The Branch Pastor of
The Apostles Continuation’s Church International in Dubai, Pastor Godfred Franky Ampratwum, also known as Prophet Naro, has underscored the critical importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty in society. He made this statement during the 9th Graduation Ceremony of Palmer International School, held in the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly under the theme “Shaping Your Minds, Building a Brighter Future – The Role of the School and the Parents.”
In his address to the gathering of students, parents, teachers, and dignitaries, Pastor Ampratwum emphasized that education is the most powerful tool capable of lifting entire families out of hardship. He urged parents and guardians to prioritize their children’s education over luxury spending, noting that investing in their academic future guarantees long-term prosperity and societal development.
“Parents must stop wasting money on unnecessary things and rather channel their resources into their children’s education,” he said. “These children are the treasures of the future, and we must nurture them with the knowledge and values that will shape a better tomorrow.”
Prophet Naro highlighted the importance of early childhood education, explaining that the foundation laid during the early years of learning significantly influences a child’s development and prospects. He warned that failure to give children proper attention at the early stages could have lasting consequences on their upbringing and future success.
He appealed to parents and guardians to actively support and monitor their wards’ academic progress, stating that close parental involvement is essential for children to excel both in school and in life.
Delivering the welcome address, the Director of Operations of Palmer International School, Mr. Daniel Appiah, described the graduation ceremony as a celebration of growth, perseverance, and the pursuit of knowledge. He called on the graduating pupils to commit themselves to lifelong learning, compassion, and integrity as they step into the next phase of their academic journey.
“This is a pivotal moment in the journey of our children,” Mr. Appiah said. “As we declare our purpose, we must commit to being agents of positive change, using our knowledge to uplift our communities and contribute to a brighter future. Let us lead with integrity, embrace challenges, and live with intention.”
He further pledged the school’s commitment to creating an inclusive and inspiring environment that fosters holistic development.
The Headmaster of the school, Mr. E.K. Frimpong, also delivered a brief keynote message, commending both staff and students for their resilience and dedication throughout the academic year. He praised the teachers for their efforts in maintaining high academic standards and instilling discipline among the students.
Meanwhile, some parents and guardians who were present at the event expressed their satisfaction with the school’s performance and the quality of tuition being offered. They lauded Palmer International School for its dedication to nurturing children academically and morally.
However, they raised concerns about the deplorable condition of the road leading to the school, which they say creates daily challenges for both staff and students. According to them, the dusty and rough nature of the road poses health risks to their children and disrupts effective teaching and learning.
They called on government authorities to urgently intervene by fixing the road to create a safer and more conducive learning environment. In addition, the parents appealed to the government to review the current tax burden on private educational institutions, stating that high taxes are crippling school operations and increasing the cost of quality education.
“The taxes on private institutions are just too high, and it’s affecting our ability to keep our wards in good schools,” one concerned parent lamented. “We’re also pleading with the government to come to our aid and fix the terrible road leading to the school. The dust and potholes are making life unbearable for our children.”
The graduation ceremony was marked by colorful performances, cultural displays, poetry recitals, and the awarding of certificates to deserving pupils. The event served not only as a moment of celebration but also a reminder of the collective responsibility of parents, educators, and stakeholders in shaping a better future through education.
Story filed by Alex Nti – Despite Media
