The Minister for Defence, Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, has called on final year students of Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary (POJOSS), urging them to honour the sacrifices of their parents by striving for excellence, resilience, and gratitude.
Speaking as keynote speaker at the school’s 67th Anniversary Speech and Prize-Giving Day celebration on Saturday, June 14, 2025, Dr Boamah, a proud old boy of the school, shared an emotional account of how his mother’s determination secured his place at POJOSS after an alleged conspiracy nearly cost him admission.
“Sometimes your journey begins when someone fights for you. And later, you must fight to help others begin theirs. Never forget their sacrifices. In the coming years, fight for your parents and guardians as they have fought for you.”
The Minister encouraged students to never take their education for granted, reminding them that their current opportunity was built on the sacrifices of others.
Reflecting on his own time at POJOSS, he described the school as the solid foundation that shaped his life and propelled him to institutions like the London School of Economics and Washington University in St. Louis.
“Pope John built me,” he declared, crediting the school’s focus on discipline, unity, and academic rigour for his transformation from a young boy in Koforidua to a global thinker and public servant.
Dr Boamah also praised the school’s dedicated teaching staff for their critical role in nurturing young minds and instilling values that endure far beyond the classroom.
He also challenged the students to become bold dreamers, responsible leaders, and agents of change in an increasingly complex world facing issues like climate change, inequality, and digital disruption.
“Don’t let your parents down. Let your excellence lift others, and let your legacy be one of service, humility, and action,” he stressed.
The event, covered live by NewsAlertGh, formed part of a grand celebration that included an old students’ homecoming, a colourful parade, awards presentations, and messages from other distinguished alumni. Present at the event were old boys, including Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, MP for Ofoase/Ayirebi and former Information Minister, and Professor Titus Beyuo, MP for Lambussie.
By: Ekow Annan/newsalertgh.com
