“Today, we have the largest global youth population in history, and the large majority of young people around the world are committed to peace, sustainable development, and human rights.

Throughout my career, I met with numerous youth groups, student associations, and young leaders, and I have always been struck by their talent, knowledge, and ambition to create a better world. With new forms of technology and interaction, your generation is also more open, cosmopolitan, and connected than any previous generation. For these reasons, I am confident that you will be able to do what my generation has not been able to accomplish”. Kofi Annan, former United Nations Secretary-General, speaking at the 2017 World Congress of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) in the Netherlands.

In an era of rapid technological advancement, the central theme designated by the United Nations for the 2024 International Youth Day, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” could not be more timely. This theme highlights the transformative potential of digital technology as a tool for youth empowerment, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable development.

As Ghana navigates the complexities of the 21st century, the necessity to leverage digital pathways for empowering the youth could not be more urgent. The youth of Ghana who currently constitute a significant proportion of the population as shown by the 2021 population and housing census figures, are not just the future, they are the present. When they are equipped with the needed digital skills, our country will be laying the foundation for a sustainable and prosperous future.

It is worth noting that digital literacy has become the cornerstone for sustainable development, thus the bedrock on which development in the digital age must be built. With the burgeoning Ghanaian youth population, ensuring that our young people are digitally literate is critical. This kind of digital literacy must go beyond the capability and capacity to utilise electronic gadgets but should encompass the understanding of digital tools, critical thinking in the digital space as well as the capacity to utilise technology for innovation and problem-solving.

Research indicates that digital skills have increasingly become a prerequisite for recruiting employees across various sectors globally. As such interventions that aim at enhancing digital literacy among the country’s youth are critical. Programmes that provide knowledge and skills in coding, data analysis, cybersecurity skills, and digital marketing, in particular, are relevant in preparing young people for the evolving labour market. Additionally, these skills empower the youth to be creative and innovative and could lead to the creation of new solutions and businesses to solve local problems and contribute simultaneously to the broader goal of realising sustainable development.

Furthermore, Ghanaian youth could catalyze digital transformation. Equipping the youth with digital skills will empower them to be potent agents of change. The contemporary Ghanaian youth have a natural affinity for technology, and coupled with their creativity and energy, this positions them to drive digital transformation across various sectors of the country’s economy at all levels. For instance, in the agricultural sector, a critical part of the Ghanaian economy, youth-led digital innovations are capable of enhancing productivity, improving supply chain efficiency as well as reducing post-harvest losses.

Also, in the health sector, digital platforms can be developed to improve access to healthcare services, particularly in remote areas. Just as the current deployment of drones to deliver critical health supplies such as medicine and blood infusions to hard to reach parts of the country, the adoption of telemedicine, health information systems, and mobile health applications are just a few examples of how technology can be leveraged to enhance health outcomes. A deliberate national action aimed at engaging the youth actively in these initiatives will not only address the immediate sectoral challenges but foster a generation of active citizens who are both digitally proficient and socially responsible.

From a policy perspective, there is a fundamental need to bridge the digital divide by formulating inclusive policies. Despite the immense potential of digital pathways for youth empowerment, it is pivotal that we acknowledge and address the persisting digital divide in Ghana. While the ongoing training of young people across the country by government agencies, the private sector, and non-governmental organisations is a good step, it is not sufficient enough to bridge the gap.

The existing digital divide is variously characterised by disparities in access to digital infrastructure, education, and opportunities between urban and rural areas, as well as between different socioeconomic groups. Bridging this divide in a sustainable manner requires policies that are inclusive and make digital resources equitably accessible. This can be done by the expansion of internet connectivity to underserved areas, providing affordable digital devices, and integrating digital literacy into the national education curriculum from an early age.

In addition, increased public-private partnerships can significantly drive investments in digital infrastructure and training programmes to reach the marginalised and most hard to reach parts of the country.

Ghana can utilise digital technologies to foster a culture of responsible digital citizenship. As the country’s youth become engrossed in the digital world, it is paramount to foster a culture of digital citizenship. The digital space offers countless opportunities, but at the same time presents challenges including misinformation, fake news, cyberbullying, and concerns about privacy. There is a need to educate the youth on the ethical use of digital tools and platforms, the importance of safeguarding personal data and information, and the fundamental need to verify information before sharing it is essential in building a productive and safe digital environment.

Finally, it is crucial to leverage digital technologies such as online platforms to promote civic engagement and active participation of the Ghanaian youth in governance. This will help in shaping not only a digitally savvy generation but also a generation that is actively involved in civic activities and deepening democratic governance in the country. These platforms amplify the voices of the youth to share their opinions on national issues and contribute to policy discourse as well as be able to hold leaders at all levels accountable.

The 2024 International Youth Day theme “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development” deeply resonates with Ghana’s aspirations for a sustainable future. Investments in digital literacy, fostering innovation, bridging the digital divide, and promoting responsible digital citizenship, will create the enabling environment to empower Ghanaian youth to become the architects of a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous country. As we join the United Nations and other actors in the comity of nations to celebrate International Youth Day 2024, we must be committed to the creation of an enabling environment where every click by a young Ghanaian is a step towards progress for our nation.