North Hill International School (NIS), a basic school situated at North Legon in Accra has held its 6th Speech and Prize-Giving Day with a call on parents and guardians to provide the needed moral guidance and support for children to become responsible and disciplined adults in society.

The Guest Speaker for the occasion, Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State and Government Communica­tion who made the call in a speech read on his behalf, said this stage was crucial for children to learn values that enable them become responsible members of the family unit, their im­mediate environment and the country at large.

Themed: “Discipline- The bridge between dreams and reality” the event saw 36 learners in total grad­uating comprising primary and lower secondary.

Master Vielung Kwadwo Bagbin, son of Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, emerged overall best student.

Mr Ofosu said their formative stage was an age where good habits, be­haviours and characters were built which lay a solid foundation for their lives.

In an address, the Principal of the School, Mrs Emma Coleman Opoku, said the school reaffirms its com­mitment to academic excellence as demonstrated by the outstanding per­formance of pupils in the 2025 Cam­bridge Checkpoint Examinations.

She described the outcome as result of tireless efforts from passionate teachers, the determination and diligence of pupils and the support of parents.

Over the years, she said, NIS has made remarkable strides in the Basic Education Certificate Examinations, consistently raising academic stan­dards and producing outstanding results.

According to her, last year, the school recorded exceptional achieve­ments including ten grade ones with two pupils attaining eight grade ones and another achieving six grade ones.

“Despite these successes, we have observed a decline in interest and enrollment in the GES curriculum,” she said.

The Principal indicated that, after careful examination and in light of current enrollment figures, the school has decided to suspend the GES curric­ulum temporarily.

On her part, the General Manager of the school, Mrs Bernice Adu Boateng, expressed gratitude to teachers for their dedication and professionalism and the invaluable role of parents which has brought the school thus far.

Come September, she said the school would roll out digital boards to complement the use of projectors and desktops in every classroom to infuse the use of technology to enhance facilitator-learner activities.

In a Global Perspective Project ti­tled, “ Acting on Poverty and Inequali­ty “, Year 7 pupils of the school raised an amount of GH₵17,530 to support the cause and donated used personal effects to Potter’s Village.

The Administrator and Human Re­sources Manager of the school, Mrs. Bertha Boamah Benin, expressed pro­found appreciation to companies and individuals that supported the event.

 By Francis Cofie

 Mrs. Janet Acheampong Otoo, Treasurer of the Akenten Ap­piah-Menka University of Skills and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), has urged young wom­en to take control of their financial future by embracing literacy, confi­dence, and purposeful planning.

Speaking at the university’s Finan­cial Literacy Summit over the week­end, she emphasized that “money is power” and that women must be em­powered with the knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions.

The summit, organised by the Stu­dent Representative Council, was held under the theme “Financial Fitness: Building wealth and securing your future.”

Mrs Acheampong Otoo explained that financial literacy was more than budgeting—”it encompasses saving, investing, and managing debt”.

However, she noted that many wom­en still struggle due to a confidence gap that hinders their ability to create and follow effective financial plans.

“Financial independence is about freedom, confidence, and the ability to pursue your dreams,” she said. “As women, we have the power to shape our own futures and contribute mean­ingfully to society and family life.”

She encouraged female students to attend workshops, read widely, and avoid impulsive spending on beauty and lifestyle. “Every financial deci­sion should align with your long-term vision,” she added. “Believe in yourself. Lead the charge.”

Joining the conversation, the Municipal Chief Executive of Sekyere South, Mr Evans Amo Twumasi, called finan­cial literacy one of the most overlooked foundations in nation-building.

“In today’s world, the line between economic survival and financial freedom is drawn not by luck but by knowledge and discipline,” Mr Amo said. “Money may be finite, but knowledge is infinite—and finan­cial discipline is the bridge between them.”

He stressed that financial fitness was not just about saving or spend­ing, but understanding the value of a cedi, the cost of each decision, and the power of forward planning. With the right mindset and habits, he said, anyone can achieve economic resilience and long-term success.

Mr Amo urged stu­dents to embrace financial education as a tool for personal transformation and national progress. “The future does not belong to those who merely wish for wealth—it belongs to those who plan it, save it, and work for it,” he said.

He also called for policies that strengthen entrepreneurship and youth empowerment and encouraged students to respect money and use it with purpose.

Other speakers included Dr Evans Duah, Dr Prince Gyimah and Prof. Joseph Mbawuni, all lecturers at the University.

 From Kingsley E. Hope