The Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has called on young Ghanaians to combine academic excellence with discipline and strong moral values as the nation works toward building prosperity and restoring hope.
Speaking at the 2026 President’s Independence Day Awards ceremony in Accra on Wednesday, March 4, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang congratulated the 52 award-winning students drawn from public and private schools across Ghana, describing their achievement as a source of pride to their families, schools and the nation.
“I congratulate you. Your discipline and perseverance have brought prestige to your homes, your schools and to this country,” she said. “Use this momentum to pursue greater responsibilities and achievements.”
The Vice President stressed that the theme of the celebration, “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope”, is a collective call to action. According to her, national development is not driven by infrastructure and policies alone, but also by law-abiding citizens who understand that personal conduct has national consequences.
She expressed concern over what she described as troubling developments in some schools, including examination malpractices, vandalism and increasing disrespect toward school authorities. Although she noted that only a small percentage of students are involved in such acts, she warned that the behaviour undermines national progress and sends the wrong signals about the country’s values.
In response, she announced that the Ministry of Education, through the Ghana Education Service, is working with key stakeholders to strengthen discipline and value-based education in schools. This includes reinforcing guidance and counselling systems and reviewing existing disciplinary frameworks in consultation with parents and teachers.
“The goal is not punishment for its own sake,” she emphasised, “but to develop citizens who understand both their freedoms and responsibilities.”
Addressing the award winners directly, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang reminded them that they are entering a new and critical phase of their lives as they transition to senior secondary school. She urged them to stay focused, choose friends carefully, respect school rules and remember that true excellence extends beyond the classroom.
“Excellence is not just about how well you do in class. It is also about how you behave when nobody is watching,” she said, adding that younger students will now look up to them as role models.
The Vice President commended the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service for sustaining the awards scheme and nurturing academic talent nationwide. She also praised Nestle Ghana Limited for serving as lead sponsor of the awards for over three decades, describing the company’s partnership as a demonstration of strong belief in the potential of Ghanaian children.
She reaffirmed government’s commitment to promoting inclusive and quality education, ensuring that every Ghanaian child, regardless of background or ability, has access to the knowledge, skills and values needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang concluded by expressing confidence in the country’s future, pointing to the discipline, values and leadership demonstrated by the award recipients.
“Ghana is counting on you, not only to excel academically, but also to serve as role models,” she said.
