Yesterday, I spoke at my alma mater, POJOSS, at our 67th Anniversary Speech and Prize Giving Day
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Introduction: Back to Where It All Began
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Good morning to all—our hardworking students, proud parents, dedicated teachers and school leaders, respected clergy, alumni, and friends in the media. And to my fellow POJOSS family—Pojomma, Daasebre!
Let me begin with one word: nostalgia. I’m thrilled to be back on our campus to speak about Pope John—the Past, the Present, and the Future We are Building Together.”
These school blocks capture where my story began 36 years ago. I sat in these classrooms, walked these corridors, wore the yellow and navy-blue uniform, and shared laughs and dreams with friends who are now lifelong brothers.
Today brings back those memories—Form 1B to Upper 6 Science, and House 1 Dorm 3—what a ride it’s been!
A Mother's Determination and a Destiny Secured
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Let me share a short story that reminds me how every journey begins somewhere. After passing my Common Entrance, I was thrilled to see my name—Edward Kofi Omane Boamah—on the POJOSS admissions board. All four names selected by my first choice school.
I was over-joyed. However, that joy quickly turned bitter: I was told the name on the notice board wasn’t mine and that my results card had been sent to SECTECH instead.
A twist of fate or foul play?
Someone else with all four of my names? Someone had apparently tried to take my place. Now, I’ve travelled around the world, and I’ve never met anyone else with my exact four names.
Thankfully, my mother seated here today—God bless her—persisted. She knew no one else could take her only child’s place.
She learned from the grapevine at POJOSS that if she could find my results card, I could reclaim my rightful place.
And so steadfastly began her back and forth mission between POJOSS and SECTECH, not once, not twice, but at least three times that day. At SECTECH, one honest voice finally stood up against the admission conspiracy between someone at POJOSS and SECTECH, reprimanded his colleague and directed my mum to a box of hidden cards. She searched, and – Eureka! – there it was.
That’s how my journey at POJOSS began.
Mum, thank you. Your tireless steps cleared my rightful way when my dream called and a shadow rose to steal my claim. You came home that late evening exhausted, but victorious.
And to this day, no other Edward Kofi Omane Boamah ever showed up to claim my place.
That day, I learned that sometimes, others fight to start your journey. And later, you must fight to help others begin theirs. That’s how I ended up here.
My mum’s persistence taught me something: sometimes your journey begins when someone fights for you. And later, you fight for others.
My dear students, in the coming years, fight for your parents and guardians and formators as they have fought for you. Never forget their sacrifices.
From POJOSS to the World Stage
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This story tells how I arrived here at POJOSS thirty-six years (36) ago as a hopeful, promising and pampered young boy, much like many of you. Our classrooms full of promise. Our dreams just beginning! At Pope John I discovered not only subjects and lessons.
I found friends who have become family. I also encountered and developed values: discipline, faith, resilience and unity.
Those values shaped me through medical school, student leadership, and across continents to places like Washington University in St. Louis, the London School of Economics. And the London School of Hygiene and Tropical medicine.
But let’s be honest—this journey wasn’t a straight path. It came with late nights, failure, rejections, and restarts.
What kept me going were the values I learnt right here: discipline, faith, resilience, and unity.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Introduction: Back to Where It All Began
-------------------------------------------------------------
Good morning to all—our hardworking students, proud parents, dedicated teachers and school leaders, respected clergy, alumni, and friends in the media. And to my fellow POJOSS family—Pojomma, Daasebre!
Let me begin with one word: nostalgia. I’m thrilled to be back on our campus to speak about Pope John—the Past, the Present, and the Future We are Building Together.”
These school blocks capture where my story began 36 years ago. I sat in these classrooms, walked these corridors, wore the yellow and navy-blue uniform, and shared laughs and dreams with friends who are now lifelong brothers.
Today brings back those memories—Form 1B to Upper 6 Science, and House 1 Dorm 3—what a ride it’s been!
A Mother's Determination and a Destiny Secured
--------------------------------------------------------------
Let me share a short story that reminds me how every journey begins somewhere. After passing my Common Entrance, I was thrilled to see my name—Edward Kofi Omane Boamah—on the POJOSS admissions board. All four names selected by my first choice school.
I was over-joyed. However, that joy quickly turned bitter: I was told the name on the notice board wasn’t mine and that my results card had been sent to SECTECH instead.
