President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has emphasized the crucial roles of technology, education, and health in advancing Africa’s transformation.
Speaking at the 5th anniversary of the Council on Foreign Relations Ghana, the President addressed the theme “The Limits of the Current Development Co-operation Framework for Africa’s Transformation,” advocating for strategic investments in these sectors to foster sustainable and inclusive development across the continent.
President Akufo-Addo described the digital revolution as a powerful catalyst for development, enhancing service delivery and boosting economic competitiveness.
However, he acknowledged that realizing these benefits requires addressing technology access and distribution challenges.
“To harness the promise of technology, we must invest in digital infrastructure, expand broadband connectivity, enhance access to information and communication technologies (ICT), and develop digital skills,” President Akufo-Addo stated. He underscored the need to bridge the digital divide to ensure equitable access to the tools necessary for participation in the digital economy.
The President also highlighted the significance of innovation and entrepreneurship in driving economic growth.
He called for creating supportive environments for startups and innovation ecosystems that encourage the development of new technologies and business models tailored to local needs.
President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing quality education for all Ghanaians in the education sector.
He cited the success of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, which has resulted in the highest enrolment rates in Ghana’s history.
The President also stressed the importance of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in addressing skills gaps and enhancing employability.
“Access to quality education is a fundamental right and a key driver of development,” President Akufo-Addo said. He called for ongoing investments in educational infrastructure and resources to ensure that all children have the opportunity to receive quality education, regardless of their background.
Addressing the health sector, President Akufo-Addo stressed that a healthy population is vital for economic growth and development.
He highlighted his administration’s efforts to enhance healthcare delivery through the ambitious Agenda 111 initiative, which aims to build 111 district hospitals and regional facilities across Ghana.
The President also noted the establishment of the National Vaccine Institute as a strategic move towards self-reliance in vaccine production, a lesson learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.
He emphasized the importance of investing in health infrastructure, training healthcare professionals, and prioritizing primary and preventive healthcare to improve health outcomes and resilience against health threats.
In conclusion, President Akufo-Addo called for continued investment in technology, education, and health as foundational elements of Africa’s transformation.
He expressed confidence that leveraging these sectors will enable Africa to achieve sustainable and inclusive development, ultimately shaping the continent’s transformative future.
