73rd Annual New Year School and Conference Launched

Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta

The Minister of Finance, Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta, has called on institutions such as University of Ghana to redesign the learning experiences of students by nurturing them to be risk-takers, skilled at identifying problems from different angles and capable of formulating solutions. The Honourable Minister was speaking at the official launch of the 73rd Annual New Year School and Conference (ANYSC) to be organised in January 2022 by the School of Continuing and Distance Education, College of Education (COE).

Hon. Ofori-Atta who was the Special Guest of Honour at the launch, in his address, mentioned government’s efforts in mitigating the impact of the pandemic on Ghanaian households by developing a GH¢100 billion COVID-19 Alleviation and Revitalisation of Enterprises programme (the GhanaCARES “Obaatan Pa” programme). The implementation of this project is to revitalise the nation by improving the business climate, supporting the private sector and providing job opportunities for the youth. According to the Minister, ‘Government has spent close to eleven billion Ghana cedis in direct interventions since March 2020’.

Further, Hon. Ofori-Atta, highlighted government’s renewed emphasis on supporting entrepreneurship under the new YouStart programme over the next three years. “This is the most extensive attempt in our history at kick starting the Entrepreneurial state, and we are determined to build the stronger future our country deserves”, he Ofori-Atta declared.

The Chairman for the occasion, Prof. Martin Oteng-Ababio, Acting Provost, College of Education, noted that the Annual New Year School and Conference is a unique national platform for reflective and engaging conversations on the emerging innovations associated with Covid-19. He said, ‘… our sincere wish is that the deliberations of the 73rd School and Conference will positively contribute to innovative strategies and policies that will transform the lives of many and guarantee social mobility for every Ghanaian’.

Prof. Martin Oteng-Ababio

Earlier, Prof. Olivia Kwapong, Dean of the School of Continuing and Distance Education, in her welcome remarks, announced the new additions to the ANYSC including the participation of an international Keynote Speaker. Prof. Kwapong said, “there will also be a Youth School to create a platform for the young people of our nation to deliberate on issues that concern them in the face of the pandemic”. She also made a special appeal to Honourable Ken Ofori-Atta, Minister of Finance, to consider constructing a multi-purpose youth facility on the University of Ghana campus to provide formal learning opportunities for the youth to develop their entrepreneurial skills.

Prof. Olivia Kwapong

A 5-minute documentary showcasing the impact of COVID -19 was shown during the Launch. The official launch was performed by Hon. Ken Ofori Atta, Prof. Olivia Kwapong and Prof. Martin Oteng-Ababio. The 73rd Annual New Year School and Conference will be held under the theme, “COVID-19 and Socioeconomic Dynamics in Ghana”.

Present at the launch were Prof. Michael Tagoe, Former Acting Provost of the College of Education, Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah, Acting College Secretary (COE); Mr. Michael Owusu Ansah, College Finance Officer, College of Education and Mrs. Elizier Taiba Ameyaw-Buronyah, Director of Public Affairs. Also present were faculty members and other stakeholders in academia, business and governance, as well as staff of the School of Continuing and Distance Education and the Ministry of Finance.