President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has underscored the importance of technology, education and healthcare in transforming Africa’s economy.
Speaking at the 5th anniversary of the Council on Foreign Relations Ghana on the theme “The Limits of the Current Development Co-operation Framework for Africa’s Transformation,” President Akufo-Addo highlighted the need to invest in these critical sectors to achieve sustainable and inclusive development across the continent.
He emphasised the importance of the digital revolution as it presented unprecedented opportunities for accelerating development, improving service delivery and enhancing economic competitiveness in Africa.
In employing technology to drive growth, President Akufo-Addo said that these opportunities, however, 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 stressed the need to bridge the digital divide which is essential to ensuring that all Africans have access to the tools and resources needed to participate in the digital economy.
President Akufo-Addo also underscored the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship as key drivers of economic growth and development.
He, thus, 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 said his administration’s commitment to ensuring access to quality education for all Ghanaians is unshakable.
He cited the success of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, which has led to the highest-ever enrolment of children in senior high schools in Ghana’s history as well as the focus on 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 government’s efforts at improving healthcare delivery in Ghana, including the ambitious Agenda 111 initiative, which aims to construct 111 district hospitals and regional facilities across the country.
The establishment of the National Vaccine Institute is a key step towards achieving self-reliance in the production of vaccines, a lesson learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, the President mentioned.
He emphasised the importance of investing in health infrastructure, training healthcare professionals, and prioritising primary healthcare and preventive services to improve health outcomes and build resilience against health threats.
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.
Rex Mainoo Yeboah, ISD
