The Deputy Minister for Education, Clement Abas Apaak, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive and equitable education during this year’s President’s Independence Day Awards ceremony for school children.
Speaking at the event, he described the occasion as a celebration of a strong and organic education sector, built on structured systems, sound policies, strategic partnerships, and the dedication of students and teachers across the country.
“This day allows us to witness the outcome of structured systems, deliberate policy implementation, strong partnerships, and, above all, the dedication of students and teachers across our communities,” he stated.
This year, 52 awardees were selected through what the Deputy Minister described as a rigorous and inclusive process coordinated by the Ghana Education Service. The breakdown includes 32 students from public schools — one boy and one girl from each of the 16 regions — and 16 students from private schools. Additionally, two visually impaired students and two hearing-impaired students were honoured for their outstanding academic achievements.
According to Mr. Apaak, the regional and inclusive nature of the awards reflects a deliberate national commitment to ensuring that excellence is recognised everywhere and opportunities reach every Ghanaian child.
“Excellence must be identified everywhere, and opportunity must reach everyone,” he emphasised.
He commended the Ghana Education Service for maintaining fairness and credibility in the selection process, noting that the awards are the result of careful validation across public and private institutions, with full inclusion of students with special educational needs. He added that the integrity of the process has sustained the prestige of the President’s Independence Day Awards since its inception in 1993.
The Deputy Minister also expressed profound appreciation to Nestlé Ghana for over three decades of sponsorship and partnership. “Consistency in partnership is what transforms initiatives into institutions,” he remarked, highlighting the long-standing collaboration as instrumental to the programme’s success.
He noted that the ceremony is part of a broader effort to motivate and inspire the awardees to achieve even greater heights. Two days prior to the event, the students paid a courtesy call on the Ministry of Education, where they interacted with officials. Later in the day, they were hosted to a luncheon with their parents and teachers.
While celebrating the students, the Deputy Minister also recognised the broader ecosystem that supports academic excellence. “To the head teachers and classroom teachers, your commitment has been the backbone of this success. To the parents and guardians, your sacrifices, discipline, and courage have shaped these young minds and positioned them to contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.
He concluded by encouraging the awardees to continue striving for excellence and to see themselves as ambassadors of hope and progress for the nation.
