“Brighter Future, Better Africa: Let’s Invest in Education”

Accra, Ghana – Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has made a passionate plea to African heads of state to prioritize education as a vital investment in the continent’s future. Addressing delegates at the 6th AU Mid-Year Coordinating Meeting, Botchwey stressed that education is the backbone of every nation, essential for empowering youth and building a resilient and competitive continent.

“The future of Africa depends on our ability to educate our youth and equip them with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the 21st century,” Botchwey emphasized. “We must recognize the transformative power of education in shaping our continent’s future and addressing the complex challenges we face.”

The theme of the meeting, “Educate an African fit for the 21st century, building resilience education system for increased access to inclusive lifelong quality and relevant learning in Africa,” highlights the need for a renewed commitment to building education systems that provide access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning for all Africans.

Botchwey highlighted Ghana’s progress in improving education under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s leadership, including the introduction of the Free Senior High School policy, which has significantly increased enrollment from 308,799 to 507,519 and improved gender balance. She also mentioned the Ghana Smart School Project, which provides tablets and digital resources to students, positively impacting education in the country.

“By prioritizing education, we can build a future that is more equitable, prosperous, and resilient, where our youth can thrive and reach their full potential,” Botchwey emphasized. “I urge African leaders to join forces in making education a continental priority, aligning with the African Union’s vision of ‘Educating an African fit for the 21st century.'”

Delegates at the meeting pledged to work together to prioritize education and ensure that all Africans have access to quality education. The meeting also explored innovative solutions to address the challenges facing education in Africa, including inadequate infrastructure, lack of qualified teachers, and limited access to digital resources.

As Botchwey emphasized, “Education is the key to unlocking Africa’s full potential. Let us work together to build a brighter future for our continent.”