Togbe Dzegblade IV, the Chief of Adaklu Kodzobi in the Adaklu District, emphasized that the government’s implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme should not serve as an excuse for parents to shirk their responsibilities regarding their children’s education.
He pointed out that while the initiative was commendable, some individuals were using it as a reason to transfer all their parental duties to the government.
Togbe Dzegblade made these remarks during an end-of-year celebration he organized for teachers and students of the Adaklu Kodzobi District Assembly Basic School.
Togbe Dzegblade said the scenario was like “somebody who bought a lamp for you, and you were waiting for the person to always provide you with oil.”
He acknowledged that the government’s duty was to ensure that education is accessible and affordable to all children. However, he added that parents also had a crucial role to play in nurturing their children’s academic capabilities.
“Poverty, disease and ignorance can only be eliminated from society if we invest our resources in our children to reach the apex of the academic ladder,” he noted.
Togbe Dzegblade told the pupils to begin building their future now, adding, “if the foundation you laid is strong then you are assured of a strong and successful future.”
He encouraged them to resist peer pressure and avoid engaging in any negative behaviors that could jeopardize their future.
He advised them to view the school’s adoption by the University of Health and Allied Sciences for the Raising Next Professionals Initiative, introduced by the Ghana Association of University Administrators, as an opportunity to chart a professional path for themselves.
Togbe Dzegblade commended the school’s teachers for their unwavering commitment and dedication to their work. He also commended them for maintaining a clean school environment and urged them to continue their efforts, promising to reward them later for their dedication to cleanliness.
He stated that the annual event was a way to express appreciation for the hard work of both teachers and students and to motivate them to achieve even more.
Mr. Charles Kugbeadzor, the school’s headteacher, expressed gratitude to the chief on behalf of the teachers and students for his kind gesture.
Also in attendance were Mr. Victor Kukah, Chairman of the School Management Committee, and some community leaders.