Omanghana
Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has called on young Africans to use digital platforms and social media to promote peace, unity and constructive public discussion.
Speaking to young leaders and media professionals, the vice president said technology has provided the youth with unprecedented opportunities to contribute to national and global conversations.
She noted, however, that the effect of digital technology on society depends largely on how people use it and the type of content they share.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang cautioned young people against using social media to promote division, hate speech, disinformation and prejudice based on ethnicity, politics or social identity.
She urged users to examine information carefully before sharing it, stressing that misleading content can create tension, damage reputations and undermine public trust.
The vice president said responsible digital citizenship requires users to consider the possible consequences of their online actions. She encouraged young Africans to verify information and avoid participating in the circulation of unconfirmed claims.
She also drew attention to the relationship between technology, national security and democratic stability. According to her, digital platforms can strengthen democracy by expanding civic participation and giving citizens access to information.
However, she warned that the same platforms could become threats to social cohesion if they are exploited to spread falsehoods, inflame political disagreements or deepen existing divisions.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang maintained that peace and stability are essential to Africa’s development. She said countries require a secure and united environment to attract investment, create jobs and achieve sustainable economic growth.
She therefore encouraged content creators, activists, journalists and ordinary social media users to make digital spaces more constructive and inclusive.
The vice president urged them to use their platforms to promote cross-cultural understanding, showcase positive community initiatives and advocate for governance systems that include people from different social and economic backgrounds.
She further called on young people to recognise the influence they possess through online engagement and to use that influence responsibly.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said Africa’s youth should not view social media merely as a platform for entertainment or personal expression. Instead, they should also recognise its potential to advance social change, encourage dialogue and strengthen relations among communities.
She challenged young Africans to become ambassadors of peace in digital spaces by resisting inflammatory narratives and promoting content that unites rather than divides.
The vice president’s appeal reflects growing concern about the spread of online misinformation and hate speech, particularly during periods of political or social tension.
She stressed that building peaceful societies requires collective responsibility, with young people playing a central role because of their significant presence and influence across digital platforms.
Source: Omanghana
