President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has highlighted the central role of technology, education and health in driving Africa’s transformation.
Speaking at the 5th anniversary of the Ghana Council on Foreign Relations, the President delivered a speech on “The Limits of the Current Development Cooperation Framework for Transforming Africa”, highlighting the need for investment in these critical sectors to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth across the continent.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized that the digital revolution presents unprecedented opportunities to accelerate growth, improve service delivery and enhance economic competitiveness in Africa. However, he noted that these opportunities also come with challenges that must be addressed to ensure that the benefits of the technology are distributed fairly.
“To realize the promise of technology, we need to invest in digital infrastructure through expanding broadband connectivity, improving access to information and communication technologies (ICT) and developing digital skills,” the President said. He emphasized that bridging the digital divide is essential to ensure that all Africans have access to the tools and resources needed to participate in the digital economy.
President Akufo-Addo also emphasized 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 government’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 enrollment of children in secondary school in the history of Ghana. The President also emphasized the importance of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in bridging the skills gap and promoting employability.
“Access to quality education is, in my view, a fundamental right and a driver of development,” said President Akufo-Addo. 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 referred to the critical role of health in sustainable development, noting that a healthy population is essential to promote economic growth and development. He highlighted his government’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery in Ghana, including the ambitious Agenda 111 initiative, which aims to build 111 regional 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 vaccine production, a lesson learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the importance of investing in health infrastructure, training health professionals and prioritizing primary health care 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.