By: Mercy Darko
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs despite ongoing global challenges.
It is in this light that the government has over the past years introduced smart policies geared towards achieving the goals, adding that focus is to invest in the educational sector to empower the youth to lead the change.
Hosting the 2023 winners of the Junior Graphic National Essay Competition at the Jubilee House, Dr. Bawumia commended the Graphic Communications Group Limited for introducing this initiative which gives students the opportunity to share their thoughts on national issues and SDGs. He said the youth are the future leaders who need to be nurtured to make a difference in the society.
The competition which is held annually for Upper Primary and Junior High level students is aimed at improving the reading and writing skills of students and pupils across the country while exposing them to national and global issues Sustainable Development Goals. For the 2023 edition, students were given the opportunity to write an essay on “Creating a world free of Hunger” in line with the Sustainable Development Goal 2 which seeks to end hunger by 2030.
Vice President Bawumia said through such competitions, the youth are empowered to add their voice to national development discourse as their thoughts are sought on issues especially the SDGs. He applauded the winners for their outstanding performance.
Special Advisor to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Dr Eugene Owusu in a remark said children are the future and they have the right to live in a peaceful environment stressing that their exposure to the SDGs will further enhance their knowledge
Managing Director of the Graphic Communications Group Ltd. Ato Afful intimated that the focus of the Junior Graphic competition is to inspire readers and experience beyond the classroom. He said through the essays, students are educated on the SDGs. He expressed gratitude to the government for the support, especially the opportunity given to winners to attend the UN General Assembly.
The 2019 and 2021 winners of the competition who accompanied the President to the 77th Annual General Assembly shared their experience.
The overall winner of the 2023 edition, Griffith Nana Osafo Brako shares excerpts of his essay that won him the ultimate award.
The first runner up was Michelle Naa Ansaah Addy and with Myron Sean Buertey Adjor taking the third position. All top 10 winners of the competition received a certificate.