A twist of fate or foul play?
Someone else with all four of my names? Someone had apparently tried to take my place. Now, I’ve travelled around the world, and I’ve never met anyone else with my exact four names.
Thankfully, my mother seated here today—God bless her—persisted. She knew no one else could take her only child’s place.
She learned from the grapevine at POJOSS that if she could find my results card, I could reclaim my rightful place.
And so steadfastly began her back and forth mission between POJOSS and SECTECH, not once, not twice, but at least three times that day. At SECTECH, one honest voice finally stood up against the admission conspiracy between someone at POJOSS and SECTECH, reprimanded his colleague and directed my mum to a box of hidden cards. She searched, and – Eureka! – there it was.
That’s how my journey at POJOSS began.
Mum, thank you. Your tireless steps cleared my rightful way when my dream called and a shadow rose to steal my claim. You came home that late evening exhausted, but victorious.
And to this day, no other Edward Kofi Omane Boamah ever showed up to claim my place.
That day, I learned that sometimes, others fight to start your journey. And later, you must fight to help others begin theirs. That’s how I ended up here.
My mum’s persistence taught me something: sometimes your journey begins when someone fights for you. And later, you fight for others.
My dear students, in the coming years, fight for your parents and guardians and formators as they have fought for you. Never forget their sacrifices.
From POJOSS to the World Stage
----------------------------------------------------
This story tells how I arrived here at POJOSS thirty-six years (36) ago as a hopeful, promising and pampered young boy, much like many of you. Our classrooms full of promise. Our dreams just beginning! At Pope John I discovered not only subjects and lessons.
I found friends who have become family. I also encountered and developed values: discipline, faith, resilience and unity.
Those values shaped me through medical school, student leadership, and across continents to places like Washington University in St. Louis, the London School of Economics. And the London School of Hygiene and Tropical medicine.
But let’s be honest—this journey wasn’t a straight path. It came with late nights, failure, rejections, and restarts.
What kept me going were the values I learnt right here: discipline, faith, resilience, and unity.
Pope John Built Me— Giving Back to the Home That Raised Me
This school shaped my story. I owe a great deal to the lessons I learned, as well as to the teachers who believed in me. I remember our Headmaster Rev. Fr. Vincent Burke of blessed memory, who challenged me to think beyond the textbook.
I remember early morning assemblies where we reflected on discipline, hard work, and character.
These memories live in me to this day. So, when the time came, I knew I had to give back. Ahead of this 67th anniversary, we asphalted the school’s roads, symbolic of what happens when we invest: in young people filling the ‘potholes’ in their adventurous lives.
The World Awaits: Set Sail, Dream Bold
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Final year students. Today isn’t the end. It’s the beginning. The world outside these gates is complex: climate change, poverty, inequality, digital disruption, global health threats. But guess what? These challenges are waiting for you. Not to fear them, but to solve them.
You’re heading to college soon. Some of you will study science, others arts, business, law, theology, engineering, education, and more. But beyond the course you choose, I want you to remember this: it’s how you use your knowledge that matters.
You must dream big. But also, work hard. You must think globally. But also, act locally. You must speak boldly. But also, listen with humility.
And when you get the chance—give back. Be the one who fixes a pothole, builds a library, fix our deteriorating Science Laboratory, mentors a junior, or funds a scholarship.
Let your excellence lift others.
Your Toolkit for the Future
-----------------------------------------
As you step into this exciting new phase, take this toolkit with you. These are not just ideas—they’re survival gear for the road ahead:
1. Resilience – Life will test you. Exams will come. Doors may close. But get up, reset, and keep moving.
2. Excellence – Whether in coding, chemistry, music, or medicine, aim high. Don’t settle for average.
3. Faith and Values – Hold fast to your faith. In a fast-changing world, your values will anchor you.
4. Innovation – The world is changing. Learn digital skills, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship. Build things. Break things. Try again. Learn, unlearn and re-learn.
5. Service – Use your knowledge to serve others. That’s where real joy comes from.
One Million Coders and the Future We Are Building
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Just last month, I had the honour of speaking at the London School of Economics about Ghana’s bold and forward-looking initiative by the President John Dramani Mahama administration—the "One Million Coders" programme.
This programme is about giving young people the tools they need to thrive in a digital age—skills in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, coding, data analysis, and more.
