The role of community in shaping moral values of Ghanaian youth

The moral development of young people has remained a critical concern in contemporary Ghana, particularly within the context of rapid social transformation, urbanization, and globalization. This study examined the role of community structures in shaping the moral values of Ghanaian youth, drawing on sociological, philosophical, and cultural perspectives. Using a qualitative research design supported by secondary data, the paper explored how traditional institutions, religious bodies, family systems, and social networks contribute to the moral formation of the youth. The study was anchored in social capital theory, communitarian ethics, and African indigenous knowledge systems. Findings indicated that community remains a powerful agent of moral socialization despite emerging disruptions from modernization and digital culture. However, weakening communal bonds, shifting parenting practices, and urban pressures pose challenges to value transmission. The study concluded that strengthening community engagement, revitalizing indigenous moral systems, and promoting intergenerational dialogue are essential for sustainable moral development in Ghana.