Osman Ayariga, the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana’s National Youth Authority (NYA), delivered a compelling message at the Christian Dialogue with the Youth, an event held at the Empowerment Worship Center in Dzorwulu. He called upon religious leaders to broaden their traditional focus on spiritual salvation to encompass the vital aspects of patriotism and civic responsibility. Ayariga emphasized the crucial role of discipline and national values in shaping the youth, positioning these qualities as fundamental pillars for Ghana’s sustainable development and progress. The dialogue was a key component of the 2025 National Youth Festival, a month-long initiative orchestrated by the NYA with the overarching goal of empowering and engaging young Ghanaians. Ayariga’s appeal highlighted the need for a multifaceted approach to youth development, integrating spiritual growth with a strong sense of national identity and civic duty.
Ayariga’s call to action underscored the belief that religious institutions, with their established influence and reach within communities, are uniquely positioned to contribute significantly to national development by nurturing these essential qualities in young people. He stressed that the development of character, responsible citizenship, and a deep-seated sense of national belonging are as crucial as spiritual salvation, particularly during this critical period in Ghana’s history. This integrated approach, he argued, would create a generation of young citizens equipped not only with strong moral compasses but also with a profound commitment to their nation’s progress. The NYA, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, dedicated the entire month of August to celebrating and uplifting Ghanaian youth, aligning these efforts with a broader national development agenda.
Hon. George Opare Addo, the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, further elaborated on the government’s comprehensive youth strategy, outlining key focus areas: health and well-being, education and skills development, civic engagement, and the cultivation of globally competitive leadership qualities. These interconnected pillars, he explained, form the foundation of a robust and future-oriented approach to youth development, designed to empower young Ghanaians to thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape. He emphasized the importance of a “reset” in mindset, a fundamental shift in perspective that he believed was essential for national progress. This “Reset Agenda,” as he termed it, called for a collective effort from all Ghanaians to embrace new ways of thinking and acting, aligning individual aspirations with national goals.
To facilitate this transformative shift, the Minister announced a significant initiative: a six-week military orientation program for 10,000 National Service Personnel. This program, he explained, aims to instill discipline, cultivate a stronger work ethic, and foster a deeper sense of national service among young Ghanaians. By immersing these young individuals in a structured and disciplined environment, the government aims to nurture a generation committed to contributing meaningfully to national development. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to investing in the development of well-rounded citizens equipped with the skills and values needed to drive progress across various sectors.
Addressing a pressing societal concern, Minister Opare Addo also highlighted the growing menace of drug abuse among Ghanaian youth, urging faith-based organizations to actively participate in the “Red Means Stop” campaign, a national initiative designed to combat substance abuse. He emphasized the alarming statistics related to drug abuse, underscoring the urgency of a collective response to this growing threat. The minister recognized the vital role that religious institutions, rehabilitation centers, and community organizations can play in prevention, intervention, and support services related to drug abuse, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders.
The Christian Dialogue with the Youth served as one of the many impactful events organized within the framework of the National Youth Festival. These strategically curated activities collectively aimed to emphasize the crucial roles of faith, discipline, and civic responsibility in shaping a more conscious and patriotic younger generation. The festival’s diverse programming reflected a holistic approach to youth development, incorporating elements of spiritual guidance, character building, skill development, and national service. By fostering a sense of national pride, instilling strong values, and providing opportunities for meaningful engagement, the National Youth Festival aimed to empower young Ghanaians to become active and responsible citizens, contributing meaningfully to their communities and the nation’s overall development.
