The Akuapem Aburihene and Adontenhene of the Akuapem Traditional Area, Otobour Gyan Kwasi II, has sounded a strong warning over what he described as t
The Akuapem Aburihene and Adontenhene of the Akuapem Traditional Area, Otobour Gyan Kwasi II, has sounded a strong warning over what he described as the escalating abuse of social media in Ghana, calling it a national crisis that threatens the country’s unity, moral values, and long-term development.
Speaking during a colourful ceremony at Aburi to lift the annual ban on drumming and noise-making ahead of the Odwira Festival, Otobour Gyan Kwasi expressed deep concern about the declining moral standards among Ghanaian youth, much of which he attributed to the misuse of social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
A Growing Threat To National Unity
According to the traditional ruler, the unrestrained use of social media for insults, defamation, and misinformation has become a social menace that now poses serious challenges to national security and cohesion.
He lamented that individuals, especially the youth, are increasingly using digital platforms to attack respected personalities — including chiefs, politicians, clergy, and public officials — often under the pretext of activism or seeking online popularity.
“It is unfortunate that today’s youth use social media to attack respected people. After they are arrested and face the law, they come back to apologize, but by then, the damage has already been done,” Otobour Gyan Kwasi noted.
He emphasized that the integrity and decency once associated with the Akuapem people are being eroded by the reckless online behaviour of some young residents.
This, he said, tarnishes the reputation of the traditional area, which has historically been known for discipline, humility, and respect for authority.
National Policy On Digital Responsibility
The Aburihene urged government, traditional authorities, civil society organizations, and the media to come together and formulate a coordinated national policy aimed at promoting responsible social media usage and curbing online misconduct.
“The time is now for all of us to come together to end this behaviour because it is destroying our unity and our development as a nation,” he declared.
Otobour Gyan Kwasi also appealed for stricter enforcement of cyber laws, alongside public education on digital ethics, particularly in schools and community gatherings.
He argued that without firm intervention, the abuse of technology could derail Ghana’s social harmony and undermine its development agenda.
Poor Parenting
Touching on education, the traditional leader linked the falling academic performance in the Aburi area to poor parental supervision and the excessive use of social media among school children.
He urged parents to play a more active role in their children’s upbringing and education, noting that indiscipline and neglect at home often manifest in schools.
District Assembly Moves To Enforce Discipline
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Akuapem South, Paul Osae, who was also present at the ceremony, echoed similar concerns.
He revealed that the Assembly is drafting a by-law to restrict the movement of children after 7 p.m., to encourage them to stay home and study instead of loitering at funeral grounds and social events.
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