VP NAANA JANE URGES 10,000 CADETS: “DISCIPLINE AND PATRIOTISM WILL BUILD THE GHANA WE WANT”

Her Excellency Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, has charged Ghanaian youth and student cadets to uphold discipline, patriotism, and commitment to national service.

She gave the charge when she addressed 10,000 student cadets from all 16 regions as the Special Guest of Honour and Reviewing Officer at the National Cadet Corps parade held at the Black Star Square to climax the 66th Republic Day Youth Parade.

This year, 202 institutions from across the country took part in the parade under the theme: “Shaping Disciplined Leaders for a Prosperous and Hopeful Ghana – The Hooliganism Must Stop.” The parade, which began at 7:30am and ended at 10:15am, featured impressive drills and displays of showmanship by the cadets. Ahead of the grand durbar, the National Cadet Corps also led nationwide clean-up and tree-planting exercises on 6th June and 20th June 2026 respectively.

Speaking on the role of the Corps, the Vice President noted that since 1954, the National Cadet Corps has become a force to reckon with in Ghana’s development.
“As we plan to build the Ghana we want, we must invest in values and institutions. The Cadet Corps has an important role in promoting discipline among the youth and making them more responsible citizens,” she said.

The Director-General of the Ghana Education Service and Board Chairman of the National Cadet Corps, Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, in a welcome address delivered on his behalf by Dr. Issahaque Munawaru, Deputy Director-General, Quality and Access, challenged cadets to be more disciplined and to positively influence their peers.“ They should report to school authorities any form of negative act or plans by other students,” he urged.

In a solidarity message, the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. George Opare-Addo, called on the youth to stay away from substance abuse.
“The way forward for the youth is to stop and say no to all forms of drugs. Hooliganism among the youth must stop. We must tell the 41% of university students and 37% of SHS students to stop and say no to drugs,” he stated.

The National Cadet Coordinator-General appealed to government for logistical support, especially transport, to enable effective monitoring and implementation of programs. He also requested support to introduce Agriculture into cadet training in schools.

Among dignitaries present were:
Hon. Alex Percival Segbefia, Chief of Staff, Office of the Vice President; Members of the Council of State; Ministers of State; Members of Parliament; Members of the Judiciary; Heads of Diplomatic Missions; Representatives of Security Chiefs and Agencies; Directors of Education; Heads of Institutions; and Board Members of the National Cadet Corps.