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KWAME NKRUMAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
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SCISA President Acquah Newman John Thompson Honored with Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award by President of Ghana

Published 18 Feb 2025
Newman

In a remarkable achievement for the student body of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Master Acquah Newman John Thompson, President of the Science Students Association (SCISA), was honored with the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award

The distinguished ceremony took place on Friday, November 29, 2024, at the Jubilee House, where His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana, personally presented the award to recipients.

The Head of State Award Scheme: A Pathway to Excellence

The Head of State Award Scheme (HOSA) is Ghana’s adaptation of the internationallyNewman acclaimed Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE). It is a transformative youth development program designed to cultivate leadership, resilience, self-reliance, and community service among young people. Since its inception in 1968, HOSA has empowered thousands of Ghanaian youth to undertake personal and social challenges that contribute to their holistic development.

The program is open to individuals aged 14 to 24 years and is structured into three progressive levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. To attain each level, participants must meet specific requirements across four key areas: Volunteering, Physical Activity, Skills Development, and Expedition.

Core Components of the Scheme

  1. Volunteering: Participants engage in community service projects such as environmental conservation, educational mentorship, and social welfare initiatives. This fosters civic responsibility and a spirit of giving back to society.

  2. Physical Activity: Designed to promote health and well-being, this component encourages participants to take part in sports, fitness training, and outdoor recreational activities.

  3. Skills Development: Participants are required to acquire or enhance a skill, whether in academics, arts, technical training, or entrepreneurship. This aspect of the program boosts confidence, expertise, and career readiness.

  4. Expedition: A defining feature of the award, the expedition challenge requires participants to embark on a physically and mentally demanding journey in an unfamiliar environment, testing their teamwork, problem-solving skills, and adaptability.

TheGold Level Award is the highest achievement in the Head of State Award Scheme, signifying exceptional commitment, perseverance, and leadership. The Gold Award Ceremony, held annually, is a prestigious event where recipients are recognized at the Jubilee House, underscoring the national significance of the program.

Why the Gold Award Matters:

  • Personal Growth: Demonstrates resilience, goal-setting, and achievement.
  • Leadership Recognition: Highlights strong organizational, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
  • Career Advancement: Employers highly regard the Gold Award as a mark of dedication and initiative.
  • Global Recognition: As part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, the Gold Award is internationally recognized, enhancing educational and professional opportunities worldwide.

The College of Science and KNUST extend heartfelt congratulations to Acquah Newman John Thompson for this outstanding accomplishment. His achievement is a testament to dedication, service, and excellence, serving as an inspiration to fellow students and young leaders across Ghana.

As KNUST continues to champion academic and extracurricular excellence, this honor reflects the university’s commitment to producing well-rounded individuals who make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world.