By Jibril Abdul Mununi
Accra, Oct. 9, GNA – Strong character and values are essential for lasting academic and life success, Mrs Nana Akua Agyei, General Counsel of the Petroleum Commission, has said.
She noted that while talent and intelligence may begin the path to success, it is character that sustained it.
“A brilliant mind without good character can be very destructive, either to others, to yourself or both,” she stated at Chemu Senior High School during the “Energy Personalities Outreach Programme.”
The programme was organised by the Ghana Energy Awards in collaboration with the school, under the theme: “Impacting The Next Generation Leaders Today.”
Mrs. Agyei described character as a set of behaviours that produce moral and ethical qualities which guide decisions, shape reputations, and define legacies.
She emphasised that academic progress was grounded in values such as discipline and perseverance, which formed the foundation for excellence.
“Discipline enables self-management, effective time-tabling, and consistent study habits; Courage is needed to tell the truth even when it is hard and to choose effort over laziness; and Humility allows one to serve, learn from others, and take responsibility for mistakes,” she said.
Mrs Agyei urged students to treat values not as abstract concepts but as “daily choices” that steadily build character “brick by brick.”
She warned that without strong values, young people risked being swayed by what was popular or convenient rather than what was right, thereby compromising their future.
She also offered practical guidance on character development, including goal setting, self-discipline, minimising social media distractions, engaging in continuous learning, and choosing positive influences.
Mr. Kojo Aduhene, Chief Executive Officer of LMI Holdings, described the energy sector as the lifeblood of every economy, cautioning that its absence affects every citizen.
He emphasised the urgent need for a large and skilled workforce to unlock Ghana’s renewable energy potential.
Dispelling the notion that the sector was limited to technical fields, Mr. Aduhene stated, “There is a great deal of work to be done in the energy sector, and for those of you advancing to university, engineering is not a prerequisite.”
“Our own guest speaker is a successful lawyer working directly in the energy space… As you navigate your career paths, please explore the full spectrum of these opportunities,” he said.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey