The University of Ghana School of Continuing and Distance Education(UG-SCDE) has officially launched its 76th Annual New Year School and Conference under the theme, “Attaining the 5Ps of Sustainable Development for a Resilient Ghana: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership.”
The ceremony, which began in 1948, is one of the university’s oldest traditions. It serves as a platform for education, dialogue, and the exchange of ideas on issues of national and international importance.
Additionally, it provides a forum for addressing key developmental challenges through research, policy discussions, and public engagement, bringing together stakeholders from various sectors, including academia, government, civil society, and the private sector.
Speaking during the launch the 76th edition of program, the Dean of UG-SCDE, Professor Olivia A.T. Frimpong Kwapong, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the program’s partners while highlighting its past accomplishments. She specifically acknowledged the National Youth Authority, AISECT, and private-sector collaborators for their unwavering support, which has enabled key initiatives like the Digital Youth Hub aimed at benefiting the entire nation.
“The National Youth Authority, AISECT, and the private sector, we sincerely appreciate all your support. You have no idea how challenging it is to organize the New Year School. We want to thank you, particularly the Ministry of Finance, for using your office to support us in establishing the Digital Youth Hub, which will serve the entire nation of Ghana.”
As the guest of honor, Head of Civil Service Dr. Evans Aggrey Darko emphasized the pivotal role of “people support” in driving national development. He called for greater nurturing and attentiveness to the needs of students and citizens, asserting that service to others should never be viewed as a mere favor.
“If you treat students as though you are doing them a favor, you are getting it wrong. We need to nurture them, listen to them, and offer them the support they need. Your best asset, your best investment, will always be your former students.”
“And so, I’m saying that when we attend to our students, we are not doing them a favor. I am extending this same principle to the civil service—when we serve people, we are not doing them a favor.”
Dr. Darko also delved into the theme’s relevance, discussing the concept of sustainable development and its importance in Ghana’s progress toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He underscored peace as a foundational element of sustainable development, warning that conflict undermines societal growth.
He further highlighted the necessity of futuristic policies that align with Ghana’s long-term resilience goals, encouraging stakeholders to treat this year’s theme as a transformative framework rather than just a buzzword.
“It’s appropriate, and it couldn’t have come at a more opportune time, considering the country’s efforts to attain the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Sustainable—what does that mean? It means we are developing today, but we must ensure that we do not compromise the ability of future generations to develop as well.”
“Peace is important and serves as a cornerstone of any thriving society. In the absence of peace, our efforts toward sustainable development will falter. Promoting dialogue and addressing conflicts before they escalate is crucial.
The launch also featured enthusiastic participation from supporting partners, who reiterated their commitment to the New Year School and its alignment with their organizational strategies for social development.
The 76th Annual New Year School and Conference will take place from January 13 to January 16, 2025.
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Story by: Vannessa Nyasi Mensah | universnews.ug.edu.gh
