The African Business Center For Developing Education, on Thursday 30th March 2017, proved its passion and commitment to mentorship and the development of Education and growth of the continent, as it held its first Annual Forum on Government, Industry and Academia Collaboration.

The event which focused on ways to champion and forge collaborative efforts between the Government, Academia and Industrial sectors was held at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, where many dignitaries, members of the general public and members of the various sectors gathered to discuss the topic.

The forum, which had support from the Busac Fund, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Education, GFZB and other stakeholders, was graced by the likes of Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, Prof Madam Aba A. Bentil ( President of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS)) and reps from other high-standing agencies who delivered speeches and moderated discussions channeled around the main theme.

The Government was represented by Deputy Minister designate for Trade and Industry, Hon Robert Ahomka Lindsay. Other speakers included Mr James Asare-Adjei, President of the Association of Ghana Industries; Mrs Entsuah Mensah, Director General of the Council on Scientific and Industrial Research, Dr Agyenim Boateng of the Institute of Industrial Research, and Mr Fred Alipui, dormer Director of Trade and Industry at the African Union and now President of the Greater Accra Chapter of the Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Chairman of ABCDE, Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah said in his opening remarks that Music, Entertainment, Arts and Sciences held a lot of potential for Ghana.

The Forum also proposed the need for follow-up meetings and workshops on specific subjects and also for the GAAS to host an office of collaboration and partnerships where a Joint Working Group could meet periodically to represent the interests of the three main stakeholders and to monitor progress in achieving set objectives.

Speaking to patrons, there seemed to be a spur of excitement, as they shared their experiences and gratitude. "This forum has equipped me to think critically. Most of the things said speakers like Dr. Spio-Garbrah are things we usually overlook and now that these things have been drawn to my attention, I'm ready to re-define my strategies.

Organizers of the event, ABCDE also expressed appreciation to its partners and patrons as they described the event as a success.