The IGP, the Guest of Honour gave the advice at the 68 th Speech and Prize Giving Day and Homecoming of Okuapeman Secondary School held at the school’s premises at Akropong- Akuapem of the Eastern region. The event was sponsored by the ’95-year group and supported by the ‘75 and ’85-year groups. 

The event was on the theme: “Reconnecting to our Foundation Pillars of Discipline, Dedication and Patriotism: inspiring hope in the younger generation.” IGP Yohuno said many of the young people were bright, educated and full of promises yet they let impatience gradually ruin their future. 

“Today, you arrest an armed robber who appears to be a gentleman with neat haircut, well-dressed and polite yet beneath that appearance lies a young man who has lost his way due to poor life choices,” he stated. He also mentioned other negative aspects such as betting and gambling which were ruining many young lives. “Young people borrow money to gamble only to lose everything and sink into depression with some attempting suicide,” he stressed. He urged the students not to be deceived by shortcuts to success, adding that real success takes time and perseverance, adding, “Your dreams are valid, but they require consistent effort to achieve the ultimate.” 

The IGP said as an alumnus of the school, his formative years in the school had given him a firm foundation to rise to his current position. He extended his condolences to the bereaved families of the recent unfortunate incident at the El Wak Sports Stadium in Accra during a recruitment exercise while calling for reforms to ensure a safe and dignified recruitment process across all security services. 

Mr Yohuno commended the Technical Vocational Education and Training Programme (TVET) which empowers young people with the necessary skills and knowledge to help build a brighter future and bridge the gap between education and industry. facilitating a seamless transition into the workforce. He said one of the proudest achievements of the Ghana Police Service in recent times has been Police Diplomacy citing a notable example as the partnership between the Ghana Police Service and the New York Police Department. D. Felix Nana Sackey, Chancellor NiBS University and Chief Executive Officer, Ibistek Group, in a keynote address, said Ghana was entering a new chapter and the next 20 years would demand more from the current generation than the past 60 years. 

He said the future that Ghana deserved would not be built by chance but by leaders who understand systems, leaders who protect values and leaders who can think critically and act decisively. “It will require people who can design solutions, not excuses, people who can strengthen institutions, not undermine them,” he said, adding, “It would require people who understand that Integrity is not a slogan but an operating principle.” 

Rev. Richard Koranteng Afari, the Headmaster of the School, in a report,  said management remained committed to providing the needed conducive atmosphere for every talent and dream to be nurtured to fruition. “We remain focused on our success Agenda” to improve academic outcomes by conventional means only,” he said. In all, he disclosed, a total of 1159 students were admitted out of the 1191 students placed at the school. 

The school, he said, has received 3,635 tablets from the Ministry of Education for students under the “Ghana Smart Schools Project.” The headmaster mentioned challenges of the school as the uncompleted roads in the school, drainage system, stalled girls dormitory project, inadequate supply of classroom desk and dormitory beds. 

Speaking on behalf of His Royal Majesty Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, Okuapehene and Special Guest of Honour, Nana (Dr) Afua Manko Abedi, Larteh Apesemakahemaa encouraged the students to embrace discipline not only in their studies but in every aspect of their lives. She urged the students to engage in community service, advocate for justice and stand up against challenges, adding this is the essence of true patriotism. “As future leaders, you have the responsibility to be stewards of our values, tradition and our heritage,” she said. 

Mr.John Evans Kumordzi, the Municipal Chief Executive for Akuapem North Municipal Assembly, in an address, said government remained unwavering in the commitment to accessible, equitable and quality education for every Ghanaian child. “As part of the President’s resetting agenda, we are entering a new phase that strengthens the foundation of Free SHS by improving quality, restoring discipline, enhancing character formation to become a central pillar of education,” he stated. 

He said Okuapeman school had over the decades produced distinguished men and women who continued to serve Ghana with integrity in academia, public service, health, business, media and leadership among others. “As an assembly, we take immense pride in your contributions,” he said,  adding that “We remain committed to supporting educational infrastructure.” 

Mr Sammy Awuku, the Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, donated five laptops each to the National Science & Maths Quiz Team, comprising teachers and students in fulfilment of a pledge he made to the team during the contest. He instituted an award scheme in the school that would reward the most outstanding person in the area of leadership and public-spiritedness.