The Paramount Chief of the Enyan Abaasa Traditional Area and Vice President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs, Okoamankra Kwame Akonu X, has urged the youth to harness the power of social media to promote government policies, development initiatives, and positive community projects instead of engaging in activities that do not contribute meaningfully to society.
According to the chief, social media has become one of the most influential communication tools in modern society and should be used responsibly to support national development, educate the public, and create awareness about initiatives that improve the lives of citizens.
Okoamankra Kwame Akonu X made the call during the celebration of the 2026 Enyan Abaasa Ahobaa Festival and the official launch of the 2026 Akwambo Festival at Enyan Abaasa in the Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam District of the Central Region.
The colourful event brought together chiefs, opinion leaders, youth groups, residents, and invited dignitaries to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the area while discussing issues affecting community and national development.
Addressing the gathering, the Paramount Chief expressed concern about the growing trend where many young people spend excessive time on social media platforms engaging in insults, unnecessary arguments, and the spread of negative content.
He stressed that such practices do not contribute to personal growth or national progress and therefore encouraged the youth to rather use digital platforms to highlight developmental projects, government interventions, business opportunities, educational programmes, and other positive initiatives that can inspire others and improve society.
“Social media is a powerful tool that can help transform communities and the nation when used positively. The youth must use these platforms to educate people, promote development, and support policies that will benefit the country,” he stated.
The chief further called on residents of Enyan Abaasa to remain united and work together towards the progress and development of the community.
According to him, peace, unity, and cooperation are key ingredients needed for development, adding that communities can only thrive when residents support and encourage one another.
He advised community members to celebrate and support individuals who take initiatives that contribute to the growth of the town instead of pulling them down through jealousy and division.
Okoamankra Kwame Akonu X noted that hatred, unhealthy competition, and disunity often delay development in many communities and therefore appealed to residents to continue living in harmony and supporting one another in times of need.
In a related development, the Member of Parliament for the Kwesimintsim Constituency, Hon. Nicholas Fiifi Buckman Esq., also appealed to the youth to use social media responsibly and avoid insulting elders, traditional authorities, and national leaders on various online platforms.
Speaking during the event, the MP emphasized that discipline, humility, and respect for authority remain important values that every young person must uphold to succeed in life.
He encouraged the youth to learn from the experiences and wisdom of elders while maintaining the cultural values that define Ghanaian society.
Hon. Buckman expressed worry about the growing influence of social media on young people, indicating that excessive and irresponsible use of digital platforms is gradually causing some youth to lose touch with Ghana’s cultural heritage and moral values.
He therefore urged young people, especially those within the Enyan Abaasa Traditional Area, to remain disciplined, respect traditional authorities, and actively participate in preserving the customs and traditions of their communities.
The MP further encouraged the youth to use social media as a platform for education, entrepreneurship, networking, innovation, and community development rather than engaging in activities that could damage their future and reputation.
The celebration formed part of activities marking the 2026 Ahobaa Festival and the official launch of the upcoming Akwambo Festival, which seeks to promote unity, culture, peace, and development within the Enyan Abaasa Traditional Area.
Story by Yaw Boagyan
