Award-winning journalist and General Manager of Citi FM and Citi TV, Bernard Koku Avle, has issued a powerful call to the youth, urging them not to let academic pursuits dampen their zeal for activism and social change.

Speaking at the Annual Akoto-Ampaw Active Citizenship Dialogue in Accra, he expressed concern over the growing trend of young intellectuals becoming disengaged from national issues as they climb the academic ladder, particularly after studying abroad.

“The more you go higher in academia, especially outside Ghana, it is very difficult to be engaged in activism,” Mr Avle warned.

“But education should not kill your activism. If anything, it should fuel your desire to push for a better Ghana.”

The dialogue, organized by STAR-Ghana Foundation under the theme “Intergenerational Dialogue on Active Citizenship in Ghana: Lessons and Opportunities for the Future,” brought together thought leaders, civil society organisations (CSOs), scholars, and youth activists to explore ways to strengthen civic engagement across generations.

Avle underscored young people's vital role in shaping national discourse but lamented the vacuum left when passionate individuals lose their fire after academic success.

“There’s a growing disconnect when young people travel abroad, attain higher degrees, and suddenly detach from the issues they once spoke passionately about. That vacuum affects the advocacy space in Ghana,” he said.

He stressed that true national progress requires intellectuals to channel their knowledge toward social reform. “Your degree is not just for personal gain,” Mr Avle noted.

“It’s a tool to help you better understand systems and challenge the status quo.”

Addressing the power of technology, Mr Avle emphasized the transformative role of social media in modern activism.

“If you look at how movements have been built in the last decade, social media has played a crucial role in shaping narratives and influencing policies,” he stated.

He encouraged young activists to leverage digital platforms to amplify their voices, build networks, and hold leaders accountable.

Acknowledging the challenges facing active citizenship—including economic hardship, political polarization, and fear of victimisation—Avle urged the youth not to be silenced.

“Many fear backlash, but staying silent only enables the problems to persist,” he stated.

“Stay woke, stay vocal!”

Ibrahim Tanko Amidu, Executive Director of STAR-Ghana Foundation, highlighted the importance of such dialogues in fostering effective citizenship.

“Dialogue is key, but it must be backed by strong partnerships and a commitment to shared goals,” Amidu said. He announced plans for the Ghana Civil Society Forum in June, a national platform for CSOs to engage policymakers.

Mr Amidu further encouraged the youth to build on past lessons while innovating their approaches to advocacy.

“Your creativity is your strength. Use it to push boundaries and drive meaningful change,” he urged.

As the dialogue paid tribute to the late Akoto-Ampaw’s legacy of human rights advocacy, Avle called on young Ghanaians to carry that mantle forward.

“We need a new generation of voices willing to speak truth to power,” he concluded. “The fight for transparency, accountability, and good governance belongs to you. Don’t sit it out.”