Ghana’s Minister for Defence, Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, has urged final year students of Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary (POJOSS) to honour the sacrifices of their parents and guardians by striving for excellence. 

Delivering the keynote address at the school’s 67th Anniversary Speech and Prize-Giving Day on 14th June 2025, Dr Boamah emphasised the importance of resilience, discipline, and gratitude. 

“Never forget their sacrifices,” he told students. “In the coming years, fight for your parents and guardians as they have fought for you.”

Sharing a deeply personal account of his own journey to POJOSS, Dr Boamah revealed that his admission had nearly been stolen due to an alleged conspiracy between two schools. 

It was his mother’s relentless efforts—moving between POJOSS and SECTECH several times in a single day—that ensured he rightfully took his place. 

“Sometimes your journey begins when someone fights for you,” he said. 

“And later, you must fight to help others begin theirs.” He credited this defining moment as a turning point in his life.

Reflecting on his years at Pope John, Dr Boamah described the school as the foundation of his personal and professional development. 

“Pope John built me,” he declared, citing lessons in discipline, unity, and resilience that propelled him from the classrooms of Koforidua to global institutions like the London School of Economics and Washington University in St. Louis. 

He praised the school’s enduring values and the role of dedicated educators in shaping young minds.

In a rousing conclusion, the Defence Minister challenged students to dream boldly and give back to the communities that raised them. 

Acknowledging the daunting global challenges they would face—such as climate change, inequality, and technological disruption—Dr Boamah called on the graduates to become problem-solvers and nation-builders. 

“Don’t let your parents down,” he repeated. “Let your excellence lift others, and let your legacy be one of service, humility, and action.”