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“It is critical that the youth does not fall prey to the temptation to use digitalization for all the wrong purposes, such as child sexual abuse and exploitation, cyberbullying, online gaming and, worst of all, recruitment into insurgent organizations.

It is the last example that continues to cause nightmares to well-meaning governments and societies” commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre KAIPTC Major General Richard Gyane has said.

He was speaking at the opening of the 15TH African Youth and Governance Convergence in Mankessim organized by the Youth Bridge Foundation in Partnership with AU ECOSSOC with technical support from KAIPTC.

The convergence brought together young people from 27 African countries and the Diaspora to deliberate on the theme “Advancing Youth Inclusive Governance, Peace and Security in Africa: the Digital Innovation Factor”.

One notable feature about the 15th edition of the convergence is that it is taking place at the same time ECOWAS Chiefs of Defense Staff are meeting in Accra to find solutions to the stalemate in Niger Republic.

Major General Richard Gyane said while digitization provides enormous opportunities, care must be taken in order not to exploit it for the wrong reasons.

He quoted research findings that point that one in three internet users is younger than 18 years and 71% of 15 – 24-year-olds are online.

This he said clearly marks the age bracket out as the most connected age group around the globe.