A year ago
72 students were honored at the President's Independence Day Awards.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo presented the President's Independence Day Awards in Accra on Friday.
Nestle Ghana Limited sponsors the annual event, which recognizes and rewards young brilliant students between the ages of 14 and 19 from across the regions.
The 72 awardees were chosen for their outstanding academic performance in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
Based on the raw scores obtained in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, the overall best male and female students from public schools were also chosen (WASSCE).
There was also a section for people with disabilities.
Each winner received a plaque, a certificate, GH3,000, a laptop computer, and a year's supply of Nestle products.
President Akufo-Addo stated that he was always delighted to interact with brilliant and talented young people because they represented the country's future.
"You will be a part of the story of whether this country remains somewhat dependent on foreign assistance or whether it becomes a self-sufficient nation largely mobilizing its own resources to meet its needs," he added.
The President urged the awardees not to let their achievements get to their heads, because they were only the beginning of what was to come, and they must continue to work hard.
He advised them to be diligent, hardworking, and morally upright, emphasizing the importance of honesty and integrity as values they must always uphold.
The President gave an assurance that the government will continue to place importance on access to quality education for all because "today's youth running barefooted to school could be a future leader".
Significance
President Akufo-Addo went on to say that education is the most effective way to change an individual's and a nation's fortunes because it provides equal opportunities.
He praised both the teaching and non-teaching staff of the schools that cultivated the awardees and urged them to continue to give their all in order to discover more talents for nation-building. The President also praised parents and guardians for their love, support, and sacrifices, which inspired their children and wards to do their best.
School assignment
Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minister of Education, stated that over 500,000 students were placed in various schools this year to enable them to realize their dreams.
"The President's vision is to ensure that this nation lives up to its motto of Freedom and Justice," by providing opportunities for all children, regardless of economic circumstance or background.
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