President John Mahama has opened this year’s New Year school with a call for a robust investment to uplift the vulnerable in society. 

That, the President stressed, was important to enable the citizenry to pursue their dreams and contribute meaningfully to society. 

President John Dramani Mahama said this in a speech read on his behalf by Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the Vice President, at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Annual New Year School Conference in Accra. 

It is on the theme: “Attaining the 5 Ps of Sustainable Development for a Resilient Ghana: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership.” 

He said the five Ps of sustainable development have been clearly articulated to guide development agendas, policies, and practices in an effort to attain the end-use. 

“Focusing on people is essential to ensure social inclusion, gender equity, and human rights. 

“People-centred initiatives ensure that we will save more than we can to social security,” he said. 

The President said the planet called on all to protect and restore the ecosystems and to be responsible in the production and consumption of the biodiversity. “We must all be committed to the task of sustaining our planet for generations to come.” 

He said the search for prosperity must focus on the country’s willingness to reduce poverty and to ensure a certain level of economic independence for the citizens. 

“Partnerships that are crucial for mobilising resources, sharing knowledge, and implementing effective strategies are realised in a peaceful, inclusive community. Our government is committed to providing opportunities for the citizens to enjoy sustainable growth at all levels, economic and beyond,” he said. 

He said last year’s conference highlighted the Digital Youth Hub project, an initiative aimed at equipping the youth with the digital entrepreneurial skills necessary for thriving in a 24-hour economy. 

He called on all stakeholders to tap into local initiatives and opportunities for growth through strategic partnerships and leverage technology and relationships to create lasting transformative change. 

“One of the greatest strengths of the Ghanaian people is their resilience. In the face of adversity, Ghanaians consistently rise above challenges and push forward with determination.” 

He said the deliberations, discussions, and outcomes from the conference would play a role in shaping the national agenda. 

The New Year School, which has been organised since 1948, is a major platform for academia, industry, policymakers, and other stakeholders to deliberate on pertinent issues critical for national development. 

The conference opens at the beginning of every new year. 

At the end of every school and conference, a communique is issued, which captures the recommendations of participants and discussions. 

The recommendations usually inform policy decisions and directions of the country.