The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Honourble Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has emphasized the importance of education in achieving the continent’s development goals.
The Minister made the remarks at the 6th African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting held in Accra under the theme “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa”
She underlined Ghana’s tremendous progress in increasing students access to high-quality education since the implementation of the Free Senior High School (FSHS) Policy, which has improved enrollment and gender parity.
“Senior High School enrolment has risen from 308,799 in 2016 to 507,519 in 2024, which has also positively impacted gender parity at the high school level, which has also positively impacted gender parity at the high school level”, she emphasized.
Hon. Ayorkor Botchwey equally highlighted the importance of inclusive and accessible digital learning platforms in preparing the African youth for the 21st century.
“By building such dynamic educational systems, we are laying a solid foundation for the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goal No.4, which calls for inclusive, and equitable education, and the promotion of lifelong opportunities for all,” she said.
The Minister called on Member States to strengthen their commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) secretariat to accelerate sustainable growth, development, and shape the continent’s future.
“In that vein, Ghana is delighted to host the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, a Flagship Project of the AU and a key milestone in the attainment of Africa’s transformational development Agenda,” she noted.
She mentioned Ghana’s role in consolidating democracy and good governance in the sub-region and noted the successful hosting of the Second Edition of the Accra Reflection Forum from 18th to 19th March 2024 under the theme “Unconstitutional Changes of Government in Africa”.
She urged all delegates to reflect on collective aspirations within the continent and share the vision of the agenda 2063 of the African Union for the success of the Mid-Year Meeting.
“I wish to urge all delegations gathered here to reflect on our collective aspirations within our continent at large. Let us, on this occasion, remain resolute and committed to the shared vision of the agenda 2063 of the African Union, our fifty-year development plan, in all its aspects, with determination, unity and dignity as Africans and make this Mid-Year Meeting a success”, she noted
The United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), His Excellency Claver Gatete also emphasized the importance of science, technology, and innovation in building strong, competitive, resilient, and prosperous societies.
“To rescue the Sustainable Development Goals and achieve Agenda 2063, we must put education, science, technology and innovation at the forefront of our efforts”, he emphasized.
He noted that Africa’s youth lack digital skills, and deliberate efforts are needed to equip them to participate in the workforce of the future. He mentioned the need for significant investments in research and development which he said currently stand at 0.45% of GDP, and STEM courses.
“But deliberate investments in Africa’s research and development, which currently stands at 0.45 percent of GDP, and STEM courses are fundamental to reap the benefits of smart technologies and artificial intelligence”, he noted.
His Excellency Gatete again called for innovative solutions to connect all schools to the internet and emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in boosting innovation and modernizing education systems. He also stressed the need for regional mechanisms to generate resources and create economies of scale including securing adequate financing for education and the need for a better global financial architecture.
He called for a strong Africa common position and voice in the lead up to the 4th Financing for Development conference in 2025.
Source: MOI (PR Unit).
