– Funds AfCFTA handbooks for SHS students
The Volta River Authority (VRA), in collaboration with the Ghana International Trade and Finance Conference (GITFiC), is promoting the inclusion of Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) models and concepts in the curriculum of Senior High Schools (SHS).
In this regard, the leading generator and supplier of electricity in the country has funded the production of textbooks on the AfCFTA initiative, breaking complex terms and protocols or rules down into simple language for the comprehension of students at the pre-tertiary level.
The objective of the initiative, according to the management of VRA, is to ensure that the youths – who are the future captains of industry and leaders of the country – apprehend the concept of AfCFTA, regarded as Africa’s gateway to greatness.
The VRA believes that when the students are able to understand the agreement, models, protocols, and benefits of the free trade agreement at an early stage, it would enable them to develop their entrepreneurial mindset along that line.
To begin with, the VRA, as part of its corporate social investment, distributed about 3,000 copies of the handbook titled ‘Actualising the African Economic Vision’ to 13 SHS located within the catchment area of VRA’s operations.
These schools include Akuse Methodist, VRA International Schools, Krobo Girls’, Klo Agogo, Yilo, and Manya Krobo SHS. The others are Akro Technical, Apeguso, Asesewa, Boso, Anum Presby, Adjena, and Akwamuman Senior High Schools.
Chief Executive of VRA, Emmanuel Antwi-Darkwa, in a speech read on his behalf, stated that VRA over the last 62 years has been committed to skills development through its support of education in the various operational areas as part of measures put in place to prepare the future leaders of the country to offer quality leadership when their time is due to take up the mantle of leadership and service.
“These books, which provide an overview of the AfCFTA and how independent African economies work toward economic integration, would enrich existing knowledge among the students at the SHS level and enhance their knowledge of the African economy.
“As key partners and vehicles for national development, VRA and AfCFTA have the common objective to improve the economic and social development of our country Ghana and the sub-region. Therefore, this initiative is not out of place,” he said.
Director of Research – GITFiC, Gerald Ekow Woode, mentioned that discussions are in place with Ghana Education Services (GES) to support the production and supply of the books to all second-cycle schools in the country.
“This handbook is composed by the GITFiC to enhance the sensitisation and the understanding of the AfCFTA framework in a more simplified form. The themes discussed in the handbook cover the fundamental aspects of the AfCFTA. It is also tailored for the business community in Ghana and the continent,” he said.
The book consists of 10 chapters that break down the various themes of the AfCFTA arrangement, such as trading under roles of origin, resolving disputes, protecting industries under trade remedies, Ghana’s strategy, and micro, small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs), among others.
Municipal Director of Education, Lower Manya Krobo, Samuel Kwesi Tettey, speaking on behalf of the four municipalities and district assemblies that benefitted from the initiative – including Yilo Krobo, Asuogyaman, and Upper Manya, expressed his profound gratitude for the continuous educational support received from the VRA.
Furthermore, he called on the VRA to help in the procurement of desks to furnish a newly constructed 12-unit classroom block for Krobo Girls’ SHS.
