{
  "id": 4795438,
  "title": "Interior Minister inspires schoolchildren to persevere to pursue academic laurels",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/interior-minister-inspires-schoolchildren-to-persevere-to-pursue",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-01T04:14:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/interior-minister-inspires-schoolchildren-to-persevere-to-pursue-academic-laurels/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Alhaji Muntaka, the Interior Minister, delivered an inspiring address to schoolchildren, urging them to persist in their academic pursuits for future societal advancement. He acknowledged the challenges that lay ahead but emphasized the importance of determination, discipline, and divine guidance in achieving one's aspirations. Recalling his own modest upbringing, Muntaka shared how his family's humble beginnings as sellers of local goods had shaped his character and instilled in him the value of hard work. Today, he proudly stood before the students not as a man dependent on luck, but as a State Minister, crediting his perseverance and discipline for his transformation from hardship to public service.\n\nThe Minister encouraged the students to remain hopeful, regardless of the obstacles they might encounter, whether financial, academic, or familial. As a Member of Parliament for Asawase, he pledged to advocate for and ensure the provision of necessary infrastructure to create a conducive learning environment. This included the construction of a new 12-unit classroom block, six-seater toilet facilities, and a mechanised borehole for the Sakafia Islamic Senior High School in Ayigya, Kumasi. These projects, financed through the District Assembly Common Fund and the Ghana Education Trust Fund, would not only provide comfort and improve student attendance but also enhance teachers' ability to deliver effective lessons.\n\nMuntaka highlighted the critical role of good classrooms, reliable water supply, and sanitation facilities in fostering a conducive atmosphere for learning, reducing stress, and encouraging student participation in school activities. He promised to complete a 2,000-capacity dining hall with appropriate furniture to further motivate students and facilitate better concentration during school hours. Moreover, he underscored that the success of these investments extended beyond mere construction, as they were instrumental in instilling values, discipline, and a mindset for excellence among students.\n\nAddressing the issue of drug abuse, which posed a significant threat to student welfare and academic performance, Muntaka called on the youth to steer clear of drugs and other vices. He lamented the increasing prevalence of drug abuse among young people and its detrimental impact on their future prospects, health, and social development. Notably, recent drug tests on prospective security personnel had revealed alarming levels of substance abuse, prompting Muntaka to warn students against compromising their integrity through such behavior. He stressed the importance of maintaining good conduct, respecting teachers, and adhering to school rules to safeguard their promising futures.",
  "summary": "Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, the Minister for the Interior, recalling his background, has urged school children to persevere in the pursuit of their academic dreams for future socio-economic development.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}