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Technology, Education, Health Key to Transformation – Pres Akufo-Addo
The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has underscored the pivotal role of technology, education, and health in driving Africa’s transformation.
Speaking at the 5th anniversary of the Council on Foreign Relations Ghana, the President delivered a speech on the theme “The Limits of the Current Development Co-operation Framework for Africa’s Transformation,” highlighting the need for investments in these critical sectors to achieve sustainable and inclusive development across the continent.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized that the digital revolution presents unprecedented opportunities for accelerating development, improving service delivery, and enhancing economic competitiveness in Africa. However, he noted that these opportunities also come with challenges that must be addressed to ensure that the benefits of technology are equitably distributed.
“To harness the promise of technology, we have to invest in digital infrastructure through the expansion of broadband connectivity, improving access to information and communication technologies (ICT), and developing digital skills,” the President stated. He emphasized that bridging the digital divide is essential to ensuring that all Africans have access to the tools and resources needed to participate in the digital economy,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo also highlighted the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship as key drivers of economic growth and development. He called for the creation of an enabling environment for startups and the development of innovation ecosystems that can promote the creation of new technologies and business models that address local challenges.
In the area of education, President Akufo-Addo reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring access to quality education for all Ghanaians. He pointed to the success of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, which has led to the highest ever enrolment of children in senior high school in Ghana’s history.
The President also emphasized the importance of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in bridging skills gaps and promoting employability.
“Access to quality education is, in my view, a fundamental right and a driver of development,” President Akufo-Addo stated.
He called for continued investment in educational infrastructure and resources to ensure that all children, regardless of their background, have access to quality education.
The President also addressed the critical role of health in sustainable development, noting that a healthy population is essential for driving economic growth and development. He highlighted his administration’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery in Ghana, including the ambitious Agenda 111 initiative, which aims to construct 111 district hospitals and regional facilities across the country.
President Akufo-Addo also pointed to the establishment of the National Vaccine Institute as a key step towards achieving self-reliance in the production of vaccines, a lesson learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the importance of investing in health infrastructure, training healthcare professionals, and prioritizing primary healthcare and preventive services to improve health outcomes and build resilience against health threats.
In conclusion, President Akufo-Addo called for continued investment in technology, education, and health as critical pillars of Africa’s transformation. He expressed confidence that by harnessing the power of technology, ensuring access to quality education, and building strong health systems, Africa can achieve sustainable and inclusive development, ultimately transforming the continent’s future.
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Prof. Mike Oquaye accuses gov’t of ‘secret trial’ of Chief Justice
Former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, has criticised the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) over what he described as the mishandling of the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo.
He is unhappy with the constitutional provision requiring the hearing of the Chief Justice’s case to be held in-camera.
“I am concerned about certain issues that I consider vital, particularly the trial in-camera provision. You will ask yourself what the rationale is for that provision in our constitution, what is its purpose, and if we are to give it a purposeful interpretation, where shall we go? The purpose is it to benefit the people of Ghana as a whole, that the Chief Justice must be trial in-camera…”
He added, “From the very beginning, the constitution tells us justice belongs to the people, it emanates from the people, justice belongs to all of us people, one may say that this provision could be advarance to the one that says trial must be done in-camera.” he said in an exclusive interview with JoyNews.
Prof. Oquaye also raised concerns about the transparency and integrity of the process.
He argued that the judiciary must be insulated from political interference, adding that the current handling of the matter risks eroding confidence in the rule of law.
The Chief Justice was recently suspended following allegations of misconduct, after which a formal petition was submitted to President John Mahama, prompting the formation of a committee to investigate the matter.
The proceedings, however, have largely been conducted in-camera, drawing criticism from sections of the public and some legal minds.
While the NDC government maintains that the suspension was carried out in accordance with constitutional provisions, Prof. Quaye argues that the secrecy surrounding the process undermines the principles of accountability and due process.
Source:Myjoyonline.com
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Committee on Roads and Transport engages Transport Ministry
The Parliamentary Select Committee on Roads and Transport has paid a familiarization visit to the Ministry of Transport and its agencies to perform its legislative oversight and foster collaboration in Ghana’s transport sector.
The visit by the 17-member Committee led by its Chairman, Isaac Adjei Mensah, who is also the Member of Parliament for the Wassa East Constituency in the Western Region, was aimed at getting updates on ongoing projects and foster direct dialogue with agencies under the Ministry’s purview.
The Chairman of the committee described the visit as “a strategic and symbolic gesture” and emphasized the importance of direct engagement with sector leadership to enable informed legislative support.
The Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe outlined some reforms including a framework to regularize commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada by lowering the minimum rider age from 25 years to 21 years, which is near completion and will soon be presented to Parliament.
He also mentioned the reviving of Ghana’s national carrier via a public-private partnership, upgrading airport infrastructure, studying coastal routes to ease road congestion, opening a new DVLA branch in Adenta, and upgrading the Ghana Civil Aviation Training Academy.
The minister also disclosed that the ministry is in the process of procuring new buses for Metro Mass and STC.
The other Members of the visiting Committee were Chiwitey Dari Andrew, Vice Chairperson and MP for Sawla/Tuna/Kalba; Osei Nyarko Kennedy, MP for Akim Swedru and the Ranking Member; Francis Asenso-Boakye, MP for Bantama; Frimpong Kwame Ohene, MP for Asante Akim North; Cudjoe Doyoe Comfort, Ada MP; Marfo Ahenkorah Kofi, MP for Achiase; Mahama Toure Naser, Ayawaso East MP; Ziedeng Anwataazumo Bede, MP for Lawra and Mubarak Seid, MP for Sunyani East.
The Committee also visited the Civil Aviation Authority and the Civil Aviation Training Centre to be acquainted with its functions and operations.
