Vice President Paa Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur on Wednesday urged pupils and students to take advantage of the numerous educational facilities put in place by government to ensure that they become responsible leaders in future.
He said history was replete with examples of people who became leaders in Ghana because of their substantial educational achievement and urged the the youth to make the best of the education opportunities being offered them.
Vice President Amissah-Arthur gave the advice when 20 Young Achievers, former pupils of junior high schools, who were the most successful at last year's Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), across the 10 regions of Ghana, paid a courtesy call on him at the Flagstaff House in Accra.
The visit comes ahead of Ghana Independence day celebrations on Wednesday, March 6, 2013.
Accompanied by the Prof Naana Jane Opoku, Minister of Education, some officials from the Ministry of Education the pupils, who are enjoying various packages by Nestle Ghana Limited, were at the office of the Vice President to be recognized for their sterling performance.
Describing the children as the cream of pupils who passed the BECE last year, the Vice President, said their educational achievements would follow them throughout life, hence they had become role models to themselves and other younger pupils.
"You should use your achievement as a stepping stone to do much better in life," the Vice President said.
He advised the students to be respectful to their parents and teachers and appreciate the effort of their guardians for their sacrifices to see them through their education.
Vice President Amissah-Arthur gave thanks to God for what the children had been able to do urging the students to "expand the brain power you've been given."
He expressed the hope that the GES would monitor the performances of the students.
Miss Rosemary Mettle, formerly of Holy Child Preparatory School in Akatsi, now of Mawuli School in Ho, on behalf of her colleagues thanked the Government for the recognition.
Mr Femi Akintola, Category Business Manager of Nestle (Beverages), said the package and activities included a trip from the interior parts of Ghana to Accra, a wreath laying in honour late President Atta Mills at the Asomdwee Park in Accra, visit to the Nestle factory and other industrial establishments in Tema, and the donation of branded laptops and Nestle products for one full year among others.