The Ghana Developing Communities Association (GDCA), a non-governmental organization, has held its annual Denmark Seminar focusing on youth and digitization/new media and how this can be harnessed for the development of the country.

The seminar was also to stimulate action among policy-makers, development actors and the general public to recognize and take pragmatic measures to improve the usage of technology/new media to accelerate national development.

This year’s Denmark Seminar, a two-day event, which ended at Dalun in the Kumbungu District of the Northern Region, was the 25th in the series, and it was attended by representatives from public institutions, civil society organizations, youth groups, community-based organizations and traditional leaders.

Topics discussed at the event included “Traditions and Culture and Social Media in Northern Ghana”, “Social Media: Friend or Foe”, “Youth, Social Media and Education in Denmark”, and “Youth Speaking up”.

Dr Osman Al-Hassan, Chairman of GDCA said “Digitization/technology is a great weapon which must be used wisely by the youth for the right purpose to promote the development of ourselves, our communities and the nation at large.”

Dr Al-Hassan said the Ghana Information, and Communication Technology for Accelerated Development Policy and the recent introduction of various initiatives including the paperless port operations presented opportunities for the youth hence the discussions to guide them on how to use such platforms.

Mr salifu Saeed, Northern Regional Minister, whose speech was read on his behalf, spoke about various initiatives by the government to promote digitization in the country for the benefit of all urging the youth to use social media productively.

Mr Saeed commended GDCA for its contributions to promote good governance as well improving the lives of the citizenry especially in rural areas of the country.

Mr Gyan Ansah, Northern Regional Director of National Youth Authority, whose speech was read on his behalf, said social media was a useful tool but advised the youth to be mindful of what information they posted on such platforms such that they would not be abused.

Bagzaa-Naa Alhassan Issahaku Amadu, Chief of Zangbalun, who chaired the event, said the youth needed to be properly coached to use the internet productively to avoid negative practices acquired from the internet.

The Denmark Seminar is an initiative of GDCA and its Danish counterpart; Ghana Friends and it amongst others deliberates on topical issues that affect national development.