“Professor Amakyi Warns of Alarming Social Media Trends Among Young People”

Prof. Amakyi emphasized the importance of restoring values that once made the nation a respected beacon by shaping learners’ characters to transcend their narrow self-interests. He spoke at a validation workshop for the global citizenship education teachers’ manual in Cape Coast, Central Region.

The manual aims to guide teachers in nurturing students as global citizens with values of care, respect, and dignity, fostering a sense of mutual responsibility. The workshop, attended by about 50 school improvement support officers from Greater Accra, Central, Western, Volta, Ashanti, and Eastern regions, was organized by the institute in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU) under UNESCO’s auspices.

Prof. Amakyi raised significant concerns regarding the content some children share on social media, describing it as shameful and alarming. He elaborated that much of this content reflects a worrying trend of the relentless pursuit of wealth at any cost, which is increasingly glorified among the youth. This relentless chase often comes at the expense of ethical standards and moral values, fostering an environment where material success is prioritized over integrity and communal welfare.

Furthermore, Prof. Amakyi highlighted a growing disrespect for elders and authority figures, a trend he finds deeply troubling. This lack of respect undermines the societal fabric, eroding the intergenerational bonds that are crucial for maintaining cultural and moral continuity. The prevalence of such disrespect, he noted, is not just a youth issue but a reflection of broader societal attitudes and behaviors that children and young adults emulate.

In his critique, Prof. Amakyi did not shy away from pointing fingers at the behavior of some elders and leaders in society. He argued that the moral decline seen in the younger generation is partly due to the selfish and greedy behaviors exhibited by these influential figures. When leaders prioritize personal gain over communal or national interests, they set a poor example for the youth, who then mirror these values in their own lives.

Prof. Amakyi stressed that this moral decadence is a pressing issue that requires immediate and concerted efforts from both parents and teachers. He called on parents to be more vigilant and proactive in guiding their children, ensuring that the values they learn at home align with those taught in schools. This involves not just monitoring social media usage but also engaging in meaningful conversations about ethics, respect, and community.

Teachers, according to Prof. Amakyi, have an equally critical role in this endeavor. As educators and role models, they are in a unique position to influence the character development of their students. He urged teachers to embody the values they teach, demonstrating through their actions the importance of integrity, respect, and community-mindedness. By doing so, they can help students navigate the complex social landscapes they encounter both online and offline.

Moreover, Prof. Amakyi advocated for a more values-based education system, one that goes beyond academic achievement to encompass character building and ethical education. He suggested that curricula should be designed to integrate lessons on global citizenship, empathy, and respect, preparing students not just for exams but for life as responsible and ethical global citizens.

In conclusion, Prof. Amakyi’s address was a call to action for a collective effort to reclaim and reinforce societal values. He underscored the vital roles of parents, teachers, and leaders in this mission, advocating for a holistic approach to moral and ethical education that will ensure the nation’s future generations grow up with a strong sense of integrity, respect, and communal responsibility.

Dr. Michael Boakye-Yiadom, the Director-General of the institute, highlighted the need to integrate classroom values into daily life, urging teachers to be role models for their students. He expressed optimism about the successful incorporation of global citizenship values into the curriculum. Participants also stressed the importance of institutional systems supporting values that promote a peaceful, loving, and safe society.