Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is the Vice President of Ghana
Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has called on Ghanaian students to approach leadership and academic excellence as deliberate disciplines anchored on strong values, integrity, and service to society.
She made the call during an engagement with students at the PENSA (Pentecost Students and Associates) Ghana Conference held at Gomoa Fetteh, which brought together thousands of students from tertiary institutions across the country.
Speaking on the theme ‘Achieving Leadership and Academic Excellence,’ Prof Opoku-Agyemang emphasised that excellence does not occur by chance but through conscious efforts and moral grounding.
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“Leadership and academic excellence are not accidental outcomes, but the result of intentional cultivation rooted in strong values,” she said.
According to a report by myjoyonline.com on January 4, 2026, she explained that intellectual struggle, uncertainty, and challenges are essential components of personal growth, urging students not to shy away from difficult moments in their academic journeys.
She also cautioned against academic dishonesty, describing it as a serious threat to both personal development and national progress.
“Academic dishonesty is not a minor issue; it is an early warning sign of declining standards. What students practice in private often determines how they act in public life,” she warned.
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Touching on leadership, Prof Opoku-Agyemang reminded student leaders of their responsibilities to society, stressing that leadership must always prioritise the collective good.
“Leadership must always prioritise the collective good, with special attention to the vulnerable,” she said, urging students to use their education to uplift others, including persons with disabilities.
Prof Opoku-Agyemang encouraged the youth to embrace entrepreneurship and innovation, noting that Ghana’s development would depend not only on academic credentials but also on creativity, initiative, and a commitment to national service.
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Meanwhile, watch President John Dramani Mahama’s 2026 full New Year Message below:
