Mahama reaffirms commitment to sustainable growth

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to promoting sustainable growth across all sectors, emphasising the need for inclusive development and innovative strategies to tackle national challenges.

In a speech read on his behalf by the Vice-President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, at the 76th Annual New Year School and Conference in Accra yesterday, the President emphasised the role of peace and collaboration in building resilient and prosperous communities.

“Our government is committed to providing opportunities for citizens to enjoy sustainable growth at all levels; economic and beyond. When we live in peace with ourselves and our neighbours, we build inclusive societies that foster sustainable development,” he stated.

New Year School

The three-day event organised by the School of Continuing and Distance Education at the University of Ghana is on the theme: “Attaining the 5-Ps of Sustainable Development for a Resilient Ghana: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnership.”

It seeks to bring together hundreds of delegates from academia, governance and corporate sectors to deliberate on national issues and propose solutions.

Sustainable development

President Mahama called on participants to adopt the five pillars of sustainable development as a framework for the country’s developmental agenda, despite the challenges the country faced.

“We must not allow these challenges to define us. Instead, we must focus on innovative solutions that drive transformative change,” he said.

Highlighting issues in the agricultural sector, he said, the environmental and social problems were mainly caused by illegal mining and encroachment on farmlands.

He, therefore, stressed the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector players, local communities and international partners to address such challenges.

“Limited financial resources should not deter us from realising our potential. There are vast opportunities for growth through strategic partnerships and local initiatives,” President Mahama remarked.

He also commended the resilience of Ghanaians in overcoming difficulties, describing it as a key strength in building a sustainable and equitable society.

“Even in the face of challenges, we have consistently risen above difficulties, and this spirit will guide us as we work towards creating a resilient and inclusive environment for all,” he added.

The President expressed optimism that the discussions and outcomes from the conference would significantly contribute to shaping Ghana’s national development agenda.

“Together, with the collective efforts of all stakeholders, we can build the Ghana we all deserve,” he concluded.

The annual event

The Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Mary Chinery-Hesse, lauded the annual conference as a vital platform for fostering meaningful discussions and shaping Ghana’s developmental agenda.

She said the event had consistently seen significant improvements and additions, and enhanced the research and intellectual agenda of the university and the country.

She emphasised the interconnectedness of the five pillars of sustainable development --- people, peace, planet, prosperity and partnership.

She said empowering people, protecting the planet, fostering prosperity, building peace and cultivating partnerships were interdependent elements that were essential for achieving the

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“By prioritising these elements and discussing them in depth during this conference, we will be closer to creating a more just, equitable and sustainable world,” she stated.

Mrs Chinery-Hesse also commended the School of Continuing and Distance Education for the annual event it had successfully organised for the past 76 years.