By Peter Martey Agbeko, APR
The 76th Annual New Year School and Conference at the University of Ghana, Legon, unfolded in a grand tapestry of thought-provoking discourse and cultural artistry.
This flagship event, held under the theme, “Attaining the 5-Ps of Sustainable Development for a Resilient Ghana: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, Partnership,” attracted a distinguished gathering of policymakers, academics, corporate leaders, and stakeholders across diverse fields.
The presence of the Vice-President ,. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, representing President John Dramani Mahama, underscored the importance of this time-honoured institution, which continues to shape national dialogue on critical developmental issues.
A Platform for Transformation
From its inception in 1949, the New Year School has served as a crucible for intellectual and policy-driven discussions. This year was no exception. The programme began with a vibrant procession and a rendition of the National Anthem by the Ghana Police Band. The welcome address by Mrs. Emelia Naa Kwantsua Agyei-Mensah, Registrar of the University, set a cordial tone for the proceedings.
Chancellor Mrs. Mary Chinery-Hesse, in her opening remarks, applauded the University’s legacy of fostering transformative dialogue. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo highlighted the institution’s commitment to connecting research, education, and practical solutions to Ghana’s challenges.
Bridging Ghana’s Developmental Gaps
The keynote address, delivered by Nana Dr. Emmanuel Adu-Sarkodee Afriyie, President of the Ghana Employers’ Association and Group Chairman of CDH Financial Holdings Ltd., brought the theme into sharp focus.
He acknowledged the strides Ghana has made in sustainable development but pointed out glaring gaps, including misaligned education systems, youth unemployment, and limited female representation in leadership.
Reflecting on personal experiences, Dr. Adu-Sarkodee narrated a transformative encounter with a former student now serving in a senior government role, a testament to the power of education. Yet, he lamented the disconnect between academic knowledge and practical innovation among Ghanaian youth, calling for a paradigm shift toward STEM education and technical skills.
“Why aren’t our youth building technologies they understand?” he posed, challenging the nation to embrace open-source tools to leapfrog into the 4th and 5th Industrial Revolutions.
Calls for Inclusive Leadership
A significant highlight of the address was the focus on female leadership development. With women comprising the majority of Ghana’s population but underrepresented in governance and corporate leadership, the urgency for gender equity was emphasised. Dr. Adu-Sarkodee advocated for strategic investments in female mentorship programmes and leadership pipelines to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 5.
Voices of Partnership
The conference also provided a platform for stakeholders to share insights. Representatives from the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), GCB Bank PLC, the Ghana Chamber of Mines, and others reiterated the importance of collaboration in addressing economic and environmental challenges.
Musical interludes by the Ghana Dance Ensemble and the Police Band added cultural richness, with a spirited performance of Osibisa’s iconic “We Are Going”, by the National Symphony Orchestra.
Official Opening
The symbolic opening of the conference was performed by the Vice-President on behalf of the President. His remarks celebrated the legacy of the New Year School and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the 5-Ps framework as a roadmap for resilience.
A Legacy of Impact
As the conference closed with remarks from Chancellor Chinery-Hesse and a vote of thanks by Mrs. Regina Afari Boateng, the enduring relevance of the New Year School was evident.
It remains a beacon of hope, fostering unity, innovation, and shared purpose.The 76th edition has set the stage for a renewed focus on building a resilient Ghana, guided by the principles of sustainable development. The 5-Ps—People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership—are not just ideals; they are the blueprint for Ghana’s brighter future.
