Vice-President Prof. Opoku-Agyemang honors 52 outstanding students at Independence Day Awards
The Vice-President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, yesterday honored 52 students at this year’s President’s Independence Day Awards ceremony held in Accra.
The awardees were selected from all 16 regions of the country in recognition of their exceptional performance in the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). Among them were 32 students from public schools, 16 from private schools, as well as two visually impaired and two hearing-impaired students. One student each came from the Eastern and Greater Accra regions. The students received plaques and educational items in acknowledgement of their achievements.
The beneficiaries were chosen through an inclusive selection process coordinated by the Ghana Education Service (GES).
The annual awards ceremony forms part of activities marking the country’s Independence Day celebrations, which this year are being held under the theme, “Building prosperity, restoring hope.” The initiative was established to recognise and promote academic excellence among students nationwide.
Awards were presented in several categories, including Overall Best Male and Female Students across the regions, Best Students from Private Schools across the regions, and National Best Male and Female Students with additional educational needs, specifically those with visual or hearing impairments.
The event was organised by the GES under the supervision of the Ministry of Education (Ghana), in collaboration with Nestlé Ghana Ltd through one of its brands, Ideal Milk.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, who is also a former Education Minister, used the occasion to raise concerns about worrying trends in some schools, including examination malpractice, vandalism and increasing indiscipline among students. She noted that although only a small number of students were involved, such behaviour could undermine national development and damage the country’s image.
Referring to the Independence Day theme, she emphasised that young people had a critical role to play in building a prosperous nation.
“Prosperity is not built by infrastructure and policies alone. It is also built by law-abiding students and citizens who understand that personal conduct has national repercussions,” she stated.
She reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting inclusive education, explaining that steps were being taken to improve policies, widen access, enhance quality standards and strengthen the education sector as a key driver of national development.
The Vice-President also indicated that the government was collaborating with stakeholders to reinforce discipline and value-based education in schools. This would involve strengthening guidance and counselling systems so that disciplinary actions remain firm while respecting the rights and dignity of children.
She added that the GES was reviewing existing disciplinary frameworks in consultation with parents, teachers and education experts to help address misconduct and prevent it from escalating.
“The goal is not punishment for its own sake, but to develop citizens who understand both their freedoms and responsibilities,” she explained.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang urged the students to stay focused on their ambitions, choose friends carefully and respect school authorities. She reminded them that true excellence goes beyond academic performance and includes good character and behaviour even when no one is watching.
The Deputy Minister of Education, Clement Apaak, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to maintaining educational standards, strengthening systems and ensuring inclusive, high-quality education nationwide. He said the ceremony reflected the outcomes of structured reforms and deliberate policy implementation aimed at promoting excellence nationwide.
Dr Apaak added that the awards also highlighted inclusivity in basic education and demonstrated the government’s dedication to gender balance and equitable regional representation.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Nestlé Ghana Ltd, Salome Azevedo, reiterated the company’s long-standing support for education and youth development. She said the company would continue to motivate students to pursue knowledge, develop relevant skills and strive for excellence in their personal and academic lives.
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