Communications Ministry Announces Digital Youth Village at University of Ghana

Accra – The Communications Ministry of Ghana has announced plans to establish a Digital Youth Village at the University of Ghana (UG) campus, aiming to bolster digital entrepreneurship among students. According to Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister of Communications and Digitilisation, the initiative will serve as a nexus between academia and the digital industry. This announcement was made during the media launch of the 75th Annual New Year School and Conference (ANYSC) at UG in Accra.

According to Ghana News Agency, the construction of the Digital Youth Village has received necessary funding, with the University providing the land. The project is designed to equip young people with the skills needed for the digital era, thereby contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals through technology and digitisation. The Minister emphasized the role of technology in advancing education, health, business, and cultural promotion in Ghana.

The 75th New Year School, scheduled from January 9 to 11, 2024, will focus on the theme ‘Nurturing Resilience: Adopting Technology and Embracing Humanism for Sustainable Development.’ This event, aligning with the University of Ghana’s Corporate Social Responsibility, has historically facilitated discussions on national issues and citizen mobilisation for development.

Dr Jack Andrew Dotsey, Executive Director of the New Year School, mentioned that the 2024 edition would encourage citizens’ participation and accountability in local governance for sustainable development. The forum will cover various topics including technology education, youth development, election security for 2024, peacebuilding, the digital economy, and a new local government system.

Prof Nii Ardey Codjoe, Provost of College of Education at UG, highlighted the event’s significance in celebrating achievements, addressing challenges, and setting future goals. The school has been instrumental in promoting intellectual growth, innovation, and collaboration for 74 years.

The upcoming forum is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, Ministry of Education, The Republic of Estonia, Tallinn University, Institute of Democratic Governance, and the Ghana National Association of Teachers.