These are not luxury skills for Silicon Valley—they’re becoming basic survival tools for modern life.
Whether you want to be a teacher, doctor, farmer, engineer, artist, or policymaker—digital literacy will amplify your impact.
We’re building capacity to solve real Ghanaian problems —how to improve healthcare with data, how to protect farms with smart tools, how to use AI to boost learning in our classrooms, or how to defend our nation more intelligently and securely.
Think of it this way: digital skills are the new passport—not just to travel, but to thrive in today’s competitive world.
The future isn’t waiting. It’s already here—and this is how you meet it, prepared.
Let’s Talk Plainly – Don’t Let Us Down
Let me speak from the heart:
• Honour your parents—they’ve walked this path with you.
• Appreciate your teachers—they’ve poured knowledge and time into you.
• Look out for your future self—the choices you make today shape your tomorrow.
• And know that I believe in you deeply and personally.
If I could journey from Form 1B, Mposo House Dorm 3 to representing Ghana at the United Nations and serving as Minister for Defence, so can you.
This school shaped my story. I owe a great deal to the lessons I learned, as well as to the teachers who believed in me. I remember our Headmaster Rev. Fr. Vincent Burke of blessed memory, who challenged me to think beyond the textbook.
I remember early morning assemblies where we reflected on discipline, hard work, and character.
These memories live in me to this day. So, when the time came, I knew I had to give back. Ahead of this 67th anniversary, we asphalted the school’s roads, symbolic of what happens when we invest: in young people filling the ‘potholes’ in their adventurous lives.
The World Awaits: Set Sail, Dream Bold
------------------------------------------------------------
Final year students. Today isn’t the end. It’s the beginning. The world outside these gates is complex: climate change, poverty, inequality, digital disruption, global health threats. But guess what? These challenges are waiting for you. Not to fear them, but to solve them.
You’re heading to college soon. Some of you will study science, others arts, business, law, theology, engineering, education, and more. But beyond the course you choose, I want you to remember this: it’s how you use your knowledge that matters.
You must dream big. But also, work hard. You must think globally. But also, act locally. You must speak boldly. But also, listen with humility.
And when you get the chance—give back. Be the one who fixes a pothole, builds a library, fix our deteriorating Science Laboratory, mentors a junior, or funds a scholarship.
Let your excellence lift others.
Your Toolkit for the Future
-----------------------------------------
As you step into this exciting new phase, take this toolkit with you. These are not just ideas—they’re survival gear for the road ahead:
1. Resilience – Life will test you. Exams will come. Doors may close. But get up, reset, and keep moving.
2. Excellence – Whether in coding, chemistry, music, or medicine, aim high. Don’t settle for average.
3. Faith and Values – Hold fast to your faith. In a fast-changing world, your values will anchor you.
4. Innovation – The world is changing. Learn digital skills, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship. Build things. Break things. Try again. Learn, unlearn and re-learn.
5. Service – Use your knowledge to serve others. That’s where real joy comes from.
One Million Coders and the Future We Are Building
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Just last month, I had the honour of speaking at the London School of Economics about Ghana’s bold and forward-looking initiative by the President John Dramani Mahama administration—the "One Million Coders" programme.
This programme is about giving young people the tools they need to thrive in a digital age—skills in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, coding, data analysis, and more.
These are not luxury skills for Silicon Valley—they’re becoming basic survival tools for modern life.
Whether you want to be a teacher, doctor, farmer, engineer, artist, or policymaker—digital literacy will amplify your impact.
We’re building capacity to solve real Ghanaian problems —how to improve healthcare with data, how to protect farms with smart tools, how to use AI to boost learning in our classrooms, or how to defend our nation more intelligently and securely.
Think of it this way: digital skills are the new passport—not just to travel, but to thrive in today’s competitive world.
The future isn’t waiting. It’s already here—and this is how you meet it, prepared.
Let’s Talk Plainly – Don’t Let Us Down
Let me speak from the heart:
• Honour your parents—they’ve walked this path with you.
• Appreciate your teachers—they’ve poured knowledge and time into you.
• Look out for your future self—the choices you make today shape your tomorrow.
• And know that I believe in you deeply and personally.
If I could journey from Form 1B, Mposo House Dorm 3 to representing Ghana at the United Nations and serving as Minister for Defence, so can you.
Work hard, stay grounded, and keep your values and faith at the centre of your journey.
