The Presidential Candidate of the NPP, Nana Akufo-Addo, has challenged the National J.H.S Hard Spell and Quiz Contest 2010 Champion to “continue rising to the top on the safe ladder of education.” Sixteen-year-old Manaf Abdallah was crowned the overall champion of the J.H.S section of the National Hard Spell and Quiz Contest 2010 on 30 December, 2010, after three months of fierce contest. Manaf, who schools at the Providence Junior High School, Nima, on Tuesday visited the Nima offices of Nana Addo to interact with the NPP flag-bearer. Asked what he wants to be in future, a shy Manaf answered “Nana, I want to be a doctor so that I can save lives in future.” Manaf went on to say that he is hoping to gain secondary school admission at Adisadel College, “because they have very good science facilities.” Nana Addo on his part congratulated young Manaf and tasked him to continue to take his books seriously as “education is the sure way to the top. Already, you have shown yourself to be outstanding and we have to do our part to help you. For your part, you have to continue to take your books seriously.” Nana Addo continued, “I grew up in Nima and I am glad that a young man from my own Nima is competing on the national front and coming first. It is another testimony that the best of talents can be found in every home or community in Ghana.” Linking it to his vision of creating a new society of opportunities, he stressed, “the least society can give to its children are education and skills so that they can also have the confidence and opportunities to make something of their future lives.” Nana Addo told Manaf that he can attribute his success in life to the education he had and his own father became a success through education. “My point is that education is a foundation that can significantly change a family from generation to generation and beyond.” He urged Manaf to remain focused on his dream to become a medical doctor and have the opportunity to save lives and better his own life and that of his family. Nana Addo offered him 200 Ghana Cedis to buy books and “read, read and read more and wide.” Source: NPP Communications Directorate