National Youth Conference 2026: Opare-Addo Calls For Digital Skills, Hard Work And National Pride.

Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. George Opare-Addo Esq., has called on Ghana’s youth to embrace digital skills while remaining committed to hard work, integrity, discipline and national pride.

The Minister made the call at the ongoing National Youth Conference 2026 at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Great Hall in Kumasi.

In his address, Hon. Opare-Addo said rebuilding the values of hard work, integrity and patriotism was as important as equipping young people with digital skills needed to compete in the global economy.

He said the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment was committed to implementing a digital-age agenda that would ensure Ghanaian youth acquired relevant technological skills without losing sight of their values and identity.

The Minister also expressed concern about the high cost of hostel accommodation, which he said was placing an additional financial burden on university students.

Hon. Opare-Addo assured students that he would raise the issue with President John Dramani Mahama for serious consideration and action to address the challenges surrounding accommodation costs.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority, Mr. Osman A. Ayariga Esq., has urged young people to combine their digital talents with patriotism, discipline and integrity.

Speaking at the National Youth Conference, Mr. Ayariga said Ghana had a growing pool of talented young people capable of developing innovative applications and digital platforms, but stressed that such talents must be directed towards the development of the country.

He added that knowledge without discipline could not sustain a digital economy, urging young people to combine their digital skills and ideas with honesty, responsibility and a strong sense of purpose.

In a related development, the Vice Chancellor of KNUST, Professor Christian Agyare, has cautioned the youth against embracing a “get-rich-quick” mentality.

Speaking at the launch of the National Youth Conference in Kumasi, Prof. Agyare urged young people to pursue success through hard work, integrity and perseverance, rather than seeking quick wealth.

He stressed that skills and knowledge must be supported by strong moral values and good character if young people are to make meaningful contributions to national development.

The National Youth Conference 2026 is bringing together young people, policymakers, educational leaders and stakeholders to discuss youth development, digital skills, entrepreneurship, civic responsibility and the role of the youth in Ghana’s development.

Story by Bismark Mensah@A/R.