The Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment has called for renewed efforts to rebuild positive values and strengthen patriotism among young people as Ghana joins the global community to commemorate International Youth Day.
The Ministry, in a statement issued on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, said this year’s celebration is being observed under the global theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” with Ghana adopting the national theme “Rebuilding Values, Inspiring Patriotism: Empowering the Youth in the Digital Age.”
According to the Ministry, the themes recognise the different circumstances in which young people live while highlighting their shared aspirations for quality education, meaningful employment, innovation, dignity, inclusion and a better future.
It said the national theme complements the global focus by placing emphasis on rebuilding positive values, strengthening patriotism and equipping young people with the digital skills and opportunities needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
The Ministry said this is necessary to nurture a generation of responsible, innovative and civic-minded citizens capable of using digital transformation to contribute to national development.
The Ministry noted that young people across urban centres, rural communities, educational institutions, workplaces and entrepreneurial ecosystems continue to demonstrate resilience, creativity and determination.
It said their contributions to Ghana’s development are already evident in areas including business, technology, agriculture, the arts, sports, public service and community leadership.
The Ministry stressed that young people should not be viewed merely as future leaders, but as active agents of change who are already driving solutions to local and national challenges.
“These contributions,” the Ministry said, are helping to advance Ghana’s social and economic transformation.
As part of the government’s vision for youth empowerment, the Ministry said it remains committed to expanding opportunities for skills development and lifelong learning.
It also identified several other priority areas, including supporting youth entrepreneurship and innovation, promoting decent employment and economic inclusion, and strengthening youth participation in governance and civic engagement.
The Ministry further said it would continue advancing mental health awareness and psychosocial support for young people.
It emphasised that these interventions are intended to ensure that young people have the skills, opportunities and support needed to participate meaningfully in national development.
The Ministry also called for greater collaboration among government institutions, the private sector, development partners, civil society organisations, educational institutions and communities to create an environment where every young person can thrive.
It said efforts must be made to ensure that no young person is left behind, regardless of their location, gender, ability or socioeconomic background.
According to the Ministry, Ghana’s local theme also calls on stakeholders to work together to rebuild the values of integrity, discipline, hard work and patriotism, while empowering young people to harness opportunities presented by the digital age responsibly and productively.
The Ministry encouraged young people to continue pursuing excellence, embracing innovation and contributing meaningfully to national development.
It said Ghana’s differences in experiences and circumstances should be seen as a source of strength, while common aspirations can serve as a basis for unity and collective action.
The Ministry expressed the hope that by rebuilding values, inspiring patriotism and empowering young people in the digital age, Ghana can build a more prosperous, inclusive and resilient society where every young person has the opportunity to realise their full potential.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Mavis Fantevi