Accra: Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana (UG), has emphasized the need for broad national collaboration to foster sustainable development in Ghana. She highlighted that the country's development agenda necessitates the active involvement of all citizens and institutions.
According to Ghana News Agency, Prof. Appiah Amfo stated that sustainable development cannot be driven by the government, academia, or any single sector acting independently. Instead, it requires shared responsibility and inclusive engagement. This call to action was made during the opening of the 77th Annual New Year School and Conference at the University of Ghana, themed 'Building the Ghana We Want Together for Sustainable Development.'
Prof. Appiah Amfo stressed the significance of collective effort, noting that for nearly eight decades, the New Year School has provided a platform where academia meets with policymakers, the private sector, civil society, and citizens to discuss crucial national development issues. She expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for inaugurating the conference, viewing his presence as a strong commitment to intellectual discourse and evidence-based governance.
She outlined various initiatives by the University of Ghana to address national development gaps. These initiatives include curriculum reforms, strategic international research collaborations, and investments in student support infrastructure, such as laptop provision and classroom reorganization projects. She also announced the recent commissioning of an innovation hub at Baker Space, developed in collaboration with Imperial College London and the Kosmos Innovation Centre, to support students and entrepreneurs in transforming ideas into practical solutions.
Moreover, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed the pursuit of funding for a proposed Student Experience Centre as a legacy project. She reported progress on the Digital Youth Village, a national facility aimed at building digital entrepreneurship skills among young people beyond the University of Ghana. Although construction is over 60 percent complete, she highlighted challenges regarding the release of outstanding funds and expressed optimism for resolution with the support of government officials present.
Prof. Appiah Amfo concluded that the 77th New Year School and Conference would enhance collaboration among government, academia, the private sector, and citizens, featuring panel discussions and a project forum showcasing youth-led innovations from Ghana and abroad. The annual New Year School, established in 1948, remains a national platform for policy dialogue and development-oriented discourse.