The University of Ghana’s Annual New Year School and Conference (ANYSC) has been lauded for its enduring contribution to national development, by His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, describing it as a vital platform for generating ideas and solutions to Ghana’s challenges.
Her Excellency Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Vice-President of the Republic of Ghana
In a speech read on his behalf by Vice-President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang at the opening of the 76th edition of the Conference, President Mahama reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable growth and inclusive development. He expressed optimism that the discussions and recommendations from the event would significantly contribute to shaping the country’s development agenda.
“The University of Ghana continues to provide a platform for critical discussions on national issues. The Annual New Year School remains an important forum for fostering innovation, policy recommendations and national progress,” he stated.
A cross-section of participants
Themed “Attaining the 5-Ps of Sustainable Development for a Resilient Ghana: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership,” this year’s Conference brings together stakeholders from academia, governance and the corporate sector to deliberate on pressing national challenges and propose actionable solutions.
President Mahama emphasised the role of peace and collaboration in building resilient and prosperous communities, noting that sustainable development requires collective efforts across all sectors.
“Our government is committed to providing opportunities for citizens to enjoy sustainable growth at all levels, economic and beyond. When we live in peace with ourselves and our neighbours, we build inclusive societies that foster sustainable development,” he remarked.
A cross-section of participants
He urged participants to embrace the five pillars of sustainable development as a guiding framework, particularly in addressing environmental and economic challenges such as illegal mining and land encroachment.
“We must not allow these challenges to define us. Instead, we must focus on innovative solutions that drive transformative change,” he said, stressing the need for strong partnerships between government, the private sector, local communities, and international stakeholders.
Mrs. Mary Chinery-Hesse, Chancellor of the University of Ghana
Chancellor of the University, Mrs. Mary Chinery-Hesse, underscored the importance of this year’s theme, highlighting the interconnectedness of people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A cross-section of participants
“Empowering people, protecting the planet, fostering prosperity, building peace, and cultivating partnerships are interdependent elements essential for national development,” she noted.
She commended the Annual New Year School and Conference for serving as a platform for intellectual engagement and research-driven solutions, praising the School of Continuing and Distance Education for successfully organising the conference for the past 76 years.
Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, highlighted the long-standing impact of the New Year School on national progress, reaffirming the University’s commitment to transformative initiatives. She outlined ongoing projects aimed at enhancing the student experience and advancing education, including the “One Student, One Laptop” initiative, the modernisation of classrooms, and the establishment of hotspot comfort zones.
“The University of Ghana is poised for greater impact, guided by the strategic priorities of our new Strategic Plan,” she stated.
Dr. Emmanuel Adu-Sarkodee, Keynote Speaker
Delivering a keynote address, Dr. Emmanuel Adu-Sarkodee, Group Chairman of CDH Financial Holdings Ltd., expressed confidence in Ghana’s sustainable economic growth. Drawing lessons from Taiwan, he called for increased investment in STEM education, technical and vocational training to equip young people with skills that drive economic transformation.
A representative of AISECT Enterprise, speaking on behalf of Founder Sir Santosh Choubey, expressed delight in partnering with institutions dedicated to achieving the SDGs.
The Conference featured insightful panel discussions on topics such as financial technology, environmental sustainability, peacebuilding, and cross-border trade. Panelists included notable figures such as Mr. Andrew Takyi-Appiah, CEO of Zeepay; Mr. Kwame Oppong, Head of Fintech and Innovation at the Bank of Ghana; and Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson, Member of Parliament for Ajumako Enyan Esiam. Other distinguished speakers included Mr. Martin Kwaku Ayisi, CEO of the Minerals Commission of Ghana; Ms. Kathleen Addy, Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education; and Dr. Ken Ashigbey, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications.
Addressing the role of education in sustainable development, Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, Provost of the College of Education, highlighted the College’s contributions to higher education in Ghana. He noted that distance education programmes have expanded access to quality learning opportunities, integrating advanced digital tools to keep students competitive.
A cross-section of participants
He stressed the importance of research in shaping policy and practice, pointing to the College’s ongoing studies in curriculum development, artificial intelligence in education, and inclusive learning. Prof. Codjoe also lauded international collaborations that have fostered faculty and student exchanges, joint research, and capacity-building programmes, enhancing the University’s global footprint.
A cross-section of participants
Throughout the event, key partners reiterated their commitment to supporting the objectives of the Conference. Among them were Rev. Isaac Owusu, National President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT); Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey, Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG); Mr. John Kofi Adomako, Managing Director of GCB Bank PLC; Dr. Sulemanu Koney, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines; and Alhaji Yusif Ibrahim, Chairman of Dara Salam Group of Companies. They expressed optimism that the Conference deliberations would translate into meaningful policy interventions and practical solutions for national development.
A cross-section of participants
The event also featured academic presentations in both physical and virtual sessions, with scholars sharing research findings on diverse topics, including the role of e-learning in youth empowerment, strategies for retaining teachers in Ghana, and the socio-ecological impact of logging of medicinal plants in Ghana’s Bobiri Forest Reserve.
As the Conference came to a close, participants reaffirmed their dedication to promoting the principles of sustainable development in their respective fields. The 76th ANYSC successfully reinforced the role of education, research and strategic partnerships in shaping Ghana’s future.
The University of Ghana remains committed to sustaining this legacy, ensuring that the Annual New Year School and Conference continues to serve as a beacon of intellectual discourse and national progress.
https://publicaffairs50.pixieset.com/76thnewyearschoolandconference-1/