Religious and Civil Society Leaders Launch Nationwide Youth Mentorship Initiatives on Digital Ethics and Talent

Leading religious and civil society organizations in Ghana have launched a series of educational summits and conferences aimed at equipping the youth with the tools to navigate the digital age while maintaining moral integrity. From the Upper West Region to Northern Ghana, organizations including the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, the Association of Northern Ghana Regular Baptist Churches (ANGRBC), and the Star Ghana Foundation are emphasizing the dual necessity of technological proficiency and ethical discipline. These coordinated efforts seek to transform how young Ghanaians engage with emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital platforms, ensuring they contribute positively to national development and social cohesion.

During the National Convention of Majlis Ansarullah in Wa, Ameer Maulvi Noor Mohammed Bin Salih and Upper West Regional Minister Charles Lwanga Puozuing warned against the rising tide of religious intolerance and misinformation fueled by digital platforms. They urged community elders to mentor the youth in "responsible digital citizenship," emphasizing that morality must guide digital practices to preserve national peace. Similarly, at the ANGRBC Youth Conference held at Times Baptist Junior High School, Chairman Rev. Dr. Timothy Seidu cautioned that while technology and AI are resources for education and worship, excessive smartphone use risks diminishing critical thinking skills and fostering digital addiction. Youth President Nicodemus Sorikuong highlighted the goal of training young believers to become "digital evangelists" who use technology for spiritual growth rather than mere entertainment.

Parallel to these religious efforts, the Star Ghana Foundation, in partnership with the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) and the Dynamic Works Foundation, hosted the "Adolescent with Talent Summit." Focused on the theme "Igniting the Adolescent’s 3Ps: Purpose, Potential, Power," the event highlighted the importance of empowering local civil society organizations (CSOs) to lead development efforts. Sarah Adjei of Star Ghana and Gloria Cann of Dynamic Works Foundation called for increased support for young talents, particularly in the creative industries, through initiatives like the Catalyst Fund, which supports system development and visibility for local organizations.

The collective message from these diverse gatherings is clear: the future of Ghana depends on a youth population that is both technologically savvy and ethically grounded. By training young citizens to navigate the complexities of AI and encouraging adolescents to harness their creative potential, these organizations are building a framework for sustainable development. Leaders across all sectors concluded that mentorship and the responsible use of digital tools are the primary safeguards against the moral decay and social fragmentation that can accompany rapid technological change.