Accra: Mr Bernard Koku Avle, an award-winning journalist, has called on Ghanaians, particularly the youth, to maintain a balance between their academic achievements and their passion for activism. He cautioned against allowing educational pursuits to overshadow their commitment to social change.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Avle expressed concerns that many individuals lose their zeal for societal transformation as they progress academically, especially after acquiring international education, which makes ongoing activism increasingly challenging. Speaking at the Annual Akoto-Ampaw Active Citizenship Dialogue in Accra, he highlighted the difficulties scholars face in balancing academia with activism.
The dialogue, organized by STAR-Ghana Foundation, was themed 'Intergenerational Dialogue on Active Citizenship in Ghana: Lessons and Opportunities for the Future.' The event serves as a platform for discussing governance, democracy, and civic engagement. This year's dialogue emphasized the urgent need for Ghanaian youth to embrace active citizenship, ensuring that the fight for transparency and accountability is not solely left to older generations.
Mr Avle, also the General Manager of Citi FM and Citi TV, noted a concerning trend where young intellectuals become disengaged from national issues and activism after studying abroad. This disconnect, he argued, leaves a gap in Ghana's advocacy space, depriving national conversations of critical voices necessary for reform and accountability.
He urged students and young professionals to integrate their academic growth with their passion for social change, asserting that true development is achieved when intellectualism is directed towards national progress. Mr Avle emphasized the importance of intergenerational dialogue in fostering a robust civic society, where experiences and knowledge are shared across different age groups.
Highlighting the obstacles to active citizenship, he mentioned economic hardships, political polarization, and fear of victimization as significant barriers. Despite these challenges, he noted that social media has become a powerful tool for activism, enabling young people to express concerns, mobilize support, and hold leaders accountable.
Mr Avle encouraged activists to strategically use digital platforms to ensure their voices are heard and called on young professionals and students to remain committed to change by staying informed, building networks, and collaborating with others to amplify their impact.
Mr Ibrahim Tanko Amidu, Executive Director of STAR-Ghana Foundation, emphasized the importance of the dialogue in promoting active citizenship. He noted that STAR-Ghana has played a crucial role in bridging the gap between civil society and policymakers, driving meaningful change through discussions at local and national levels.
Mr Amidu stressed that effective dialogue requires strong partnerships and a commitment to shared goals. He encouraged participants to be innovative, learn from past experiences, and integrate creativity into their advocacy efforts. He announced that STAR-Ghana Foundation would host the Ghana Civil Society Forum in June, providing a national platform for civil society organizations to engage in policy discussions.
