Akufo-Addo Urges Investment in Technology, Education, and Health as Pillars of Africa’s Transformation

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has stressed the essential role of technology, education, and health in driving Africa’s transformation, urging investments in these sectors to foster sustainable and inclusive development across the continent.

Speaking at the 5th anniversary of the Council on Foreign Relations Ghana, President Akufo-Addo urged the need for a comprehensive approach to development, focusing on technology, education, and health as key drivers of progress.

He also noted the immense potential of the digital revolution to accelerate development, improve service delivery, and enhance economic competitiveness in Africa. However, he also acknowledged the challenges posed by this transformation, stressing the importance of ensuring that the benefits of technology are equitably shared.

“To harness the promise of technology, we must invest in digital infrastructure, expand broadband connectivity, improve access to information and communication technologies (ICT), and develop digital skills,” President Akufo-Addo stated. He highlighted the importance of bridging the digital divide to ensure all Africans have access to the necessary tools and resources to participate in the digital economy.

President Akufo-Addo also focused on innovation and entrepreneurship as crucial engines of economic growth. He called for the creation of an enabling environment for startups and the development of innovation ecosystems that can generate new technologies and business models tailored to local challenges.

In education, the President reiterated his administration’s dedication to providing quality education for all Ghanaians. He cited the success of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, which has resulted in the highest-ever enrollment in Ghana’s history. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in closing skills gaps and enhancing employability.

“Access to quality education is a fundamental right and a key driver of development,” President Akufo-Addo asserted, calling for continued investment in educational infrastructure and resources to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to receive a quality education.

On the topic of health, President Akufo-Addo stressed its critical role in sustainable development, noting that a healthy population is vital for economic growth. He highlighted his administration’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery in Ghana, particularly through the Agenda 111 initiative, which aims to construct 111 district hospitals and regional facilities across the country.

The President also mentioned the establishment of the National Vaccine Institute as a significant step towards self-reliance in vaccine production, a crucial lesson learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the need for investments in health infrastructure, training healthcare professionals, and prioritizing primary healthcare and preventive services to enhance health outcomes and build resilience against future health threats.

President Akufo-Addo in his closing remarks called for sustained investment in technology, education, and health as foundational pillars of Africa’s transformation. He expressed confidence that by leveraging these sectors, Africa can achieve sustainable and inclusive development, ultimately securing a brighter future for the continent.

Source: Ekow Annan || newsalertgh.com