Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang on Wednesday joined this year’s President’s Independence Day Awards ceremony for school children, held under the theme “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope.”

The event honoured 52 outstanding students selected from all 16 regions of the country.

The awardees were drawn from both public and private schools and included students with visual and hearing impairments, reflecting the programme’s commitment to inclusivity.

The awards recognise academic excellence, discipline, and perseverance among young learners, celebrating values that Ghana’s education system seeks to instil in its students.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice President emphasised that while national prosperity depends on sound policies and infrastructure, it is equally anchored on the character, discipline, and sense of responsibility of the citizens, particularly the youth.

She encouraged the award recipients to remain focused and uphold integrity, respect authority, and serve as positive role models for their peers.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also commended the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service for their sustained efforts in promoting academic excellence across the country.

She further expressed appreciation to development partners, especially Nestlé Ghana Limited, for their longstanding support of the initiative.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening inclusive and quality education that equips Ghanaian children with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to thrive in an evolving global environment.

According to the Vice President, the Ghana the nation aspires to build will be shaped by young citizens who combine academic excellence with integrity and leadership, expressing confidence that the country’s future remains in capable hands.