The Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation has used the commemoration of this year’s International Day of Education in Obuasi to renew calls for stronger youth inclusion in Ghana’s education system, warning that young people must be actively involved to keep education relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Speaking at the event on Friday, January 24, the Paramount Chief of Feyiase Akoyem and Ambassador of the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation, Nana Addai Gyamera, stressed that the future of education depends on how well young people are integrated into learning processes and decision-making.

“The social media space exposes children to diverse influences. If we fail to guide them properly, what they absorb from social media could negatively affect our culture and development as a nation,” he cautioned.

The event, organised in partnership with AngloGold Ashanti and Adwinsa Publications, was held under the theme “The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education.” It brought together education officials, traditional leaders, teachers and students from schools in Obuasi and the wider Adansi enclave.

Nana Gyamera noted that education is evolving globally, with greater emphasis on skills development, creativity and digital literacy. According to him, Ghana must adapt to these changes while ensuring that cultural values are preserved.

He pointed to the nature of homework and classroom activities given to pupils as evidence that education in Ghana is gradually shifting towards a more practical and participatory model.

As part of activities marking the day, AngloGold Ashanti and Adwinsa Publications donated 15,000 NaCCA-approved reading books to support quality education in the Ashanti Region. The books were presented to the Ashanti Regional Director of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Dr William Appiah Amankrah.

Addressing the gathering, the Acting Community Relations Manager of AngloGold Ashanti, Mr Daniel Arthur Bentum, said the company’s support for the initiative reflects its commitment to improving educational outcomes in its host communities.

He described the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation as a key development partner, noting that its educational interventions have made a positive impact across the country over the years.

In a further show of support, the Chief Executive Officer of Adwinsa Publications, Mr Oppong Amponsah, announced an additional donation of 2,500 reading books to schools in the Adansi enclave to help improve pupils’ reading skills.

According to him, strong reading ability is critical to confidence and self-expression, particularly among young learners.

“Many students struggle to express themselves simply because they do not read enough. Reading builds confidence and helps learners articulate their ideas better,” he said.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr William Appiah Amankrah urged teachers to deliberately create space for students to express their opinions during teaching and learning activities, describing student participation as central to effective education delivery.

International Day of Education is marked annually on January 24 to highlight the role of education in promoting peace, development and equal opportunities worldwide.