In a bid to help the youth of Ghana make informed electoral choices for the 2024 elections, the Graduate Students Association of Ghana (GRASAG) has launched the GRASAG Presidential Policy Lecture series. This initiative aims to provide presidential aspirants with a platform to engage in dialogue with the youth on policies affecting young people.
On Tuesday, May 28, 2024, GRASAG hosted the first of edition of the lecture at the New Examination Centre of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer’s H.E. John Dramani Mahama who was represented by his running mate, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.
The GRASAG Presidential Policy Lecture was conceived to bridge the gap between the nation’s presidential candidates and the youth of Ghana, allowing them to engage with the leaders on pressing national issues. This inaugural event marks a significant milestone in GRASAG’s efforts to influence decision-making processes that impact the educational sector and the nation at large.
Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the former Vice Chancellor of UCC, emphasized that any political party which does not prioritize youth development is a party that has lost its way. “It’s about the youth, and if it’s about the youth, you offer them quality education. The kind of education that would take them far,” she stated.
She highlighted the critical need for graduate students to have access to financial support for their research at the Master’s and Doctoral levels, advocating for a National Research Fund. This initiative, which she led during her tenure as Education Minister, aimed to provide researchers, especially young ones, with the necessary funds to build their capacity. Despite misconceptions by the NPP regarding this initiative, the fund was intended to complement existing allowances and support academic research.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also spoke about the NDC’s achievements in extending the Student’s Loan Scheme to cover all students in tertiary institutions and increasing the loan amounts. “By 2016, the minimum loan amount had been increased from ¢650.00 to ¢1,000 and the maximum from ¢1,600 to ¢3,000. The NDC would ensure that students can access the loan enough before they commence their schooling,” she affirmed.
She further encouraged GRASAG to ensure that the research output of its members is published and utilized through policy briefs and other means, contributing to building the Ghana that we all aspire to.
Dr. Kwamena Minta Nyarku, Member of Parliament for Cape Coast North, praised Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang’s virtues, noting her influence in his decision to return to Ghana and teach at UCC. He expressed hope that her leadership and motivation would continue to inspire future generations and potentially elevate her to the position of the first female Vice President of the Republic of Ghana.
GRASAG National President, Mr. Emmanuel Owusu, noted that the GRASAG Presidential Policy Lecture is a flagship initiative aimed at providing a platform for Ghana’s presidential candidates in the 2024 general election to engage with the youth and facilitate meaningful discussions on key policy issues affecting young people.
Mr. Owusu emphasized that GRASAG aims to become a strategic development partner, collaborating with the government, political parties, CSOs, and other stakeholders to implement policies that uplift the youth and propel the nation forward. He reiterated that nation-building is a collective effort requiring the dedication and collaboration of all citizens.
GRASAG is committed to playing its part in this noble endeavor by focusing on empowering its members with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities necessary to excel in education, innovation, and entrepreneurship, which are key drivers of sustainable development.
In conclusion, Mr. Owusu extended heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, represented by Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, for honoring their invitation.
The successful organization of the inaugural GRASAG Presidential Policy Lecture has set a strong precedent for future editions. GRASAG plans to continue this initiative, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss and address critical policy issues affecting the young people.
