Covenant Presby School Champions Values-Based Education, Calls for Collective Action to Shape Ethical Future Leaders

Stakeholders in Ghana’s education sector have renewed calls for greater investment in values-based education and child development, stressing that nurturing disciplined, ethical and responsible young people remains critical to building a just, peaceful and prosperous society.

The call was made during the 19th Graduation Ceremony of Covenant Presbyterian School, Dzorwulu, held on Friday, July 24, 2026, under the theme, “Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders Today.”

The event brought together education authorities, clergy, parents, guardians, alumni and community leaders to celebrate the graduation of 56 students—28 Kindergarten pupils and 28 Junior High School (JHS) students—while reflecting on the shared responsibility of preparing children to become future leaders grounded in integrity, discipline and service.

The ceremony highlighted the importance of quality education as a fundamental human right and underscored the need for schools, families, faith institutions and government to work together to ensure that children receive not only academic instruction but also the moral guidance and life skills required to contribute meaningfully to national development.

Delivering the keynote address, the Dzorwulu District Minister and Minister-in-Charge of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rev. Kingsley Asare Addo, said leadership is developed through intentional investment in children rather than by chance.

He noted that preparing future leaders requires consistent mentorship, discipline, moral formation and opportunities that enable children to realise their full potential.

“Leadership is the ability to influence, motivate and guide others towards achieving a shared goal. Those who aspire to become leaders tomorrow must be consistently groomed today. You must learn to serve before you can lead,” Rev. Addo stated.

He urged parents to recognise the home as every child’s first learning environment by promoting discipline, responsibility and resilience through practical daily routines, supervision of schoolwork and positive role modelling.

Rev. Addo cautioned against excessive dependence on digital devices, encouraging parents to expose children to practical skills, creativity, sports, reading and community service to support their holistic development.

According to him, excellence is achieved through hard work, perseverance, determination and faith in God rather than shortcuts.

He further reaffirmed the Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s commitment to expanding access to quality education, revealing that the Church currently supports more than 2,000 basic schools, 34 senior high schools, five vocational institutions, five colleges of education and two universities across Ghana.

The minister challenged the graduating students to uphold the values of discipline, humility, integrity and excellence as they progress to higher levels of education.

Welcoming guests, the Headteacher of Covenant Presbyterian School, Mrs. Evelyn A. Antwi Amoamah, said the graduation ceremony marked another milestone in the school’s commitment to nurturing learners who excel academically while demonstrating strong moral character.

She explained that this year’s graduating class comprised 28 Kindergarten pupils transitioning to the primary level and 28 Junior High School students who had successfully completed the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

Mrs. Amoamah said Covenant Presbyterian School continues to prioritise character formation alongside academic achievement by instilling values such as discipline, integrity, humility, perseverance and hard work.

Quoting American civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., she observed that, “Intelligence plus character—that is the true goal of education,” adding that education should empower children not only to succeed academically but also to become responsible citizens capable of making positive contributions to society.

She encouraged the graduates to remain focused, embrace opportunities and continue striving for excellence throughout their educational journey.

Chairperson of the ceremony, Mrs. Nana Pokuwa Owusu-Fianko, urged the graduates to embrace servant leadership, noting that genuine leadership is measured by integrity, compassion, courage and commitment to serving others.

“We are not only celebrating graduates today; we are celebrating future innovators, decision-makers, problem-solvers and nation builders,” she said.

She commended parents for their sacrifices and teachers for their dedication to nurturing both the intellectual and moral development of the students.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, outgoing School Prefect Ms. Sarah Nhyira Danquah expressed appreciation to the school’s management, teaching and non-teaching staff for their mentorship and guidance.

She described her years at Covenant Presbyterian School as transformative and highlighted initiatives undertaken during her tenure, including the introduction of a suggestion box, donation of books to the school library and support for the revitalisation of the school’s football team.

She encouraged her colleagues to remain resilient and confident as they transition to the next phase of their education.

As part of the ceremony, the school recognised outstanding academic performance among students.

Ms. Sarah Nhyira Danquah was named the Overall Best Student in Basic Nine.

Other award recipients included Mandor K. Philips Jnr, Rhule Emily Nhyira and Aryeetey Uriel Prince Boateng (Basic Eight); Danquah Charles Nkunim, Rhule Justice Ayeyi and Darke Selinam Charis (Basic Seven); and Brown Christopher Kpakpo Alphonso, Nkrumah Kira Akesi and Ackom Alvin Opoku (Basic Six).

The ceremony also featured presentations of certificates and Bibles, poetry recitals, spoken word performances in Twi and English, Taekwondo demonstrations, cultural dances, a French talk show and choreography by Kindergarten Two pupils, showcasing the diverse talents and creativity of the students.

In her closing remarks, Mrs. Owusu-Fianko said preparing ethical and responsible future leaders requires sustained collaboration among families, schools, religious institutions and communities.

She urged the graduates to remain disciplined, continue learning, uphold integrity and use their knowledge and talents to create positive change in society.

The graduation ceremony concluded with prayers, award presentations and celebrations, reinforcing the role of quality, inclusive and values-based education in advancing children’s rights, promoting responsible citizenship and contributing to Ghana’s sustainable development aspirations.