KEY POINTS
- Ghana’s Free SHS policy benefits 5.7 million students, fostering education access and long-term economic growth.
- Nestle Ghana wins top honor at AGI Industry and Quality Awards, spotlighting innovation and resilience.
- GDP grew 6.9% in Q2 2024, showcasing Ghana’s robust economic recovery and industrial strength.
At the 13th Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) Quality Awards held in Accra last Wednesday, Finance Minister Dr. Muhammed Amin Adam announced that the Ghanaian government has invested over GH¢12 billion ($758.88 million) since 2017 in its Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. The initiative aims to enhance the nation’s human capital by providing equitable access to education for 5.7 million Ghanaian children.
Transforming education for economic growth
Amin Adam emphasized the strategic nature of the investment, describing it as essential for addressing social inequalities and fostering long-term economic growth. “The spending on Free SHS is intentional. “The 5.7 million Ghanaian children benefiting today will bring significant returns to the economy in the future,” he stated.
Complementing the Free SHS policy are other government programs such as increased funding for the National Health Insurance Scheme, school feeding initiatives, and capitation grants. These measures collectively aim to build a solid foundation for sustainable development.
Celebrating excellence in Ghanaian industry
The AGI Quality Awards recognize companies driving the economy through resilience and innovation amidst global challenges. Nestle Ghana Ltd. was named Overall Best Industrial Company of the Year. Other honorees included Petrosol Platinum Energy Ltd, Sesa Recycling Ltd, Crocodile Machets Ltd, and Ahodwo Farms.
Organized in partnership with the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), the awards underscore the critical role of local industries in navigating economic headwinds and setting benchmarks for quality and innovation.
Industries as pillars of recovery
Professor Alex Dodoo, Director-General of the GSA, highlighted the importance of Ghanaian industries in driving economic recovery. He acknowledged the compounding effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, and shifting global trends, urging businesses to adopt international standards to remain competitive.
“Successful Ghanaian industries are the solution to our recovery. They are key to reducing external debt and creating sustainable, well-paying jobs,” Prof. Dodoo said.
AGI President Dr. Humphrey Ayim Darke commended local businesses for their resilience, noting a 6.9 percent GDP growth in the second quarter of 2024, compared to 2.9 percent in the same period in 2023. He expressed optimism about continued economic progress, despite lingering global uncertainties.
Charting Ghana’s development path
Ghana’s substantial investment in education and its recognition of industrial excellence reflect the government’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth. Dr. Amin Adam reaffirmed this vision, emphasizing equitable opportunities as central to Ghana’s economic strategy.
With its focus on education, social programs, and resilient industries, Ghana positions itself as a model for sustainable and inclusive development in Africa.
