Watch President Mahama's warm interaction with students

President John Dramani Mahama shared a warm and playful moment with students during the Head of State Award Ceremony held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

In a video sighted online, the president was seen personally arranging students for a group photograph, creating a light-hearted and memorable moment for the students.

Beyond the cheerful interaction, President Mahama, speaking as Chief Patron at the Gold Award and Special Honours Presentation Ceremony of the Head of State’s Award Scheme, stressed the importance of discipline and skills acquisition.

According to him, the ceremony recognises values such as resilience, leadership, service, and a commitment to excellence among young people.

President Mahama further noted that while formal education is important, character development remains essential to nation-building.

He noted that programmes like the Head of State’s Award Scheme help shape responsible and disciplined leaders.

President Mahama explained that such initiatives instil the understanding that leadership is rooted in service and that failure is part of growth, stressing that nation-building begins with personal responsibility.

According to him, academic qualifications alone are no longer sufficient, stressing the need for skills, adaptability, and innovation.

“If education is the key to success, then skills are the engine of economic transformation,” he stated.

President Mahama also urged the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to release funds for the completion of the Ghana Awards House—a GH¢5 million administrative facility initiated in April 2021 but yet to be completed.

“I’ve instructed GETFund to provide the funding to complete the project. This Award House will be a lasting symbol of our investment in the future of our young people,” he added.

He reaffirmed his commitment to completing the facility, describing it as a vital hub for youth development under the Head of State’s Award Scheme.

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Watch the video below:

President John Dramani Mahama shares a warm and playful moment with students, personally organizing them by height for a group photo, showing his attention to detail and genuine engagement with the youth.#ChannelOneNews #PresidentMahama #YouthEngagement #LeadershipInAction pic.twitter.com/tNxOOFMHdR

— ChannelOne TV (@Channel1TVGHA) April 1, 2026