The Akwamumanhene, Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, says Ghana’s educational system should emphasise on the promotion of customary rites as well as respect for culture.
Doing so, he said would enable future generations understand and uphold in high esteem, the culture of the country while instilling leadership qualities in them.
According to him, it was the foundation on which every other quality must stand because, “our wise forefathers made us understand that a tree without roots cannot stand.”
Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III said these in an address on Friday, at the 60th anniversary celebration of Akosombo International School (AIS) in Asuogyaman District of Eastern Region. It was held on the theme “Educating tomorrow’s leaders today.”
Present at the occasion were Nana Baffour Awuah, Director at the Ministry of Education, who represented the President, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo, and the Minister of Education, Dr, Yaw Osei Adutwum.
Others were the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Director of the VRA, Nananom of Akwamu and its surrounding communities as well as old students of Akosombo International School (AIS).
While admitting the linkage between education and leadership, he acknowledged that it played key roles in the success story of some great personalities such as immediate-past UK’ Chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng; former UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, former US President, Barrack Obama and Nelson Mandela of South Africa.
“Every one of these personalities was educated at some point at institutions where their skills were nurtured; and I am sure there are some prominent personalities here today who can boast of Akosombo International School as your Alma Mater.
“It is obvious that the school has had to adapt to the rapid changes over the last 60 years while maintaining its reputation for excellence. This means that the way the institution educates young people to be effective leaders has also evolved.”
Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, buttressing why educating future leaders is paramount indicated that, “we must do so because it is essential to our survival as a nation” and argue that “we cannot afford to wait until these young people become adults before attempting to instil leadership qualities in them.”
He further stressed on the importance of promoting academic excellence, indicating, future leaders must be educated to be financially savvy, able to manage sustainable businesses, utilising technology and embracing innovation.
This, he noted, would make them curious about the world and its diverse peoples and cultures.
“The successful leader of the future is a holistic one with advanced soft and hard skills, and who can respond to the demand for global collaboration, adapting quickly to a continuously evolving world,”said the Akwamumanhene.
By Times Reporter
