families, and educational stakeholders to prioritize character formation and moral values in the development of Ghana’s youth. In a series of high-level engagements, including a visit to the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr. Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, and a presentation to the Christian Council of Ghana, Ayariga emphasized that while skills and technology are essential for the modern world, they could undermine national development if not anchored by strong moral character. The National Chief Imam echoed these sentiments, urging the youth to shun drug abuse and focus on discipline, offering his blessings for the upcoming National Youth Conference aimed at fostering dialogue among young people from diverse backgrounds.

Complementing these calls for moral reform, the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has proposed bold legislative measures to address rising indiscipline within the digital space. NUGS President Rashid Ibrahim is advocating for a government-mandated ban on social media use for children under the age of 15. Citing similar restrictions in countries such as France, Australia, and Indonesia, Ibrahim argued that unrestricted digital access is a primary driver of misconduct and moral decay among students. He stressed that without stricter parental control and legal safeguards, the influence of social media would continue to erode the discipline required for academic and personal success.

Broader discussions during a recent inter-faith dialogue in Accra further highlighted the systemic issues contributing to youth indiscipline, including parental neglect and inadequate supervision in schools. Panelists, including representatives from the Catholic Bishops' Conference, called for a return to strengthened family values and greater autonomy for mission schools to implement faith-based character training. Some contributors even suggested the reintroduction of corporal punishment and harsher sanctions for rule breaches to restore order in educational institutions. The consensus among these various stakeholders is clear: a collaborative effort between the state, religious organizations, and the family unit is the only viable path to raising a generation that balances technical proficiency with integrity.

These initiatives are set to converge at the upcoming National Youth Conference, where the NYA intends to bring together policymakers and youth leaders to formalize a roadmap for development. As Ghana navigates the complexities of the digital age under the administration of President John Mahama, the focus on moral discipline is being framed as a matter of national security and economic stability. By integrating religious leadership into the conversation and addressing the influence of technology, stakeholders hope to ensure that the country's youth remain the cornerstone of a prosperous and disciplined society.