Education · Godfred Anku Kaali

Education Minister Launches Dr. Omane Boamah Academic Excellence Award

The Minister of Education, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, has observed that empowering learners for excellence is a shared responsibility. He has therefore called on stakeholders in the education sector and the wider Ghanaian society to nurture positive behaviour and instil values in students to enable them to become responsible, disciplined and productive citizens.

Addressing the 68th Anniversary Speech and Prize-Giving Day celebration of Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary (POJOSS), in Koforidua, the Eastern Regional Capital, the Education Minister disclosed that he is instituting the ‘Dr. Omane Boamah Academic Excellence Award’ in honour of the late Defence Minister. He explained that the award will reward the best WASSCE student of POJOSS with GH¢10,000 annually for the next 10 years.

Mr. Iddrisu commended the Catholic Church for being a strong partner of government in the provision of quality education across the country, noting that government will continue to work with the Church to expand access to and improve the quality of education in Ghana.

Established in 1958, Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary, popularly known as POJOSS, is one of Ghana’s premier second-cycle institutions. The Catholic school has, over the years, distinguished itself in academics, discipline and leadership, producing notable personalities who continue to contribute to national development.

Delivering his situational report, the Headmaster of POJOSS, Very Rev. Fr. Benjamin Opoku Ohene, disclosed that the school is set to reduce intake in its next admission exercise to facilitate its transition to a single-track system in the 2027/2028 academic year.

He commended the government, the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), and the school’s alumni for the various projects undertaken at the school and called for renewed commitment towards the completion of stalled projects.

Very Rev. Fr. Opoku Ohene observed that most cases of indiscipline among students in the school are related to the use of mobile phones.

He further identified inadequate bunk beds in the dormitories, furniture at the dining hall and desks in classrooms as some of the major challenges facing the school.

Some staff and students were recognised and presented with awards for their hard work, dedication and outstanding academic performance.