The much-anticipated National All Leavers Summit has taken place, with over 3,000 Senior High School (SHS) and Junior High School (JHS) leavers in the Greater Accra Region in attendance. Other centres across the country also saw a large turnout.
The maiden edition of the summit, which was held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, had it main venue as the Kaneshie Worship Centre of The Church of Pentecost and over 100 auxiliary centres across Ghana under the theme, ‘Raising a New Generation in a Society of Declining Moral Values: Equipping Them for a Brighter Future’ (inspired by Daniel 1:8 and Psalm 100:4)
Pastor Frank Mensah Tandoh (National Coordinator of the Schools Outreach Ministry) stated that many school leavers often overlook the stages that follow their education. ‘Immediately after school, there’s a sense of euphoria that can lead them to forget there are still other stages of their lives,’ he noted.
The SOM Coordinator added that the collaboration among the organisers was designed to ensure that young school leavers can align with their God-given destinies while steering clear of societal vices.
In his welcome address, the Kaneshie Area Head and Executive Council Member of the church, Apostle Samuel Osei Asante, highlighted the summit’s role in addressing pressing questions leavers face today.
He remarked: ‘The theme of this summit cannot be underestimated, especially in this contemporary age when young people are confronted by multiple social vices.’
Apostle Asante urged participants to embrace godly values and principles, emphasising that building up the next generation requires collective effort from parents, teachers, and community leaders.
The event featured a powerful sermon by Rev. Derick E. Koomson, CEO of Scripture Union Ghana (SU) in which he asserted: ‘When you begin with God, He will see you through.’
While acknowledging the overwhelming challenges facing today’s youth, Rev. Koomson lamented the moral decline in society and called for a generation of spiritual renewal to confront these evils.
He encouraged attendees to reject sin and accept Jesus Christ as their saviour, emphasising that true success comes from relationship with God.
He called for unity among all stakeholders in nurturing young leaders capable of making positive contributions to society.
Patrons of the summit were also taken through key lessons that will help them succeed in life by Elder Paul Kofi Mantey, Managing Director, Ecobank EDC. They also had a breakout session where they were taken through the chances available to them on the next stage of their academic ladder.
Also present were Pastor Dr Felix Dela Klutse (Director, Pent Media Centre), Dr Kwabena B. Tandoh (Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Education Service), Pastor Nillo Arthur (Kaneshie Area SOM Coordinator), among others.
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