Take studies seriously, don’t make partying priority – Diocesan Bishop

Rt Rev Samuel Ofori-Akyea

The Diocesan Bishop for the Tema Diocese of the Methodist Church of Ghana, Rt Rev. Samuel Ofori- Akyea, has advised students to take their studies seriously and not make partying their priority.

He said it was also important for students to eschew bad company to avoid getting themselves into trouble.

Rt Rev. Ofori-Akyea gave this admo­nition at the launch of the 40th anni­versary of the Methodist Day Senior High School in the Tema Metropolis of the Greater Accra Region (GAR).

In a speech read on his behalf by the Secretary of Synod for the Tema Diocese, Very Rev. Ebenezer Popeson Adjei, he was optimistic that “those who do not spend their time partying in the name of enjoying their youth but made their books their compan­ions are more likely to make good grades to better their lives”.

Speaking on the theme “Quality infrastructure development for a sustainable and impactful education: the role of stakeholders”, he ob­served that some of the students felt they were less privileged considering the infrastructural challenges of the school, but assured them that with de­termination and obedience to instruc­tions of their teachers, they could make it despite the circumstances.

He advised them to take advantage of everything at their disposal and avoid wasting time on unnecessary activities that could cost them their education in future.

Rt. Rev. Ofori-Akyea commended the school authorities for doing their best to support the young people entrust­ed in their care, and ensuring they become responsible citizens.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for the Tema Central Constituency, Yves Hanson-Nortey, noted that education was prominent in breaking the cycle of poverty, and so they should give it their all.

He made reference to how some students from deprived communities had been able to change their lives and that of their families because they took their studies seriously and made progress.

“Nobody can study for you so take advantage of the opportunities around you to be a better person in future. Remember that what you learn today can never be taken away from you,” Mr Hanson-Nortey told them.

He cautioned them against spending all their time on social media, but rather devote their time to research­ing and reading more to improve their knowledge to excel in various spheres of life.

He called on old students and well-meaning people who had also benefitted from the institution to support the school because great institutions were built by people who sacrificed their time, energy and resources.

The Chairman for the anniversa­ry launch committee, Rev. Solomon Nartey, assured the students that they could make a difference if they put in their maximum effort.

The Headmistress of the School, Mrs Juliana Nancy Frimpong, said it was heartwarming that the membership of the school, which started with 33 students, has shot up to 1,500, and mentioned that they would continue to work hard to train more people to help build the society.

The President of the Methodist Day Senior Secondary School Association (MEDASSOSA), John Aseeph, said it was refreshing to know that the school was doing well academically, but there was the need to give the school a massive face-lift to be well-resourced to com­plement the efforts of management of the school.

He said plans were underway to build a multi-purpose complex for the school which needed all hands on board to make it a success.

 From Dzifa Tetteh Tay, Tema.