President Mahama urges students' discipline at 69th Independence Day Awards

President John Dramani Mahama has called for stronger discipline in schools while celebrating academic excellence at the 69th President’s Independence Day Awards held at the Accra International Conference Centre on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

Although the President was not present, his speech was delivered on his behalf in the presence of Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and other dignitaries.

Instituted in 1993, the President’s Independence Day Awards were created over three decades ago to recognise and celebrate academic excellence among Ghanaian schoolchildren who excel in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

Since its inception, the awards have remained a prestigious platform for honouring outstanding performance and have become an integral part of Ghana’s Independence celebrations.

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In his message, President Mahama praised the 52 awardees selected from public and private schools across all sixteen regions, including students with visual and hearing impairments.

“We come together to celebrate something very important to the future of our country: the determination and excellence of our young people,” the speech stated.

However, the President used the occasion to caution against growing indiscipline in some schools, citing examination malpractice, vandalism, and disrespect for authority.

“Prosperity is constructed by law-abiding citizens who understand that personal conduct has national repercussions,” he noted, urging students to combine brilliance with character.

Among the 2025 award winners were Asantewaa Theresah from Ahafo Region, formerly of MA Saviour JHS and now studying Science at Holy Child SHS, Cape Coast; Amoako Ferdinand of Bono Region, currently at St James Seminary/SHS offering General Science; and Agyapong Leonard from Ashanti Region, now at Prempeh College pursuing Science with French and ICT.

Others included Forson Maurencia Amponsah of Kumasi Girls SHS, Kumi Isabella Afriyie of St Rose’s SHS, Acquah Kelly Essel of Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School, Legon, Arthur Elizabeth Esi of Mfantsiman Girls SHS, Agyei Mensah Kwadwo of St James Seminary SHS, Sunyani, and Henewaa Jennifer of Sunyani SHS.

FKA/BAI

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