The Deputy Education Minister, Dr. Clement Apaak, has assured that the selection of awardees for the President’s Independence Day Awards is conducted through a rigorous and transparent process, ensuring fair representation of students from both public and private schools.
He made the remark at the 2026 awards ceremony, where 52 students drawn from all 16 regions were honoured for their outstanding performance in the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
The annual event, organised by the Ghana Education Service in partnership with Nestlé Ghana Limited, recognised 32 students from public schools and 16 from private institutions, as well as two visually impaired and two hearing-impaired students.
Dr. Apaak said the initiative is aimed at promoting fairness and motivate students to strive for higher academic standards.
“This structure reflects a deliberate national commitment. Excellence must be identified everywhere and opportunity must reach everyone. We commend the continuous effort by the Ghana Education Service in the selection and verification processes. These awards are the outcome of careful validation, ensuring fairness across public and private institutions,” he said.
The Managing Director of Nestlé Ghana Limited, Salomey Azevedo speaking at the event, urged young women to break barriers and pursue ambitious goals as the world prepares to mark International Women’s Day on March 8.
“I want you to know that your achievements carry a lot of weight. You are breaking barriers and inspiring other young girls to believe in themselves,” she said.
Items given to the 52 deserving students included laptops, plaques, sashes, medal and 1 year supply of Nestle products.
