Dr. Augustine Blay, the Executive Secretary to the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has urged the general public to uphold inclusivity in all aspects of development.
Hailing from the Western North region, he stressed that inclusivity should be a guiding principle in shaping and executing policies, projects, and initiatives at all levels of government and society.
Addressing the 15th Student Representative Council (SRC) week Celebration at the Sefwi Wiawso College of Education, Dr. Augustine Blay defined inclusivity as the practice of ensuring that all members of society, irrespective of their background, abilities, or beliefs, have an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from the nation’s progress and growth.
He further emphasized that inclusivity aligns with democratic values and fosters a sense of belonging among the diverse population of Ghana.
Dr. Augustine Blay pointed out that one of the most significant advantages of inclusivity is its ability to tap into the full potential of citizens who are rich in talent, innovation, and creativity.
According to him, by embracing inclusivity, an environment is created where every individual, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or physical abilities, can contribute their unique skills and perspectives to the nation’s development.
Dr. Augustine Blay assured that the government is fully committed to promoting inclusivity in all aspects of the nation’s development.
He stated that the government is actively working to remove barriers to equal participation and access to resources, which includes policies supporting gender equality, assistance for people with disabilities, and initiatives to address disparities in healthcare, housing, and education.
He emphasized that inclusivity is not merely an abstract concept but a guiding principle that should underpin all of the nation’s development efforts.
Dr. Augustine Blay believes that by upholding inclusivity, Ghana can pave the way for a brighter future where every citizen can thrive, and the nation can truly realize its full potential.
Furthermore, Dr. Augustine Blay highlighted education as a critical arena where inclusivity should be strongly promoted.
He emphasized that education equips citizens with the knowledge and skills needed for active participation in the nation’s development.
He stated that inclusivity enhances students’ confidence and active participation in the classroom, ultimately resulting in improved academic achievements.
Dr. Augustine Blay recounted an example from his own primary school experience in Basic Four class, where some of his classmates struggled with Mathematics until a dedicated teacher provided special assistance. Today, many of those pupils have become engineers, contributing to community development.
Dr. Augustine Blay encouraged teacher trainees to understand the unique needs of their students and tailor their teaching methods accordingly.
