The Deputy Minister of Education and Member of Parliament for Builsa South, Dr Clement Abass Apaak, has issued a strong call to students across the country to embrace discipline, respect authority, and dedicate themselves fully to their studies, while firmly warning against the growing use of hard drugs in schools.
Dr Apaak made the call while speaking at the official launch of the 50th anniversary celebration of Zamse Senior Technical School (ZAMSE) in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region.
The event brought together students, teachers, parents, old students, and education stakeholders to reflect on the school’s journey and future.
Addressing the students, Dr Apaak stressed that academic success and a meaningful future depend largely on personal choices and discipline.
“You have a role to play in your own education. That role requires you to be disciplined, respectful, and dedicated to your studies,” he stated.
He cautioned students to desist from bad habits, particularly the use of hard drugs and alcohol, singling out Tramadol and the increasingly abused drug known as “RED” as serious threats to their future.
“You have a future. We are counting on you,” he told the students, urging them to think critically about where they want to be in the next 10, 20, or even 50 years.
Drawing inspiration from successful old students, Dr Apaak challenged them to aspire to greatness. “Would you want to be like Isaac Adongo, our Naba Chair, our old student, the professor? If you want to achieve or even go beyond these successes, then take what I am telling you very seriously,” he advised.
He acknowledged the efforts of teachers, noting that while educators continue to do their best under challenging conditions, students must complement those efforts through commitment and good conduct.
“If you do not compliment their effort, you will not have a future,” he cautioned.
Turning to school authorities and teachers, the Deputy Minister commended their dedication and encouraged them not to relent in shaping young minds.
He emphasised that teachers play a crucial role in determining destinies, noting that many national leaders are products of their sacrifice and guidance.
Dr Apaak also appealed to parents to take an active interest in the lives of their children by monitoring their behaviour, habits, and needs.
He urged parents to be patient and invest in their wards, assuring them that such investments would yield rewards in the future. He cited examples of proud parents whose sacrifices have resulted in successful children serving the nation.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana