The Registrar of the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat, Dr Kingsley Agyemang, has challenged students to emulate the virtues of the late scholar, Joseph Boakye Danquah.
Delivering the keynote address over the weekend at the finals of the Kingsely Inter-High School debate at Kyebi in the Eastern Region, Dr Agyemang noted that the greater part of Dr J. B. Danquah’s life was devoted to serving Ghana, and his teachings continue to have an impact on the country’s democracy.
“Other qualities Dr Danquah embodied were being a person of integrity, strength, resolve and independence. As students, we need these qualities if we aspire to be the next JB Danquahs, Akufo-Addos, William Ofori Attas, Paa Grants and other great men this country has produced,” he said.
Dr Agyemang further entreated the students to stick by their convictions, and stand by their ‘Yes’ and defend their ‘No’.
“To what extent do we exercise independence and firmness in our decision making? How many times have we defended our ‘NO’, and stood by our ‘YES’?” he queried.
According to the Registrar, it is not important to merely dwell on the past, but consider the relevance of Dr J.B. Danquah’s ideals in Ghana’s present and future endeavours.
“The challenges we face today are complex and multifaceted. Still, in the spirit of Danquah, we can find inspiration to address them collectively. Let us draw upon the lessons of his life to forge a path forward that upholds the values of democracy, justice and education,” he stressed.
Man of complexities, contradictions
Dr Agyemang said the late scholar was a man of complexities, contradictions and undeniable influence.
“By critically assessing his contributions, acknowledging the nuances of his ideology, and recognizing the diverse voices shaping the contemporary Ghanaian landscape, we can honour the richness of his legacy, and foster a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped the nation we know today. Let this debate be a springboard for informed action, shaping a future that builds upon the past while embracing the dynamism of the present,” he said.
He assured the people of Abuakwa South that all the interventions rolled out by his office would be sustained. He also thanked the people in the constituency for overwhelmingly endorsing him as the NPP parliamentary candidate for the upcoming parliamentary election.
The second edition of the debate was won by Kibi Senior High Technical School, with Abuakwa State College as first runners up. The debate was on the motion “J B Danquah’s ideological contributions have played a defining role in shaping the socio-political and cultural landscape of Ghana.”
About The Author
