Sep 03-2025

As part of his official engagements in Singapore, His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama delivered the opening keynote address at the Africa–Singapore Business Forum, before visiting two of Singapore’s flagship institutions in education and innovation. The President toured the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), where he was briefed on the university’s applied-learning model and strong university–industry partnerships. He commended SIT’s integrated approach to education—where students combine academic study with real-world industry experience—and noted the relevance of such models for Ghana’s youth development strategy. SIT’s presence within the Punggol Digital District was highlighted as a successful example of co-location of academia, industry, and community to prepare students for the future of work. President Mahama also visited Biopolis, Singapore’s leading biomedical research and innovation hub. Biopolis houses both public and private R&D institutions working across the life sciences value chain—from early-stage discovery to clinical development and medtech innovation. The visit underscored the critical role of public–private collaboration in advancing healthcare innovation and economic growth. Reflecting on both visits, the President outlined key priorities for Ghana: Deepening university–industry linkages to ensure that graduates are equipped with future-ready skills; Expanding applied learning programmes, internships, and curricula aligned with national development priorities; Strengthening public–private partnerships in life sciences, biotechnology, and research commercialisation; Focusing innovation on practical solutions that generate employment and improve lives. He acknowledged the foundational work initiated under the leadership of Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, then Minister for Education, to align Ghana’s education system with the demands of a modern, innovation-driven economy. This effort, he noted, must be accelerated and sustained. The Embassy expresses its sincere appreciation to the leadership of SIT and Biopolis for the productive engagements and knowledge exchange. Ghana looks forward to building lasting partnerships in higher education, science, and healthcare to support its national transformation agenda.