"Knowledge without discipline cannot sustain development” – NYA Boss

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Abdulai Ayariga, has urged Ghanaian youth to combine knowledge, talent and innovation with discipline and strong moral values to drive sustainable national development.

Speaking at the official launch of the 2026 National Youth Month Celebration, Mr. Ayariga cautioned that intellectual ability and technological advancement alone cannot transform society without integrity, responsibility and patriotism.

He stated that while digitalisation has created unprecedented opportunities for learning, innovation, entrepreneurship and global engagement, it has also introduced challenges including misinformation, cyber insecurity, substance abuse, indiscipline and the erosion of societal values.

“Our shared values must remain the foundation upon which our future is built. Innovation without integrity cannot build a resilient nation. Knowledge without discipline cannot sustain development, and talent without patriotism cannot transform society,” the NYA Boss said.

Mr. Ayariga said the theme for this year's celebration, “Rebuilding Values, Inspiring Patriotism: Empowering the Youth in the Digital Age,” reflects the need to equip young people not only with technical skills but also with the character and values required to lead responsibly.

He emphasized that the mandate of the National Youth Authority goes beyond creating employment opportunities, adding that the Authority is committed to nurturing ethical leaders, responsible digital citizens and young patriots who prioritize national interest.

According to him, National Youth Month has evolved into a nationwide movement that provides platforms for youth participation in governance, entrepreneurship, innovation, volunteerism, peace-building and national development.

Mr. Ayariga outlined activities for the month-long celebration, including the National Voluntary and Community Service Day, youth engagements with religious leaders, the National Youth Conference at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the National Youth Parliament Sitting, an Inter-Agency Football Gala, an Inter-Generational Dialogue and the Red Means Stop Campaign 2026 aimed at combating substance abuse among young people.

He also announced that Ghana will host international youth platforms such as the TICAD Youth Drive and the Pan-African Youth Parliament for Democracy, which will provide opportunities for young people to engage with peers, policymakers and development partners from across Africa and beyond.

The NYA Chief Executive further called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, development partners, private sector actors, civil society organisations, traditional authorities, faith-based groups and the media to support youth development.

He encouraged young Ghanaians to recognise their role in shaping the country's future, stressing that their ideas, talents, voices and integrity remain critical to Ghana's transformation in the digital age.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith