“In recognition of his extraordinary commitment to education by implementing free universal education in Ghana, African Leadership University recognize the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his exemplary leadership, and I quote “Education is the most powerful weapon for which you can use to change the world,” – Nelson Mandela
These words were contained in a citation presented to the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, by the African Leadership University (ALU), on Friday, 6th September, 2018, in Kigali, Rwanda.
Speaking prior to presenting the award, Mr. Fred Swaniker, founder of the African Leadership University, explained that President Akufo-Addo embodies the meaning of the quote “education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.”
According to him, Ghana, Africa, and, indeed, the world is already witnessing the impact of the Free Senior High School Policy on the lives of hundreds of thousands of Ghanaians, which, for him, “is the reason number one that we thought he deserves this citation.”
In the first year of the implementation of the Free SHS policy, 90,000 more students entered Senior High School in 2017 than they did in 2016. Again, in 2018, the second year of the policy, 180,000 more students have been admitted into Senior High Schools across the country.
The second reason for the award, the ALU Founder said, is the President’s belief in the ability of the youth.
“From the beginning, as he assumed office, he made it very clear that his number one priority was to ensure that the youth of Ghana got the opportunity, and were able to get jobs, and he's implemented the policy of “One District, One Factory”, which is really about promoting the youth entrepreneurship, and making sure that the rural youth got an opportunity for employment,” he added.
Thirdly, President Akufo-Addo’s persistence and perseverance in not giving up on his vision of serving Ghana, according to Fred Swaniker, is one which has to be emulated by this generation of African youth.
“Nelson Mandela was in jail for 27 years, and I believe that one of the traits of great leaders is their persistence, they don't give up until they achieve their vision. And our President ran for office twice, before he eventually won. And, that, I believe, is the mark of a great leader,” he said.
The final reason for the award being given to President Akufo-Addo, Fred Swaniker said, was his belief in African self-reliance.
“I remember watching him proudly in this video that was going around. It went viral, and many of you might have seen this video, and if you haven't, then you should watch it. This was when the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, visited and he stood there, as our President told him about Ghana without aid and described his vision for African self-reliance and for Ghana’s self reliance, where we will no longer depend on colonial powers like France,” he said.
The ALU Founder continued, “I have never felt more proud to be a Ghanaian than when I watched that video. So, Mr. President, thank you so much for really inspiring all of us to think about how, as Africans, we can only drive our destiny and no longer rely on the rest of the world.”
Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana
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Your award will give some "*Obis*" sleepless nights. Go c Adongo, JDM n co they're puffing up serious. A prophet is not regarded in his own house.
You see “COOL” YOU lack education even the word arrival you couldn’t spell it right yet you reject free education. The NDC poor in our society are the ones rejecting the FREE SECONDARY SCHOOL. Believe it not, it has come to stay for ever. God Bless Ghana
@Cool: After hiding behind your PC and calling the president who can be your father USE*1ESS you will then walk sanctimoniously to the mosque on Friday or to Church on Sunday to pray to God. God is watching you.
Usles s president this usles s free shs which has died in aravall, who should support
The policy of the free SHS is meant for all, more expecially those who may not be able to secure admission into Senior high schools due to inability to pay for huge sums of monies. Thank you Mr president for thinking about the youth and the Ghanaian populace as a whole. May God richly bless you and your family and any other endeavours you may wish to undertake to helping our dear country Ghana and Africa as a whole...................
EVERY PATRIOTIC GHANAIAN SHOULD SUPPORT THE PRESIDENT TO SUCCEED.AND FOR THE SKEPTICS THEY CAN SIT ON THE FENCE AND WATCH.
Akuffo Addo too good to be a president. He should have come earlier to help move Ghana forward but thanks be to God we still have him to do the good work. NPP is just doing well.........