NAPO praises NUGS for student advocacy at 57th Congress

Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, running mate to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, has commended the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) for their activism in advocating for better conditions for students both within and outside Ghana.

Speaking at the 57th NUGS Delegates Congress at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Dr. Prempeh, also known as Napo, praised the current NUGS executive for their exemplary leadership.

"The number one duty of NUGS is to prioritise the needs of Ghanaian students by holding governments accountable and working to improve their quality of life through education," Dr. Prempeh said during his keynote address. 

He also acknowledged the efforts of past NUGS leaders, attributing many breakthroughs in student welfare to their tireless work.

Role in national issues

Dr. Prempeh urged NUGS not to shy away from engaging in national issues, highlighting the importance of student involvement in matters such as illegal mining and sustaining the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy. He encouraged the student body to continue advocating for education reforms and improvements, noting that their voices are crucial in shaping the future of the nation.

Achievements of current NUGS Executive

NUGS President Daniel Oppong Kyeremeh highlighted the successes of the union's current leadership, including securing the release of stipends for Ghanaian students studying both locally and abroad. He also mentioned the union's efforts in holding the government accountable for timely disbursement of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) for schools across the country.

"We believe in using advocacy and positive engagement rather than solely relying on demonstrations," Kyeremeh said, adding that these efforts have benefited Ghanaian students studying in countries like Morocco and the United Kingdom.

Mr. Kyeremeh further shared that NUGS had constructed two six-unit classroom blocks in the Oti Region and launched a stipend fund to support students with disabilities and those from impoverished backgrounds. He also revealed that NUGS had started farming on a 100-acre plot of land donated by Apostle Kwadwo Sarfo, cultivating maize, cassava, and legumes, as well as initiating catfish farming with over 1,000 fish in their ponds.

Supporting sustainable initiatives

The NUGS president disclosed that the union is finalising contracts with interested parties to secure funding for these agricultural ventures and ensure a ready market for their produce. "We are sealing off contractual interactions so we can secure funding and get ready markets for the produce when they are ready for harvesting and marketing," Kyeremeh noted.

Guest speakers and honours

Nana Akwasi Awuah, CEO of the Precious Minerals and Mining Company (PMMC), praised the congress's theme, "De-politicisation of Education; The Role of Stakeholders," urging all stakeholders to contribute to making education a transformative tool. 

He also lauded the government and the Asantehene for their commitment to education, which he said is aimed at securing a brighter future for Ghana's youth.

A representative of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, also spoke at the event, highlighting the King's dedication to education through initiatives such as the Otumfuo Education Fund and the Otumfuo Reading Competition. These efforts, he said, were designed to make education more appealing to Ghanaians.

During the event, NUGS honoured Dr. Prempeh, the Regional Education Director, and the District Chief Executive for Amansie South for their contributions to education in the country.