Cape coast: Professor Edem Kwasi Bakah, a lecturer at the Department of French, University of Cape Coast, has called on society to instil core indigenous values in the youth, particularly those in senior high schools. He emphasized the role of families, schools, chieftaincy institutions, communities, religious organizations, and new media, particularly social media, as key stakeholders in shaping the lives of young people.
According to Ghana News Agency, Professor Bakah urged these stakeholders to acknowledge their role in the misconducts observed among the youth in the modern age and to take steps to instil the necessary values. He made these remarks during a lecture on ‘The Role of Indigenous Values in Transformative Secondary Education’, held as part of the 60th Anniversary Celebration of Abor Senior High School. The event, themed ’60 Years of Impactful Journey: Providing Transformative Secondary Education Through Indigenous Values and 21st Century Skills’, underscored the school’s dedication to excellence and community engagement.
Professor Bakah highlighted that indigenous values constitute the soul of society, a soul that citizens have nearly lost. He suggested that for the government’s reset agenda to succeed, the nation must promote indigenous values vigorously in every aspect of citizens’ lives. He praised the School Farm Initiative launched by the Government on August 29, 2025, viewing it not only as a means to feed students but as a vehicle to teach values such as patience, hard work, perseverance, and collaboration.
Dr. Emmanuel Mensaklo, a lecturer in the Department of Economics Education, University of Education, Winneba, advocated for integrating AI, data science, and digital skills into the nation’s educational systems and economic strategies. He warned that any nation failing to do so would inevitably fall behind. Dr. Mensaklo emphasized the need for a systematic and sustained implementation of these skills, learning from past failed initiatives.
He noted that Ghana’s progress relies on nurturing citizens who embody traditional values and modern educational aspirations. Speaking on ‘The Role of 21st-century Skills in Providing Transformative Secondary Education in Ghana’, Dr. Mensaklo stressed the importance of integrating 21st-century skills into the education system. He identified skills like critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication as essential for students to thrive in an AI-driven world. However, he cautioned that these skills should be grounded in human values such as empathy, kindness, and moral courage.
Reverend Dr. Seth Gocky Agbeyome, the headmaster of the school, appealed for support in infrastructure development, mentorship programs, and donations to elevate the school further. The school’s mission is to produce well-rounded, competent, and morally grounded citizens by blending tradition with modern educational goals. The celebration highlighted the school’s ongoing commitment to nurturing influential leaders and contributing to national development.
The event was chaired by Professor Paul Nyagorme, Director of Research and Admission, University of Cape Coast (UCC) Accra Campus, who represented Mr. Bernard Ahiafor, the 1st Deputy Speaker of Parliament. Other dignitaries included Lawyer Nelson Kporxa, Board Chairman of the school, Fiator Anthony Yao Jim-Fugar, former Board Chairman, Torgbui Awusu III, Chief of Afife, and several lecturers and alumni. Staff and students were also in attendance.