'Academic dishonesty is not a minor mistake; it is an early warning sign’ – Veep Opoku-Agyemang tells students

The Vice President of Ghana, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has called on students to avoid dishonesty and commit themselves to diligent learning.


Speaking at the 2026 PENSA Ghana Gospel and Power Conference, she urged young people to see themselves as the country’s next leaders and to pursue positive ambition.

The atmosphere was electric yet reverent as thousands of young believers from across the nation gathered for the conference.

The event, organized by the Church of Pentecost, featured uplifting songs of praise and worship and highlighted the unity and diversity of the church’s youth.


Addressing the congregation, the Vice President encouraged participants to view themselves as agents of positive change in society. She particularly reminded young women not to let challenges in the workplace or academic environment hinder their progress, emphasizing that habits and choices have lasting consequences.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang emphasized that university life is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about shaping character. “Your academic journey will test you with exhaustion, confusion, and doubt. Some courses push you beyond your comfort zone, and some assessments challenge your confidence. These moments are not interruptions to excellence they are its training ground,” she said.



She warned against academic dishonesty, noting that shortcuts in school often carry into professional life. “A system shows its values in what it declares and what it allows. Academic dishonesty is not a minor mistake; it is an early warning sign,” she explained.


The Vice President urged students to recognize leadership opportunities in everyday campus life. “Leadership is taking shape in how you handle group work, who you include or exclude, and how you use influence. When collecting dues or managing responsibilities, prioritize the interests of all, especially the vulnerable,” she said.

She also highlighted the importance of using one’s education intellectual, moral, or spiritual to uplift others, including the less privileged, differently abled individuals, and those facing abuse. “By helping others, you are doing God’s work,” she added.

“Ambition itself is not the danger. Ghana needs ambitious, capable young people. The danger lies in ambition disconnected from values,” the Vice President said. She encouraged students to turn ideas into businesses, research into solutions, and skills into value, stressing that resilience comes from disciplined action and purposeful learning.



She highlighted recurring patterns in successful leaders: learning from predecessors, valuing time, surrounding themselves with constructive challengers, and understanding that habits have consequences.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang addressed young women directly, reminding them that their positions of influence are no accident. She encouraged them not to be paralyzed by uneven expectations or unfair standards. “Leadership does not require you to trade your beliefs for acceptance or excellence for conformity. Ghana requires your full intellect, judgment, and resolve,” she said.

Concluding her address, the Vice President urged PENSA members to remember that academic excellence is a discipline, not a performance. “The Ghana we all desire will not assemble itself. It will be built patiently, diligently, and responsibly. My prayer is that your contributions to this effort will be celebrated,” she said.