By Philip Tengzu
Wa, (UW/R), Aug. 19, GNA- Some youth in the Upper West Region have appealed to the government and stakeholders in the digital technology space to increase investment in infrastructure and initiatives to ensure equitable access irrespective of one’s geographic location.
They recognised that digital technology was not just a tool, but a catalyst for change and key to navigating the challenges of the 21st century.
It has therefore become imperative to equip the youth with the digital skills necessary to drive sustainable development across various sectors of the economy including agriculture, education, and entrepreneurship.
This was in a communique by the youth in Wa during a regional conference to commemorate this year’s International Youth Day (IYD) on the theme: From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development”.
A coalition of youth networks and youth-led organisations including Coalition for Positive Impact, Curious Minds Ghana, MAGVIN Research Institute, and Necessary Aid Alliance among others organised the conference in partnership with the Wa Municipal Directorate of the National Youth Authority, Ghana Library Authority, and KHARD Global Limited.
“While the potential of digital technologies is immense, it is also important to acknowledge the disparities that exist in access to these tools.
The digital divide remains a significant barrier to progress, particularly in rural areas”, the communique said.
It commended the efforts of young entrepreneurs and innovators who were using digital technologies to address local challenges.
The youth reaffirmed their commitment to advancing digital pathways for sustainable development as they look forward to creating a better future for all.
“We call on the government, private sector, civil society, and development partners to collaborate with us in creating an enabling environment for digital innovation.
This includes policy reforms, investment in digital infrastructure, and the establishment of platforms for knowledge sharing and capacity building”, the communique emphasised.
Mr Abass Ridwan Dauda, a former Member of Parliament for the Sissala East Constituency, in an address, stressed the importance of digital technology in bridging the unemployment gap in the country.
He explained that enhancing the digital skills of the youth in the country would enable them to transition into the digital age of the 21st century and participate actively in the sector to contribute to national development.
The event, which was to celebrate the strides made in digital innovation, also sought to highlight the crucial role of young people in harnessing digital technologies for social and economic progress and for job creation.
Scores of young people including students and youth activists attended the conference, which featured panel discussions on; Youth Digital Pathways in Advancing the SDGs”, speeches and networking among the youth.
GNA