The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, has called for Ghana’s education system to prioritise the preservation of cultural heritage as a foundation for innovation and the development of future leaders.
Delivering the keynote address at the 95th Anniversary Speech and Prize-Giving Day of Accra Academy, Mr. Agyebeng spoke on the theme: “Education as the Catalyst for Preserving Heritage, Driving Innovation, and Empowering Future Leadership.”
He noted that much of Ghana’s current education model is a legacy of colonial rule, designed to serve foreign interests rather than the nation’s developmental needs. This, he said, has contributed to the erosion of indigenous languages, traditions, and cultural identity, leaving many Ghanaians caught between their heritage and foreign influence.
“We are losing ourselves – and with ourselves, our aspirations,” Mr. Agyebeng said. He stressed that education must nurture both identity and creativity, warning that a nation that neglects its heritage risks stunted development.
Highlighting Accra Academy’s rich history, he praised the school’s founders for creating a philosophy rooted in African identity and holistic development. He cited the school’s three mottos – Esse Quam Videri (to be rather than to seem), Non Sibi Sed Aliis (not for self, but for others), and Non Scholae Sed Vitae Discimus (we learn not for school, but for life) – as guiding principles that foster integrity, selflessness, and practical learning.
Mr. Agyebeng urged that education in Ghana be designed to preserve heritage, encourage innovation, and cultivate leadership, while still integrating valuable global knowledge. He emphasized that such an approach would strengthen human capital and ensure a meaningful, prosperous future for the nation.
The event, attended by students, alumni, and dignitaries, celebrated Accra Academy’s 95-year legacy and underscored the critical role of education in nation-building.
