NUTSA Congress: PIWAK CEO Calls for Unity, Academic Excellence and Sustainable Development Across Tongu

NUTSA National Congress

Sogakope, South Tongu District – The 18th National Delegates Congress of the National Union of Tongu Students and Associates (NUTSA) has brought together student leaders, educators, traditional authorities, policymakers, guests, and other stakeholders in Tongu for deliberations on the future of education and development across the three Tongu districts. The National Union of Tongu Students and Associates (NUTSA) is a Union for pre- tertiary and tertiary students in the three Tongu Districts (North, South and Central) and beyond.

Held at Sogakope Senior High School under the theme, “Championing Unity, Excellence and Development: Advancing Academic Brilliance Across the Three Tongu Districts,” the congress provided a platform for delegates from tertiary and pre-tertiary institutions to deliberate on issues affecting students and communities in North Tongu, Central Tongu and South Tongu.

A major highlight of the congress was an address delivered by Dr. Prince Nelson Mortoti, President of the PIWAK Group of Companies, who challenged the youth of Tongu to see education not merely as a pathway to academic qualifications but as a tool for transforming their communities.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mortoti said the theme of the congress reflected both the challenges confronting the people of Tongu and the collective responsibility required to build a stronger future.

He described the three Tongu districts as communities that, despite their administrative boundaries, remain connected by their shared history, culture, identity and aspirations.

Three districts, one Tongu

Dr. Mortoti highlighted the distinctive strengths of the three districts. He described North Tongu as a community with significant agricultural, industrial and tourism potential, noting its resilience in the face of the Akosombo Dam spillage and the challenges it posed to communities along the Volta River.

He said the response to the disaster demonstrated the resilience of the people and the importance of strong leadership and community solidarity during times of crisis.

On Central Tongu, he highlighted its agricultural potential and described the district as an important contributor to food production, livestock development and local enterprise.

He also pointed to South Tongu, where the congress was held, as an important commercial and educational centre, citing Sogakope and other communities as examples of the district’s growing economic and educational potential.

According to Dr. Mortoti, the three districts should not view themselves as competitors but as complementary parts of one larger community.

He used the analogy of a three-legged cooking pot to emphasise the importance of collective development.

“If one leg is weak, the pot tips over. For Tongu to rise, North, Central and South must march together,” he stated.

Call for greater unity

On the first pillar of the theme, unity, Dr. Mortoti called on students and stakeholders to move beyond administrative and political boundaries and work collectively toward addressing challenges affecting young people across Tongu.

He argued that educational challenges in one district should be treated as concerns for the entire Tongu area.

He therefore encouraged NUTSA to position itself as a bridge-builder among students, traditional authorities, political leaders, teachers and other stakeholders.

He said stronger collaboration could help ensure that students in communities across the three districts have access to opportunities and resources regardless of where they live.

Academic excellence in the digital age

Dr. Mortoti also focused extensively on the second pillar of the theme – excellence.

He described education as one of the most important tools for creating opportunities and improving social mobility, particularly for young people from rural and underserved communities.

However, he noted that the concept of academic excellence has evolved and should no longer be limited to memorising information for examinations.

He argued that students must develop critical thinking, digital literacy, problem-solving skills and good character to remain competitive in a rapidly changing world.

He identified three areas requiring particular attention:

Digital inclusion: He called for modern computer laboratories and improved access to technology in schools across Tongu, stressing that students should have opportunities comparable to their peers in larger urban centres.

Teacher support and motivation: He called for greater recognition and support for teachers, particularly those working in difficult-to-reach and riverine communities.

Mentorship: He urged stakeholders to create mentorship opportunities for young people, particularly girls, by connecting them with accomplished professionals and community leaders who can serve as role models.

Dr. Mortoti further challenged NUTSA to complement its congresses and other activities with practical academic initiatives, including peer-tutoring networks, mock examinations and reading clubs across basic and senior high schools.

He said academic excellence should become a culture within the Tongu community rather than something achieved by chance.

Education must translate into development

Addressing the third pillar – development – Dr. Mortoti said education should ultimately contribute to the growth of local communities.

He raised concerns about the migration of talented young people from rural communities to major cities and other parts of the world after completing their education.

He therefore proposed the development of a Local Talent Retention Accord, involving Members of Parliament, Assembly Members, local businesses and other stakeholders, to create opportunities for qualified young people and national service personnel to work and build their careers within Tongu.

He also encouraged investment in agribusiness, tourism and the creative arts as avenues for creating jobs and retaining young talent.

Lessons from the Akosombo Dam spillage

Dr. Mortoti further called for greater attention to climate resilience and disaster preparedness in the education sector.

Reflecting on the Akosombo Dam spillage, he said the experience demonstrated the need for stronger measures to protect students and schools located in vulnerable communities.

He advocated for climate-resilient school infrastructure, water-safety measures and life jackets for students who cross rivers to access education.

He also called for environmental sustainability to be incorporated into educational programmes so that young people can become better equipped to respond to future environmental challenges.

Recognition of stakeholders

The PIWAK Group President also acknowledged the contribution of various stakeholders to the development of education in Tongu.

He expressed appreciation to Members of Parliament and other leaders who have supported students and educational initiatives in the area.

He particularly referenced interventions aimed at supporting thousands of BECE graduates to transition into senior high school, describing such interventions as important investments in the future of the community.

Challenge to NUTSA delegates

As the congress entered its deliberative phase, Dr. Mortoti charged the delegates to make decisions that reflect the values contained in the congress theme.

He urged them to approach leadership as an opportunity to serve rather than as a means of pursuing personal interests.

He encouraged the delegates to return to their respective schools and communities as ambassadors of unity, excellence, and development.

He further challenged students to study diligently, read widely, develop strong character and prepare themselves for leadership.

“Let the world know that the Tongu student is disciplined, intellectually sound, culturally grounded and ready to lead,” he said.

Dr. Mortoti concluded by invoking the enduring symbolism of the Volta River, expressing hope that it would continue to carry stories of the resilience, achievements and academic brilliance of the people of Tongu.

The congress subsequently provided an opportunity for delegates to engage in discussions on student leadership, education, development and the future direction of NUTSA.

The 18th NUTSA National Delegates Congress therefore served not only as a gathering of student representatives but also as a platform for renewing calls for greater unity among the three Tongu districts, improved educational outcomes, stronger youth development and sustainable community development.

The event ended with renewed calls for students, traditional authorities, political leaders, educators, businesses and other stakeholders to work together to translate the intellectual potential of Tongu’s young people into tangible development across North, Central and South Tongu.

SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh