Communications Ministry to establish Digital Youth Village for UG students-Mrs Owusu-Ekuful
By Christabel Oboshie ANNAN & Zeenatu ABUBAKAR, Accra
In a significant move towards enhancing digital skills and fostering entrepreneurship among the youth, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, announced the establishment of a Digital Youth Village on the University of Ghana (UG) campus.
The initiative, revealed during the media launch of the 75th Annual New Year School and Conference (ANYSC) in Accra, is poised to serve as a vital link between academia and industry.
Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful outlined that the Digital Youth Village would not only promote digital entrepreneurship but also play a crucial role in building capacities of young people, preparing them for the demands of the digital world.
The Minister emphasized that the funds for construction had been approved, with the University providing the necessary land for the project.
Speaking at the launch, Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful highlighted the pivotal role of technology and digitization in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She underlined the importance of embracing people-centered technology to strengthen education, health, business, and the preservation of Ghana’s unique culture.
Moreover, the Communications Minister stressed the need for allocating financial resources towards extensive research in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and integrating digital tools across educational institutions.
She urged stakeholders to focus on areas such as teacher technology professional development, gender and social inclusion, and adolescent mental health promotion for actionable policies.
The 75th New Year School and Conference, scheduled for January 9 to 11, 2024, will focus on the theme “Nurturing Resilience: Adopting Technology and Embracing Humanism for Sustainable Development.”
The Provost of the College of Education, Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Cudjoe, highlighted the event’s significance in fostering intellectual growth, innovation, and collaboration over the past 74 years.
Prof. Cudjoe cautioned against neglecting humanity amid rapid technological advancements, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development relying on human connection, empathy, and collaboration.
He advocated for technological inclusivity, ensuring that the benefits of technology reach everyone, building compassionate communities alongside smart cities and schools.
Dr Jack Andrew Dotsey, Executive Director of the New Year School, said the 2024 edition would provide a platform for citizens’ participation and demand for accountability in local governance to ensure sustainable development.
He said the discussions would focus on subjects, including technology education, youth development, election 2024 security and peace building, digital economy and a new local government system.
The 2024 edition of the conference, in partnership with various organizations including the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, Ministry of Education, The Republic of Estonia, Tallinn University, Institute of Democratic Governance, and Ghana National Association of Teachers, will provide a platform for citizens’ participation and demand for accountability in local governance.
The forum will address subjects such as technology education, youth development, election security and peace building, digital economy, and a new local government system.
The annual conference is expected to bring together ministers of state, industry leaders, academics, labor union leaders, and individuals from various sectors to deliberate on issues of national interest and make recommendations that will shape policy.
Since its inception, the ANYSC has been a platform for discussing pressing national issues, mobilizing citizens towards development, and serving as the University of Ghana’s Corporate Social Responsibility.
