National Youth Authority (NYA) Chief Executive Officer, Osman Ayariga, has called for a national recommitment to rebuilding the moral values of young people, warning that increasing incidents of violence in schools are undermining Ghana’s future.

Speaking at an event organised by the Christian Council of Ghana as part of National Youth Month, Mr Ayariga said youth development must go beyond education and employment to include discipline, integrity and responsible citizenship. The programme was held on the theme: “Rebuilding Values, Inspiring Patriotism: Empowering the Youth in the Digital Age.”

Mr Ayariga expressed concern over recent violent incidents involving students, including the assault of the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School over unverified allegations of ritual practices.

He also cited separate attacks at Kade Senior High Technical School, clashes involving Obrachire Senior High Technical School and Swedru School of Business, as well as violence following a sports festival involving students of Aggrey Memorial and Adisadel College.

“We’ve seen different schools, different triggers, but the same pattern—a shrinking capacity for young people to disagree, lose, or feel wronged without resorting to violence. Our schools should be building character alongside academic results, not becoming places where fists settle what conversation should,” he stated.

The NYA CEO stressed that while digital skills and technological advancement remain essential, they cannot replace strong moral foundations.

“A generation that is digitally brilliant but morally adrift cannot build the Ghana we want. We need young people who are as disciplined and honest as they are skilled,” he said, urging parents, teachers, religious leaders and government institutions to collectively nurture responsible young citizens.

Mr Ayariga appealed to the Christian Council of Ghana to intensify its efforts in promoting discipline, respect for authority and peaceful conflict resolution through churches, youth fellowships and media platforms.

He maintained that rebuilding the conscience of young people would require sustained collaboration between families, religious bodies, schools and government, adding that Ghana’s future depends on raising a generation that chooses integrity over violence and truth over rumours.