By Michael Pepsin Avorgah
Blekusu (V/R), Sept. 22, GNA – Four hundred and seventy-five students from basic schools in the Blekusu Electoral Area of the Ketu South Municipality have been encouraged to make responsible choices, remain focused on their education and consider the consequences of their decisions on their future.
The call was made at an educational forum organised by Mr Raphael Nukamewor, the Assembly Member for the area, in collaboration with headteachers of basic schools in Blekusu.
The forum, held at the Blekusu R.C. Basic School, was on the theme: “Your Choice Today, Your Life Tomorrow.”
The forum brought together students from four public and private schools in the electoral area, alongside headteachers, teachers and other participants from the community.
Speakers at the programme included Dr Bismarck Ledzi Gbologa; Madam Deladem Ella Mensah, an educationist and journalist; Pastor Godwin Agbodzi, a teacher and instructor; and Mr Dumegah Benedict Kosseme, a retired navy officer.
Dr Gbologa urged the students to remember their background and carefully consider the consequences of their decisions before making choices.
He encouraged them to resist peer pressure, remain focused on their studies and work towards building a better future.
Madam Mensah advised the students to make positive choices and cautioned them against irresponsible use of social media.
She said what students posted or shared online could have consequences for them in the future, whether positive or negative.
Pastor Agbodzi urged the students to take their education seriously, saying their choices at their current stage of life would influence their future.
He expressed concern that failure by young people to take education seriously could affect the country’s ability to produce responsible leaders in the future.
He, however, advised students facing academic difficulties not to give up but to consider acquiring practical skills or learning trades that could provide sustainable livelihoods.
Pastor Agbodzi also encouraged the students to choose their friends carefully and avoid peers who could negatively influence their lives.
Mr Kosseme urged the students to avoid indecent dressing and conduct themselves responsibly.
He encouraged them to listen to their teachers, parents and other authorities, stressing the importance of respect, humility and hard work in achieving their aspirations.
Mr Nukamewor said the forum was organised in response to concerns about poor academic performance among students in the community.
He said the performance of schools in the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) was not encouraging and required collective efforts from parents, teachers, community leaders and other stakeholders.
As part of efforts to support education in the area, Mr Nukamewor announced a scholarship package for students who excel in the BECE.
He said next year, any student from the electoral area who obtained a single aggregate grade in the BECE would receive a full scholarship package to support their education at the Senior High School level.
He appealed to citizens of Blekusu, individuals and other well-wishers to support initiatives aimed at improving education and creating better opportunities for young people in the community.
Mr Nukamewor also announced that the educational forum would become an annual programme during every academic year.
As part of the programme, he donated exercise books to all the participating students to support their studies.
The teachers and students expressed appreciation to the Assembly Member and the speakers for their efforts to mentor and encourage the young people.
The students pledged to improve their academic efforts and conduct themselves responsibly to build a better future and make Blekusu proud.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah