By Francis Kwabena Cofie
Accra, July 12, GNA – Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of State in Charge of Government Communication, has urged parents to train and nurture children with firm values of discipline to enable them to grow into responsible adults.
He asked parents to closely monitor the routine activities of their children, possibly their association with their peers, to help make informed decisions on their moral upbringing.
Mr Ofosu gave the advice in a speech read on his behalf during the sixth speech and prize- giving day of the North Hills International School (NIS), a basic school situated in North Legon in Accra.
The event was on the theme: “Discipline – The Bridge between Dreams and Reality “.
The programme saw 36 learners graduating – comprising primary and lower secondary.
Master Vielung Kwadwo Bagbin, son of Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Kingsford Bagbin emerged overall best student.
The Minister emphasized the importance of instilling discipline in the formative years of raising children which would be a guiding light to their growth into adulthood.
“At this stage, children learn to develop verbal and nonverbal skills, build social skills, develop emotional intelligence as well as critical thinking and creativity,” he noted.
Mrs Emma Coleman Opoku, the Principal of the School, said the school reaffirmed its commitment to academic excellence as demonstrated by the outstanding performance of pupils in the 2025 Cambridge Checkpoint Examinations.
She described the outcome as the result of tireless efforts from passionate teachers, the determination and diligence of pupils and the support of parents.
Mrs Opoku stated, “Over the years NIS has made remarkable strides in the Basic Education Certificate Examinations, consistently raising academic standards and producing outstanding results.
“Last year, the school recorded exceptional achievements including ten grade ones with two pupils attaining eight grade ones and another achieving six grade ones,” adding “Despite these successes, we have observed a decline in interest and enrollment in the GES curriculum. “
The principal indicated that, after careful examination and considering current enrollment figures, the school had decided to suspend the GES curriculum temporarily.
“This measure will remain in effect until we observe a renewed and sustained interest from parents and pupils in pursuing this curriculum,” she stated.
Mrs Opoku assured all stakeholders that the decision was not made lightly but rather in the best interest of resource optimization and programme relevance.
Mrs Bernice Adu Boateng, the General Manager of the School, expressed gratitude to teachers for their dedication and professionalism and the invaluable role of parents which has brought the school thus far.
She said despite rising costs, the school would maintain certain fees and charges such as tuition fee and feeding cost among others to bring relief to parents, and that the school would not compromise on its quality service delivery and academic excellence.
“Come September, this year, the school would roll out digital boards to complement the use of projectors and desktops in every classroom to infuse the use of technology to enhance facilitator – learner activities,” she said
The year seven pupils of the school under a Global Perspective Project titled, “Acting on Poverty and Inequality, “raised an amount of GHC17,530 to support the cause and donated used personal effects to Potter’s Village.”
Mrs Bertha Boamah Benin, the Administrator and Human Resources Manager of the school, expressed gratitude to 40 companies and individuals who supported the event through cash and kind.
She appealed to other well-meaning institutions and individuals to support the school.
Professor Wisdom Akpalu, the Chairman for the occasion and Chairman of the Fisheries Commission Board, said discipline was key in all aspects of life as exhibited in a rehearsed display and excellent academic performance of students.
He noted that the remarkable performance of learners was an ample demonstration of the quality of teachers at the disposal of the school.
Various awards including 50 per cent scholarships for next academic year were presented to outstanding students while deserving teachers and non-teachers who had acquitted themselves well in the year under review received certificates and fridges.
GNA
Christian Akorlie