British Columbia College, an international school in Ghana, marked ten years of quality and impactful education on Saturday with a colourful graduation ceremony in Madina, Accra.

The event, which doubled as the school’s annual graduation, was held under the theme "A Decade of Excellence: Empowering Minds, Enriching Lives.

The school, which runs Nursery, Primary, Junior and  High School divisions, treated guests to cultural dance, poem recitals, and song ministrations.

Ahead of the main program, the school cadet corps staged a display of discipline and physical fitness.

The Principal, Mr Benedict Nii Tetteh Yartey, led the inspection of a Guard of Honour.

Certificates were presented to graduates, while top-performing students received prizes for excellence in various fields.

Speaking as Guest Speaker at the 10th Graduation,  Dr. Joseph Gerald Nyanyofio, Senior Lecturer in Management at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, challenged schools to go beyond academic results and focus on building character.

He said Ghana’s reputation as a leading destination for internationally oriented education in West Africa is driven by political stability, the use of English, strong education policies, and institutional commitment to quality.

While congratulating BCC on a decade of success, Dr Nyanyofio urged the school to nurture citizens of integrity.

The true purpose of education is not merely to produce outstanding scholars or successful professionals, but to nurture individuals of character — citizens who embody integrity, compassion, wisdom, responsibility, and moral courage,” he said.

He added that schools must raise learners who respect human dignity, show empathy, protect the environment, uphold justice, and contribute to peaceful communities.

Dr Nyanyofio also appealed to the CEO and Governing Board to create a scholarship scheme for children with special needs and those from underprivileged communities in Accra. “Such an initiative would strengthen the College’s legacy by advancing educational equity, inclusion, and social responsibility,” he noted.

He told the college community that Ghana’s future will be shaped as much in classrooms as in boardrooms or government. “It is there that tomorrow’s leaders, presidents, judges, entrepreneurs, educators, innovators, and community leaders are shaped, and where the values that define our collective future are nurtured,” he said.

He commended the Board and Management for their resilience through challenges of quality assurance, capacity, digital infrastructure, and financing. “Their remarkable journey stands as a testament to what visionary leadership and commitment to quality education can achieve,” he said.

“May the next decade bring continued excellence in shaping minds, enriching lives, and building a better Ghana.

Nii Ahene Nunoo III, Paramount Chief of the Abola Traditional Area, delivered a speech on behalf of His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II.

Addressing the Class of 2026, he cautioned students against academic dishonesty. “Don’t pay anyone to do your homework for you.

That is where corruption begins. It is how we develop the habit of taking money from one another for things we are expected to do ourselves.

We need to stop it, and we need to stop it now,” he said.

He questioned how many Ghanaians truly live by the morals they preach and urged parents to instil the right values despite Western influences. “While there is value in learning about different cultures, it is our responsibility as parents and guardians to teach them the right values and the proper way to grow,” he stated.

Congratulating BCC on 10 years, he said the milestone reflects vision and commitment to shaping future leaders.

He noted the theme aligns with Ga values of integrity, wisdom, and service. Remember that your success is intertwined with the well-being of your community and our nation. May you become exemplary citizens and worthy ambassadors of Ghana wherever you go,” he told graduates.

He also commended parents, guardians, and teachers for their sacrifices.

School’s Vision Principal Mr. Benedict Nii Tetteh Yartey thanked the Ga Mantse for the delegation and acknowledged the PTA, staff, and guests.

He said BCC uses a project-based and learner-centred approach where students discover knowledge through active involvement.

Established in 2016, the K-12 co-educational institution in Madina is affiliated with Ridley College and Rosedale Academy in Ontario, Canada, for the OSSD. It is also accredited by Cambridge Assessment International Education for CIPP, Checkpoint, IGCSE, and AS/A-Level.

BCC’s objective is to deliver life-transforming education to learners from 6 months to 18 years, through dedicated teachers in a stimulating and enabling environment.

An anniversary cake was cut to bring the celebration to a close.