Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority, Osman Ayariga, has warned that the growing misuse of social media by young people is eroding patriotism and weakening the values needed to build a stronger democracy.

Addressing the Christian Council of Ghana during National Youth Month celebrations, he said digital platforms should be used to educate, unite and inspire rather than spread insults, misinformation and hostility.

According to Mr Ayariga, the digital age has created unprecedented opportunities for young people to learn, innovate and participate in national development.

However, he noted that these opportunities are increasingly being overshadowed by irresponsible online conduct, including attacks on public officials, traditional leaders, religious figures and fellow citizens.

“Social media has given young people an extraordinary platform to learn, organise and speak up—and too often, we’re using it to insult public officials, chiefs, pastors and each other instead. Free speech is a right worth protecting. But it comes with a responsibility to speak truthfully and with some basic respect,” he said.

The NYA boss argued that patriotism is demonstrated not merely through symbolic gestures but through everyday actions, including obeying the law, rejecting corruption, protecting public property and treating others with dignity.

He added that constructive dialogue, rather than online abuse, is what strengthens democratic governance and national cohesion.

Mr Ayariga called on young Ghanaians to become responsible digital citizens by promoting truthful conversations and respectful engagement online.

“If we want to call ourselves patriotic, that has to show up in how we talk about our country and each other online, not just in how we treat the flag,” he said, urging the youth to embrace integrity, civility and accountability both offline and in the digital space.