President Mahama to Open 77th New Year School and Conference

Accra: The 77th Annual New Year School and Conference is set to commence on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Great Hall of the University of Ghana, Legon. This three-day event, concluding on Thursday, January 8, 2026, will focus on the theme 'Building the Ghana We Want Together for Sustainable Development.' President John Dramani Mahama will be the special guest of honour for the opening ceremony, and Dr. Ishmael Yamson, Board Chairman of MTN Ghana, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address. Ms. Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong, Chairperson of the University of Ghana Council, is also expected to attend. According to Ghana News Agency, the conference is being organised by the School of Continuing and Distance Education and the College of Education of the University of Ghana. During the launch in November 2025, Mr. Goosie Obuadum Tanoh, Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy, emphasized that the theme captures the national sentiment, highlighting a desire for steady employment, reliable markets, and an organ ized path for growth in Ghana. He stated that the theme encourages a realistic evaluation of necessary changes for the country to thrive in a competitive global landscape. Mr. Tanoh elaborated that the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme (24H+) represents the Government's strategic approach to transforming the nation's economic framework. The programme prioritizes productivity, trade, and competitiveness, aiming to develop a robust industrial economy with ample opportunities. It is structured around three core pillars addressing the economy's structural constraints. The first pillar emphasizes production through initiatives such as Growth24, Make24, Build24, and Show24. The second pillar aims to enhance Ghana's supply chains and market systems, while the third pillar focuses on placing people at the heart of national transformation efforts. Over the years, the New Year School and Conference have served as a vital platform for experts and academics to discuss national issues and prop ose recommendations to further national development.