The Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Elsie Addo Awadzi is calling for a big push for investments in technology to promote resilience going forward and in a human-centred manner.
This is coming after the Covid-19 pandemic has called for the need to critically prioritise technology.
Speaking the launch of the 25th Year Anniversary of the University of Ghana, she said the pandemic underscored the importance of constant investments in the future to build resilience and strong safety nets in order to reduce inequities and exclusion from our socio-economic development efforts.
“Emerging from the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the new emphasis on Nurturing Resilience: Adopting Technology, and Embracing Humanism, is welcome and in the right direction”, she stressed.
She emphasised that technology enabled the adaptations that were necessary to reduce the fallout from the pandemic including the impact on teaching and learning, existing gaps in access to technology introduced disparities in the extent to which some were able to cope with disruptions from the pandemic.
For example, she cited a situation where students who had no access to electronic devices and/or had no access to cost-effective and reliable internet connectivity to support their online learning were suddenly facing new hurdles in pursuing their educational dreams.
Pursuit of world class excellence way to go
Regarding the future of University of Ghana, Mrs. Addo Awadzi said the pursuit of “world-class” excellence should be a moving target, adding “and as times change, that vision should be calibrated to deliver outcomes that keep this great institution relevant”.
She pointed out that “the pandemic taught us the benefit of resilience, preparation, and adaptability. Resilient organisations anticipate change, prepare for change by making adequate investments in systems that will help to deal with such changes, and adapt effectively to change.”
“Going forward, what could be the possible changes that need to be prepared for to help minimise disruptions to teaching and learning that pose a risk to achieving world class excellence? Global trends of geopolitical tensions, climate change, energy security issues, infectious diseases, cyber-attacks give us a sneak-peek into what the next decade or more could hold for the world”, she said.
While technology is a key enabler of resilience, the Second Deputy Governor indicated that it will not take the country to the promised land by itself, noting, other key pieces of the puzzle must be in place and at the right times.
These she said include the consideration of the course offerings and other enrichment activities available to students.
Secondly, she mentioned that “we must modernise how we teach relevant subjects. What technological facilities can we deploy to teach them more effectively? How can we take advantage of technological advancements to provide relevant skills for students? How can we attract the best experts and practitioners 10 from home and abroad to help with cutting-edge research and teaching in innovative ways?”
Thirdly, she said “we need a strong ethical and moral foundation for the university, one that instils in students a sense of personal responsibility to advance the public interest and the common good. We need a new generation of students that live and operate by an Honour Code who will grow to lead with integrity and selflessness for the benefit of our nation and our world.”
Fourthly, she explained that “we need to promote a stronger sense of community though active engagement and inclusion of all key stakeholder groups in shaping the future of our university. Strong alumni engagement should be key, just as strong collaboration between the University and industry”.
Last, but not least, she disclosed that “we must proactively explore opportunities for funding the investments on a sustainable basis, that are needed to deliver desired outcomes for the next 75 years”.
In conclusion, Mrs. Addo Awadzi stressed on the need to be guided by the lessons of the past and present, to look into the future with the best motive “as we can to envision a future that is even more glorious and impactful for our nation, continent, and the world at large”
