The 77th Annual New Year School and Conference (ANYSC), a flagship programme of the School of Continuing and Distance Education (SCDE) under the College of Education of the University of Ghana has been launched. 

Set to take place from January 5–8, 2026, the 2026 edition will focus on the theme “Building the Ghana We Want, Together for Sustainable Development,” with President John Dramani Mahama expected to deliver the keynote address at the opening ceremony on January 6.

Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, Provost of the College of Education

Chairing the launch, Provost of the College of Education, Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe in his remarks highlighted that, the Ghana we want is where young people are fully engaged as innovators, problem solvers and nation builders. He commended the University’s effort of building a Digital Youth Village and a Centre for Digital Youth Development to shape a more competitive, inclusive and prosperous future for the youth.   “As we launch this year’s Annual New Year School and Conference, let us commit to conversations that lead to action, ideas that translate into policy and partnerships that produce real change.” Prof. Codjoe encouraged. 

Professor Olivia A.T.F Kwapong, Dean of the School of Continuing and Distance Education

The Dean of SCDE, Professor Olivia A.T.F Kwapong, explained that the initiative aims to create a platform and provide space for Ghanaians to share, listen and contribute to the vision guiding the Government of Ghana in this era. She added that the programme also focuses on promoting good governance, combating corruption and supporting industrialisation, revitalisation and national transformation.

As part of preparations, Prof. Kwapong revealed that more than 20 academic abstracts have been received for presentation at the conference, with plans already underway to compile them into an edited publication.

Mr. Goosie Obuadum Tanoh, Special Guest of Honour

The Special Guest of Honour was the Presidential Advisor of the 24hr Economy, Mr. Goosie Obuadum Tanoh. He applauded the University for sustaining this national platform for dialogue for nearly eight decades. Reflecting on the theme, Mr. Tanoh said national aspirations become meaningful only if they respond to the conditions on the ground. In line with this, he highlighted the 24hr Economy as a programme that responds directly to the structural complaints of the economy as it focuses on productivity, trade and competitiveness with its purpose to build an economy that is reliable, industrial and able to create opportunities at scale. Mr. Tanoh called for an active collaboration between government, academia, private sector and citizens to bring about sustainable development.

The conference would focus on four major sub-themes — building a vibrant and resilient economy for national growth and prosperity; nurturing human capital for inclusive development; good governance and the fight against corruption and promoting industrialisation, revitalisation, support and transformation