The Youth School, a key segment of the 76th Annual New Year School and Conference, was held on January 16, 2025, at the ISSER Conference Facility in Accra. Themed “Attaining the 5-Ps of Sustainable Development for a Resilient Ghana: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, Partnership,” the Youth School aimed to inspire the next generation to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s future in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Cross-section of participants
The programme brought together students from various senior high schools, including Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School, Accra High School and Accra Academy, along with educators, professionals and other key stakeholders. The school provided a platform for impactful discussions on the critical role of youth in advancing sustainable development.
Professor Samuel Amponsah
In his welcome address, Professor Samuel Amponsah, Head, Department of Distance Education at the School of Continuing and Distance Education, underscored the importance of ambition and active participation. “Being part of this school means you aspire for greatness,” he said, referencing the United Nations’ definition of sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” He urged participants to fully engage in all activities lined up during the programme and contribute meaningfully to the discussions.
Dr. Jack Andrews Dotsey
Dr. Jack Andrews Dotsey, Executive Director of the Annual New Year School and Conference, reflected on the historical significance of the event. He linked its legacy to the establishment of the University College of the Gold Coast in 1948, which provided extramural classes facilitated by Professors from Oxford University. “The future of the nation is in your hands,” Dr. Dotsey remarked, urging students to leverage the networking and learning opportunities presented during the programme.
Dr. Ernestina Atsu
Delivering a presentation on “Integrity and Stewardship: Critical Tools for International Leadership and the Attainment of the 5Ps,” Dr. Ernestina Atsu, a Lecturer at the Department for the Study of Religions, stressed the importance of integrity in leadership. Citing John C. Maxwell, she noted, “With integrity – the longer I lead, the better it gets. Without integrity – the longer I lead, the worse it becomes.” Dr. Atsu encouraged the youth to champion gender equality, sustainable water management and other SDGs as part of their contribution to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Ms. Edwina Paintsil
A session on career planning was led by Ms. Edwina Paintsil, from the Careers and Counselling Directorate, University of Ghana. She highlighted the importance of practical skills, mentorship and exposure to diverse career opportunities. She described the Career Day organise by the University of Ghana every academic year as foundational in shaping future professionals.
Mrs. Aba Jacqueline Opoku, Deputy Executive Director of the Economic and Organised Crime Office, encouraged students to unearth their potential and make a global impact. She called for the adoption of innovation and digitalisation while cautioning against the negative aspects of technology. Using the example of Mary Spio, a Ghanaian aerospace engineer at NASA, Mrs. Opoku illustrated the power of creativity and innovation in driving success.
Students participated in three enriching sessions designed to enhance their knowledge and skills. The first, sponsored by the International Leadership Foundation, explored Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning, introducing participants to emerging technologies. The second, led by Ms. Angela Tabiri and sponsored by the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, focused on careers in data science, actuarial science and cryptography. The final session, sponsored by Artify and Wear UG Day, allowed students to explore the intersection of creativity, academics and the fashion and design sector.
Mr. Ekow Eshun, Director of Human Resources at the National Youth Authority, expressed gratitude to the College of Education, University of Ghana for their partnership in organising the event. He described the Youth School as a valuable platform for youth leaders, educators and students to reflect on and advance the SDGs and Ghana’s national development agenda.
Dr. Simon-Peter Kafui Aheto
In his closing remarks, Dr. Simon-Peter Kafui Aheto, Director of the Annual New Year School and Conference, called on participants to be ambassadors of integrity and transparency. He encouraged students to share their newly acquired knowledge, write reports and create learning opportunities for their peers. Dr. Aheto reaffirmed the key role of the youth as agents of change, stressing their indispensable contributions to building a resilient and sustainable future for Ghana.