The 77th Annual New Year School and Conference (ANYSC) will open at the University of Ghana (UG) today, putting the spotlight on how to build a desirable Ghana together for sustainable development. 

Supported by the Daily Graphic, the two-day dispassionate and apolitical discussion is being organised by the School of Continuing and Distant Education of the university’s School of Education.

The ANYSC, which has been in existence since 1948, will have this year’s theme as, “Building the Ghana We Want Together for Sustainable Development’’, a major mantra of the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC’s) 2024 campaign, the school would be opened by President John Dramani Mahama.

“This rallying theme aligns with the government’s grand vision of developing a prosperous and inclusive Ghana, grounded on a holistic development agenda which ultimately aims to transform the socio-economic situation of the nation,” the organisers said.

It would feature six well researched presentations in person, five presentations to virtual audiences and five panel discussions.

There will also be a two-day youth forum from tomorrow to discuss issues that affect them directly such as transforming education, promoting inclusive and sustainable youth development, sports development and health.

The organisers believe that the country is at a turning point in its development path after 68 years of political independence, with a highly complex web of opportunities and challenges that will define its fate for generations to come.

“In line with the theme, the 77th annual new year school and conference will explore ways to build a vibrant and resilient economy that safeguards national growth and prosperity for all Ghanaians,” the Executive Director of the ANYSC, Dr Andrews Jack Dotsey, told the Daily Graphic.

He added that the school and conference would also examine the potential of human capital development initiatives to promote inclusive growth in the country.

Aside from President Mahama, others speakers include the Vice-Chancellor of UG, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo; the Chairperson of the UG Council, Marietta Agyeiwaa Brew; the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority, Godwin Edudzi Kudzo Tameklo; the CEO of the Petroleum Hub Corporation, Dr Toni Aubynn and the President of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development, Dr George Donkor.

Others are a business executive, Ishamael Yamson, the Presidential Advisor for 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development, Goozie Tanoh; CEO, Dalex Finance, Joe Jackson, the CEO Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ken Ashigbey; the Deputy Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress, Dr Kwabena Otoo; Deputy CEO, Food and Drugs Authority, Gayheart Edem Mensah, among others.

On the second day and before the ANYSC issues a communique, the conference will host the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who would apprise the conference participants on the economic strategy of the government going forward.