By Prince Acquah / Isaac Arkoh
Cape Coast, March 6, GNA – Mr George Justice Arthur, Mayor of Cape Coast, has urged greater investments in education and economic empowerment for the youth to stimulate national development.
Speaking at the Metro celebration of the 69th Independence Day at the historic Victoria Park, he noted that education equips youth with the skills and knowledge required to drive competitive growth.
“The way forward to building prosperity as a nation includes economic empowerment where small businesses are supported to encourage entrepreneurship. Investing in local industries and promoting innovation and technology will also go a long way to seeing this nation prosper,” he said.
The 69th Independence Day celebration was held under the theme “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope.”
In Cape Coast, 17 basic, Junior High, and Senior High Schools participated in a colourful parade led by army cadets from Ghana National College, St Augustine’s College, and Mfantsipim School.
Other participating schools included Holy Child, Effutu Senior High Technical School, Wesley Girls SHS, Flowers Gay Schools, OLA Presbyterian Basic School, St Peter’s Anglican Basic School, Good Samaritan Preparatory Basic School, Calvary Hillcrest Schools, Philip Quaque Boys’ School, Police Basic School, and Royal Palace School.
Effutu SHS, St Peter’s Anglican JHS, and Royal Palace School were adjudged winners in the SHS, JHS, and basic school divisions respectively.
The Mayor stressed the importance of good governance and accountability in building a prosperous nation, noting that fair and inclusive policies, transparency, responsible leadership, and the fight against corruption are essential catalysts.
“When citizens develop trust in equal opportunities and demonstrate the courage to try again and again, then we can boldly say that hope is being restored,” he said.
Mr Arthur challenged citizens to actively participate in national development, stressing that government alone cannot achieve it.
“Prosperity builds stability, hope builds resilience, and together, they build nations,” he added.
Touching on the state of the Ghanaian economy, he recounted recent hardships and reiterated government’s commitment to change the narrative. He noted improvements in inflation, exchange rate, and fuel prices but acknowledged that more work remains.
Mr Thomas Kuofie, Metro Director of Education, highlighted the critical importance of education to national development, citing the need to nurture an efficient, informed, and skilled workforce.
He urged all stakeholders to prioritise quality education and underscored the importance of discipline and hard work, imploring students to make them part of their personal virtues.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey /Audrey Dekalu