President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has presented gold medals and certificates to one hundred young people who have completed the Gold Award level of the Head of State Award Scheme.
The ceremony occurred at the Jubilee House in Accra, under the theme “Enhancing youth employability through non-formal education’’.
Speaking at the ceremony, the President, who is also the Chief Patron of the award scheme, said it had for the past 52 years, contributed to equipping many young Ghanaians with the skills and experiences aimed at preparing them to be disciplined and responsible citizens.
According to President Akufo-Addo, the theme for this year’s ceremony, “Enhancing youth employability through non-formal education” was apt, since Africa’s working population had been projected to be a quarter of the world’s population by the year 2035.
“Providing young education with education skills training will constitute a powerful tool for economic development in Africa,” he said.
He then lauded the efforts, commitment, and contribution of the recipients through the various levels of the program.
Also, individuals and corporate organisations who have donated over the five years were presented with honorary award plaques while the outgoing Board of Trustees were also honoured for their dedicated service to the Scheme during their tenure as Board members.
Meanwhile, the government has committed to supporting the Head of State Awards Scheme with GH4.5 million to enhance its operations towards the goal of reaching out to 500,000 young people by the year 2024.
About the Award
The Head of State Award Scheme – Ghana is the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Ghana and a member of the International Award Association.
The programme was founded in 1956 to recognise young adults for completing a series of self-improvement exercises.
The scheme is to facilitate the development of young people with the President as the Chief Patron.
The Head of State Award Scheme helps young people to discover their potential, to find their purpose, passion, and place in the world.
It also transforms individuals, communities, and societies, helping young people to dream big, challenge themselves and step outside their comfort zone.
It allows their achievements to be recognized consistently worldwide through a unique, international accreditation.
The Award Scheme is open to all young people aged 14-24, regardless of their background and circumstances.
It is about personal development and individual challenge: it is a non-competitive, enjoyable, voluntary and balanced programme, which requires a sustained effort over time.