The Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), Professor Christian Agyare, has reaffirmed the University’s commitment to youth development and national transformation ahead of the National Youth Authority’s (NYA) National Youth Conference at KNUST.
Professor Agyare made the commitment when he received the Chief Executive Officer of the NYA, Mr Osman Ayariga, during a courtesy call ahead of the conference.
The conference, which will commence on August 12 to commemorate International Youth Day, is expected to bring together young people from Ghana’s 16 regions.
Mr Ayariga said the visit was to formally engage the Vice-Chancellor and reaffirm the longstanding partnership between the National Youth Authority and KNUST in preparation for the national event.
He expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor and University Management for their support and responsiveness in facilitating arrangements for the conference.
Mr Ayariga, an alumnus of KNUST, said the National Youth Authority was mandated to promote the holistic development of young people through programmes that foster skills development, civic responsibility, patriotism, democratic participation and employability.
He said the conference would provide a platform for young people to engage in meaningful dialogue on national development issues and contribute ideas to help shape policies and programmes targeting Ghana’s youth.
According to him, this year’s conference will place particular emphasis on the responsible use of digital technologies and social media, encouraging young people to harness the platforms positively, ethically and productively.
Mr Ayariga said the Authority was also engaging KNUST faculty members and other experts to facilitate discussions on emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and its ethical application.
"Artificial intelligence has arrived at a pivotal moment. The real challenge is not the technology itself, but ensuring that it is used ethically and responsibly, especially across social media and other digital platforms," he said.
Professor Agyare expressed KNUST’s readiness to support initiatives that empower young people and contribute to national development.
"I am particularly delighted that the Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority is an alumnus of KNUST. It demonstrates the University's capacity to produce graduates who go on to provide leadership in key national institutions and contribute meaningfully to Ghana's development," he said.
The Vice-Chancellor said KNUST’s core mandate of educating, training and nurturing future leaders aligned closely with the objectives of the National Youth Authority, making the partnership a natural one.
He also underscored the growing importance of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, stressing the need to equip young people with the technical competencies required to thrive in the digital age as well as the ethical values necessary for their responsible use.
Professor Agyare reaffirmed KNUST’s commitment to contributing its expertise, research and innovation to national initiatives that promote youth empowerment, leadership development and sustainable national transformation.
Story: Abigail Ofori Photos: Isaac Kwaku Duah
