Dr Clement Apaak, Deputy Minister for Education, has officially welcomed a delegation from the Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 (BCDI 2030) program to the Ministry of Education in Accra.

The Canadian team, comprising representatives from Colleges and Institutes Canada and Universities Canada, is in the country to participate in a steering committee meeting for the BCDI 2030 program, which is being held from May 20 to 21.

The Association of African Universities (AAU), a strategic partner in the initiative, is hosting the meeting at its headquarters in Accra.

Funded by Global Affairs Canada, the BCDI 2030 program is an eight-year, $80 million CAD initiative aimed at advancing the social and economic development of individuals—particularly women—from eligible Francophonie and Commonwealth countries, as well as other Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

The program focuses on building leadership capacity through education, equipping scholars with the skills, knowledge, and values necessary for impactful citizenship and community development.

In his welcome address, Dr. Apaak highlighted the alignment between the goals of the BCDI 2030 program and the educational priorities outlined in the 2024 manifesto of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

“The thematic areas and focus of the BCDI 2030 program resonate strongly with our party’s vision for education, especially in post-secondary and tertiary education,” Dr Apaak stated. “We place a strong emphasis on STEM education, and we are making efforts to introduce it at the foundational levels of our system.”

He also underscored the government’s commitment to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), which he described as crucial for addressing youth unemployment and ensuring national development.

Julia Scott, Vice President of Member Services at Universities Canada, also addressed the gathering.

She emphasized the comprehensive nature of the scholarship initiative, which engages all higher education institutions across Canada and represents the collective voice of university and college leadership.

Ms. Scott noted that the BCDI 2030 program supports education in a wide range of fields, including vocational, technical, and technological disciplines, up to degree-level studies at Canadian institutions.

She added that the program also plays a key role in higher education research and collaboration among institutions.

The visit marks a significant step in strengthening Canada-Ghana educational ties and advancing opportunities for students from eligible countries to benefit from Canadian education and expertise.