Obuasi SHS students urged to embrace discipline, integrity and excellence

Hundreds of students, educators and industry leaders gathered at the Assembly Hall of Obuasi Senior High Technical School for the Fire 4 Future Conference 2026 (Onsite Edition), aimed at inspiring young people to discover their purpose and prepare for future success.

The conference, convened by Richmond Ayi d’Almeida, Chief Executive Officer of Draema Services, in partnership with Mining Tools Pty GH Ltd., focused on equipping students with practical knowledge, resilience and character traits needed to navigate the challenges of modern society.

Held in Obuasi, one of Ghana’s historic mining communities, the event sought to bridge the gap between classroom education and real-world experience by connecting students with industry professionals, health experts and civic mentors.

The conference was supported by Dr Francis Kwame Ghunney, Group Chairman and Group CEO of Mining Tools Pty GH Ltd., who is recognised for his support for youth empowerment initiatives in Ghana.

Speaking at the event, Dr Ghunney urged students to develop self-belief and pursue their academic and career goals with discipline, integrity and excellence.

“Investing in young minds is the single surest strategy for securing Ghana’s future,” he said.

He added that the conference was designed to help bridge the gap between academic learning and real-life success through direct mentorship.

The programme featured contributions from the Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Abdulai Zakaria; Programmes Coordinator Emil Ameyibor; Chief Executive Officer of 4H Brand Limited, Mawuli Asempapah; Specialist Pharmacist Pharm. Elizabeth Modupe d’Almeida; Founder of the Purity Direction Foundation, Williams Asiamah Karikari (Sirwilly); and Civil Reliability Engineer Ing. TwereNyame Acquah.

The speakers engaged the students through keynote presentations and interactive sessions covering issues related to personal development, career planning, health and responsible decision-making.

Key sessions included “Driven by Passion,” which focused on harnessing internal motivation for academic and career excellence, and “The Five Principles of Life,” which examined values that can guide young people in their personal and professional lives.

Another session, “Gen Z: My Strengths and Challenges,” explored issues surrounding identity, technology and social pressures facing young people.

The conference also featured a session on “Purity: A Lifestyle, Not a Limitation,” which encouraged students to view moral integrity as a positive personal choice, while the “Drugs: My Body, Reactions and Effects” session provided science-based education on substance abuse and its effects on the human body.

Musical performances and other creative activities were also incorporated into the programme to reinforce the key messages of the conference and provide students with an opportunity for creative expression.

Organisers said the Fire 4 Future Conference is intended to serve as a platform for mentoring and empowering young people to make informed decisions, develop strong personal values and pursue their purpose with confidence.