As part of the 75th Anniversary celebrations of Ghana Senior High School (GHANASS) in Koforidua, Heritage Christian University played a key role in the school’s 2025 Students’ Representative Council (SRC) Week Symposium. The theme for this year’s event was:
“Unleashing Students’ Potential: Leadership, Empowerment, and Growth – The Role of the School Community.”

HCU’s Ebenezer Obuobi Danso Delivers Keynote Address

The keynote speaker was Mr. Ebenezer Obuobi Danso, Senior Assistant Registrar and Head of Admissions at Heritage Christian University. In his address, he challenged students to rise to the demands of their generation by embracing learning, discipline, and leadership.

Quoting Nelson Mandela, Mr. Danso stated, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world,” and reminded students that education is not only about getting jobs but about discovering and developing the purpose within.

“We do not get education to work,” he said, “but we need education to drive the work in us.”

Unpacking the Theme: Leadership, Empowerment & Growth

Mr. Danso explored the main pillars of the symposium theme:
• Unleashing Potential: Students were urged to nurture their gifts through hard work and perseverance.
• Leadership: Defined not by titles, but by influence, service, and integrity.
• Empowerment: Students were encouraged to believe in themselves and take initiative.
• Growth: Highlighted as a process of continuous learning, self-reflection, and resilience.

He cited examples from personal experience, global thinkers, and Ghanaian proverbs to bring his message home. He reminded students that “life is war” (Ɔbra yɛ ko), and success requires courage and commitment.

The Role of the School Community

Addressing teachers, parents, and the broader community, Mr. Danso called for a supportive environment where students are inspired to lead.
• Teachers must model excellence and integrity.
• Parents must provide love, discipline, and encouragement.
• Peers must build each other up, not tear each other down.
• Communities must offer mentorship and exposure to real-world experiences.

“Leadership begins not in the boardroom, but in the classroom, the home, and in your daily choices,” he noted.

Embracing Technology and Avoiding Pitfalls

Touching on emerging trends, Mr. Danso encouraged students to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a learning and creativity tool. He also gave a strong caution against drug and substance abuse, calling it a major destroyer of talent and potential.

“A moment of indulgence,” he warned, “can lead to a lifetime of regret.”

A Call to Action

The symposium ended with a rousing call to students to set clear goals, pursue leadership opportunities, and grow both in knowledge and in character. Mr. Danso challenged each student to become a force for positive change.

“The future is not distant,” he said. “It begins with the actions you take today.”

Heritage Christian University’s Commitment

Heritage Christian University’s participation reflects its ongoing commitment to youth empowerment and educational transformation. Through outreach initiatives such as this symposium, the university continues to engage with second-cycle institutions across Ghana to inspire excellence, leadership, and faith-driven impact.