Dr. Clement Apaak, Deputy Minister of Education, has called on the 52 top-performing candidates of the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) to remain disciplined, focused, and committed to academic excellence as Ghana’s future leaders.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the students to the Ministry of Education in Accra on Monday, Dr. Apaak encouraged them to view their achievement as the beginning of a journey rather than an endpoint. “What you have achieved should inspire you to aim higher,” he said.
The top awardees, including 16 students from private schools and four students with visual and hearing impairments, will be formally recognised by President John Dramani Mahama at the Presidential Independence Awards on March 4.
Dr. Apaak, standing in for Minister Haruna Iddrisu, who is recovering from an accident, cautioned students against indiscipline and misconduct in schools, noting that criminal behaviour could jeopardize educational opportunities and future aspirations.
Highlighting government initiatives, he spoke on the “Teacher Dabre Programme,” which provides housing and a 20 per cent salary incentive to motivate teachers in underserved areas. He also referenced the Free Sanitary Pad Distribution Policy, aimed at ending period poverty and improving attendance and learning outcomes for girls, noting that over 12 million pads were distributed last year and GH¢292 million has been allocated for 2026.
On infrastructure, Dr. Apaak stressed efforts to eliminate “schools under trees,” with plans to construct 200 junior high schools, 200 kindergartens, and 200 primary school blocks to enhance learning conditions nationwide.
He also encouraged students with disabilities to strive for excellence, reminding them that “disability is not inability,” and urged all awardees to use their recognition as a stepping stone for greater achievements.
The visit underscored the government’s commitment to nurturing talent, promoting inclusivity, and creating equal educational opportunities for all students across Ghana.