What’s Next for POJOSS?
--------------------------------------
Let’s Keep Building
We’re not stopping here. In the past, I helped secure a new dormitory block. Looking into the future, we plan to modernise our science lab and boost ICT infrastructure while implementing the Strategic Plan, because every student walking through these gates deserves tools to compete with the best globally.
I also call on all alumni—let's keep the flame alive. Let’s not wait before we give back.
Let's start now, with whatever we have, however minute.
And parents, one more thing—teach your children discipline and diligence right from home.
Let them earn their place here at Pope John, just as we did.
POJOMMA, admissions to POJOSS must not become a birthright through protocol. Our children must merit their place just as we did.
Conclusion
------------------
Set Sail, Vela Damus!
From 1989 till now, it’s been a ride of faith, discipline, setbacks, and second chances. But I made it. And you can too.
So I say to you today—
• Set sail, even if the waters look uncertain.
• Dare to dream, even if your goal seems far.
• Build bridges, not walls.
• Fix potholes, not just on roads, but in the lives of those around you.
Your future is calling. Answer it with courage. Those dreams you tuck inside you—rescue them! Fuel them with effort.
Walk through doors that opened for me so many years ago.
Let’s build a future where graduates of Pope John don’t just leave with certificates, but with vision, responsibility, and the drive to transform our society.
In the present, I see a vibrant community of students, teachers, and alumni working together to achieve greatness.
Thinking about your future… What do you want to achieve? What dreams do you want to chase?
Know and believe that you have the potential to change the world. Let your dreams chart your future, and let your diligent actions carry you forward.
You don’t have the power to change the past.
But, you have the power to create your own path – You have the power to create your own future.
Don’t let your parents down!
Don’t let your teachers down!
Don’t let yourself and your generations to come down!
Don’t let me down!
I believe in you. Ghana is counting on you. Set sail, Pojomma. Vela Damus!
Thank you. God bless you all.
What’s Next for POJOSS?
--------------------------------------
Let’s Keep Building
We’re not stopping here. In the past, I helped secure a new dormitory block. Looking into the future, we plan to modernise our science lab and boost ICT infrastructure while implementing the Strategic Plan, because every student walking through these gates deserves tools to compete with the best globally.
I also call on all alumni—let's keep the flame alive. Let’s not wait before we give back.
Let's start now, with whatever we have, however minute.
And parents, one more thing—teach your children discipline and diligence right from home.
Let them earn their place here at Pope John, just as we did.
POJOMMA, admissions to POJOSS must not become a birthright through protocol. Our children must merit their place just as we did.
Conclusion
------------------
Set Sail, Vela Damus!
From 1989 till now, it’s been a ride of faith, discipline, setbacks, and second chances. But I made it. And you can too.
So I say to you today—
• Set sail, even if the waters look uncertain.
• Dare to dream, even if your goal seems far.
• Build bridges, not walls.
• Fix potholes, not just on roads, but in the lives of those around you.
Your future is calling. Answer it with courage. Those dreams you tuck inside you—rescue them! Fuel them with effort.
Walk through doors that opened for me so many years ago.
Let’s build a future where graduates of Pope John don’t just leave with certificates, but with vision, responsibility, and the drive to transform our society.
In the present, I see a vibrant community of students, teachers, and alumni working together to achieve greatness.
Thinking about your future… What do you want to achieve? What dreams do you want to chase?
Know and believe that you have the potential to change the world. Let your dreams chart your future, and let your diligent actions carry you forward.
You don’t have the power to change the past.
But, you have the power to create your own path – You have the power to create your own future.
Don’t let your parents down!
Don’t let your teachers down!
Don’t let yourself and your generations to come down!
Don’t let me down!
I believe in you. Ghana is counting on you. Set sail, Pojomma. Vela Damus!
Thank you. God bless you all.
Contact +233 24 468 1391
To purchase yours ahead of the 58th Speech And Prize Giving Day And Homecoming 2025
To purchase yours ahead of the 58th Speech And Prize Giving Day And Homecoming 2025
Our own Osofo 👌
Rev. Moses 🎉
Happy father's day
This man really they help boys paaa .....
Rev. Moses 🎉
Happy father's day
This man really they help boys paaa .....
This man whenever he is preaching he talks about his time when he was in Accra Academy stands on that to motivate we boys chale....