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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.
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
