By Eunice Hilda A. Mensah
Accra, Aug. 26, GNA – Morgan International Community School (MICS), a co-educational primary and secondary boarding institution at Gomoa Manso near Agona Swedru in the Central Region, has held its 13th Awards and 10th Graduation Ceremony/
The ceremony was on the theme: “Innovation with Purpose: Shaping Africa’s Future in the Age of AI.”
The school, established in 2013, provides a holistic international education to both local and expatriate students and has over the years distinguished itself in producing competent, well-rounded and morally grounded graduates.
Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Jemima Asabea Anderson, Dean of the International Programmes Office (IPO) of the University of Ghana, Legon, who chaired the event, commended the management, staff and stakeholders of the school for their achievements in promoting quality education.
She underscored the important role the institution continued to play in shaping the lives of young people and preparing them for leadership and national development.
Reverend Nana Osomfo Kweku Nkrumah Danquah I, Founder and Head of School, said the institution’s vision was to produce quality and competent students capable of solving problems in Ghana, Africa and the wider world.
He said the school offered diverse academic pathways that catered for a multicultural student population seeking admission to top local and international universities.
According to him, the school runs internationally recognised programmes, including the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), the Cambridge International curriculum with the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), and an enhanced Ghana Education Service curriculum that prepares students for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The Special Guest of Honour, Mr Wisdom Kwaku Deku, Executive Secretary of the National Identification Authority (NIA), who was represented by Lieutenant Colonel George Appiah, congratulated the graduating students on reaching a significant milestone in their academic journey.
He also commended teachers for their dedication as well as parents and guardians for their sacrifices and unwavering support towards the success of their children.
Lieutenant Colonel Appiah said Artificial Intelligence (AI) had evolved from a futuristic concept into an integral part of everyday life, influencing smartphones, digital financial services, healthcare, navigation systems, online learning platforms and translation tools.
“The question is no longer whether AI will shape our future. The real question is how we will use AI to shape a better future,” he stated.
He noted that Africa should not remain a passive consumer of AI technology but should harness its youthful population, talent, creativity and resilience to develop innovative solutions tailored to the continent’s needs and values.
He said more than half of Africa’s population was below the age of 25, describing the demographic advantage as an opportunity for innovation and transformation.
Addressing the graduates, Lt Col Appiah urged them to develop creativity, critical thinking, digital competence, adaptability and ethical judgement, saying such qualities would be essential in the future world of work.
“While AI is powerful, it is not wise. Wisdom remains a human responsibility. AI can analyse enormous amounts of data, but it cannot replace compassion, integrity, empathy or moral judgement,” he said.
He encouraged the graduates to combine technological competence with strong character and leadership qualities.
On the work of the National Identification Authority, Lt Col Appiah said the NIA existed to provide every eligible Ghanaian with a trusted and secure legal identity through the Ghana Card.
“In today’s digital economy, he said identity has become the foundation for accessing healthcare, education, banking services, government programmes and other digital opportunities”.
He explained that Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2523, the National Identity Register (Amendment) Regulations, signed in June this year, made real-time biometric verification mandatory for all identity checks using the Ghana Card and set November 2, 2026, as the compliance deadline for institutions.
According to him, the regulation also made it unlawful for public or private institutions to request, photocopy, scan or retain physical or digital image copies of the Ghana Card for verification purposes.
He said while institutions increasingly adopted digital technologies, safeguarding privacy, cybersecurity and responsible governance remained essential.
“AI offers exciting opportunities for improving public services, but it must always be implemented responsibly, transparently and securely,” he added.
The NIA representative urged graduates to remain curious, courageous and collaborative, while placing character above career ambitions and committing themselves to serving purposes greater than personal success.
He also challenged them to envision an Africa where young innovators developed AI systems in local languages, created solutions for local communities, protected digital infrastructure and competed confidently on the global stage.
“That future will not be built by technology alone. It will be built by people of vision, discipline and purpose,” he said.
He expressed optimism that among the graduates were future scientists, software engineers, entrepreneurs, medical researchers, diplomats, educators and public servants who could transform healthcare, education and cybersecurity across Africa through innovation.
Ms Sarfo Nana Ama Pokuah was named Valedictorian for the WASSCE Class of 2026, while Ms Henrietta Afua Otuah Otoo was honoured as Valedictorian for the IBDP Class of 2026.
The event attracted chiefs and elders from Gomoa Manso and Agona Swedru, including Nana Okyeadze Dontoh X, Odzikro of Gomoa Manso, Nana Kwame Arhin III, Omankrado of Gomoa Manso, Nana Kojo Bondzie and Nana Yaw Nkum.
Also in attendance were teachers, heads of departments, parents, alumni and other invited guests.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba
Reporter: Eunice Hilda A. Mensah
Email: [email protected]