Chief of Staff urges digitally responsible youth as Abor SHS marks 60years

The Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Hon. Julius Debrah, has called for a renewed focus on digital competence anchored in strong indigenous values as Ghana positions its youth for global competitiveness.

He made the call in a speech delivered on his behalf by Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations and former Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, at the 60th anniversary celebration of Abor Senior High School in the Volta Region.

Addressing a large gathering of traditional authorities, alumni, teachers, students and invited guests, Hon. Afriyie-Ankrah conveyed the Chief of Staff’s congratulations to the school for six decades of what he described as “legacy, discipline, sacrifice and transformation.”

He said the 60-year milestone was not only a celebration of the past, but also a moment to prepare students for the future.

Speaking on the theme, “60 Years of Impactful Journey: Providing Transformative Secondary Education through Indigenous Values and 21st Century Skills,” Hon. Afriyie-Ankrah emphasised that education in the 21st century must go beyond textbooks and examinations.

He noted that the world had changed dramatically over the past decade, with digital skills now determining employability, technology driving innovation and global competition becoming more intense.

“A student in Abor today is competing not only with peers in Ghana, but with students in Europe, Asia and America — not just in examinations, but in ideas, creativity and digital competence,” he stated.

He stressed that certificates alone were no longer sufficient, and urged schools to equip students with practical digital skills, critical thinking abilities and entrepreneurial mindsets.

Hon. Afriyie-Ankrah, on behalf of Hon. Debrah, described the current generation of young people as the most empowered in history because of access to digital tools and global information.

“With a smartphone, you have access to global knowledge. With social media, you can build influence. With digital skills, you can create opportunity,” he said.

He encouraged students to see social media not merely as a source of entertainment, but as a marketplace, a classroom, a branding platform and a leadership tool.

He therefore urged educational institutions to prioritise digital literacy, responsible social media engagement, online professionalism, innovation and content creation.

“Our students must become creators, not just consumers,” he added.

While advocating digital transformation, Hon. Afriyie-Ankrah underscored the importance of preserving Ghanaian values.

He cautioned that technology without character could be dangerous and influence without discipline could be destructive.

He said respect, humility, integrity, community spirit and responsibility must guide how young people use digital platforms, adding that the goal was to produce not only digitally skilled students, but digitally responsible citizens.

“Your online presence must reflect your upbringing. Your digital voice must reflect your discipline,” he advised.

Government’s commitment
Hon. Julius Debrah, through Hon. Afriyie-Ankrah, reiterated Government’s commitment to expanding digital access and promoting innovation across the country, noting that infrastructure alone would not guarantee success without the determination and discipline of students.

He urged Abor Senior High School to continue evolving by combining academic excellence with moral formation, digital competence and entrepreneurial thinking.

“Let Abor Senior High School produce not only graduates, but digital innovators; not only certificate holders, but problem solvers; not only social media users, but responsible digital leaders,” he said.

The event was attended by several high-profile personalities, including the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Member of Parliament for Akatsi South, Bernard Ahiafor, an alumnus of the school.

Also present were the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu; the Member of Parliament for Keta, Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey; and John Dumelo, who represented the Minister for Food and Agriculture.

The Deputy Director of the National Health Insurance Authority, Dr Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, represented the Chief Executive of the Authority, while the Chairman for the occasion was Togbi Kposegee IV, a prominent traditional ruler in the Amugo-Vego Traditional Area.

In a goodwill message, speakers commended the school for its contributions to national development over the past six decades and expressed confidence that, with the right blend of values and digital skills, it would continue to shape leaders for Ghana and beyond.

The celebration was marked by cultural displays, citations and renewed commitments by alumni and stakeholders to support the school’s development agenda.