Executive Council Member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and Manager of the Asamoah Gyan Brand, Samuel Anim Addo, has expressed concern over what he describes as the gradual erosion of Ghana's traditional values, warning that the country's declining culture of discipline and respect is negatively affecting national development.

According to the sports entrepreneur and boxing promoter, Ghana's older generations were nurtured on strong moral values, respect for elders and patience, principles which he believes played a significant role in shaping responsible citizens.

Speaking on Joy FM's Personality Profile with Lexis Bill on Thursday, August 6, Mr Anim Addo said those values have steadily weakened, particularly among the younger generation, who are increasingly influenced by digital platforms rather than guidance from parents, teachers and society.

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"Growing up, discipline and respecting the elderly, whoever it is, whether it's your father or not or your brother, were key. We were saying that we were the bad boys, like the boys who ran away and went through this, but we never went away from discipline and being respectful. I think that was the key thing. That also brought me to where I am now," he said.

He argued that Ghana's cultural norms and traditional systems of socialisation once served as effective tools for instilling discipline and protecting communities, but these have gradually faded.

"I think it's a generational thing, and I think we are losing; the nation itself is losing how to preserve our taboos and norms to use them to educate our generational kids. Because remember those days, even galamsey (illegal mining), if it was those days, you wouldn't do galamsey because they would tell you that you can't go to the river at this time. If you need to go to the riverside, you need to do A, B, or C. You shouldn't litter in those days," he stated.

Mr Anim Addo observed that schools also played a stronger role in character formation in the past through civic education, patriotic activities and the reinforcement of national values.

"Even in school, when we go to school, we do the anthem and the pledge. 'I pledge my honour,' those things. And the orientation we had those days looks like these days it's all about the kids going through the internet, learning things on their own, thinking that they can do things on their own without any guide, and wanting to jump to the top," he said.

He further expressed concern about what he described as declining standards in vocational training and apprenticeship, attributing poor workmanship in some sectors to a lack of patience among young artisans.

Recalling the structured apprenticeship system of the past, Mr Anim Addo said young people were expected to undergo rigorous training, observe discipline and earn the confidence of their masters before graduating.

"Those who are into plumbing, the masons, the mechanics, even tailors... they will say that you have to be ushered in; before you go out, you need to be ushered out. Your boss, your mechanic boss, will teach you. These days, they are not ready. So if you watch those who are working as artisans and those who do the handiwork, most of them give us shoddy work because they don't have the patience to learn," he said.

He maintained that the declining culture of perseverance and mentorship was contributing to broader societal challenges.

"Patience to learn is also something we are missing. We are losing that, and it's affecting a lot of things in our society," he added.

Mr Anim Addo's comments add to ongoing national discussions on youth development, civic responsibility and the role of families, schools and traditional institutions in preserving Ghana's cultural values while preparing young people to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world.