ByJones Anlimah
LoveAid Foundation, in partnership with the Skills Builders Academy, has organized the Ho Youth Digital Conference under the theme “Leveraging Technology and Digital Skills for Sustainable Livelihoods.” The Ho event, brought together young innovators, entrepreneurs, and students to explore opportunities in Ghana’s fast-evolving digital economy.
The conference featured a lineup of sessions focused on digital safety, youth-led innovation, artificial intelligence, cyber safety, and workforce development, each designed to inspire and equip participants with practical skills for sustainable livelihoods.
Mr. Godsway Kubyed opened the discussions with a presentation on Digital Safety, stressing the need for young people to protect their online presence and data privacy as they engage in digital ventures. He underscored the risks of cyber threats and online fraud, calling on participants to develop responsible digital habits and to verify information before sharing or engaging online.
Then came Emmanuel Zoe Agbesi, who spoke on Youth-Led Technology for Growth, highlighting the power of youth-driven innovation in shaping Ghana’s digital future. He encouraged young entrepreneurs to create solutions tailored to local needs, adding that “technology is not just for consumption; it’s a tool for problem-solving and economic empowerment.”
In a session on Leveraging Digital Platforms for Income Generation, Dr. Vincent Oppong demonstrated how young people can transform their skills into online income streams. He urged participants to explore freelancing, digital marketing, and e-commerce opportunities, emphasizing that the internet offers vast potential for those willing to learn and adapt.
Ms. Eugenia Esenam Gamed, who presented on AI Essentials for Productivity, explained how artificial intelligence is transforming everyday work processes. She encouraged participants to familiarize themselves with AI tools that enhance efficiency, noting that “understanding how AI works is no longer futuristic, it’s essential for staying relevant in the modern workspace.”
The afternoon sessions deepened the conversation on digital literacy, as Mr. Desmond Kitsi, Founder and Executive Director of Genius IT Foundation Ghana, spoke on Cyber Safety. He cautioned that the same tools that empower can also endanger users if not handled wisely. “It’s not enough to be online,” he said. “You must also be safe online.”
Rounding off the thematic presentations, Mr. Saviour Kwame Agbebey, CEO of Future Ready Tech Hub, delivered an engaging session on Building a Future-Ready Workforce. He called on young people to continuously upgrade their digital skills, adopt innovative mindsets, and collaborate across disciplines to remain employable in an increasingly technology-driven world.
The panel discussions emphasized how technology can bridge unemployment gaps, promote entrepreneurship, and enhance productivity across sectors. Panelists shared insights on software development, digital content creation, and online business strategies, encouraging the youth to embrace innovation as a pathway to economic empowerment.
Representatives from partnering organizations including the National Youth Authority, Youth Alliance for Sustainability, Ho-CSOs Platform, and GhanaThink Foundation also delivered solidarity messages, reaffirming their commitment to supporting youth empowerment and digital inclusion initiatives in the Volta Region.
The Ho Youth Digital Conference forms part of LoveAid Foundation’s broader mission to promote digital inclusion and sustainable development through youth-centered initiatives.
