The second edition of the Ampem EduCamp, an educational initiative of Asuogyaman MP Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has ended with 412 Junior High School (JHS) students challenged to translate lessons from the two-week programme into academic excellence.

The 2026 edition, held from August 2 to August 16, brought together students from 77 JHS across the Asuogyaman District for academic instruction, mentorship, competitions, practical learning and other developmental activities.

The closing ceremony was held at the Wesley Methodist Chapel in Akosombo on Friday, August 14, 2026, and was attended by traditional leaders, education officials, teachers, parents, government officials and other stakeholders.

Nine students received awards for their performance in Mathematics, Science and English during the camp, with Victoria Akubah Akesseh emerging as the overall best student.

All participating students also received textbooks in Mathematics, Science and English, as well as exercise books.

The ceremony was also attended by Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey and Minister for Transport Joseph Nikpe.

### Two weeks of learning and practical activities

The camp provided intensive instruction in Mathematics, Science and English, alongside activities aimed at developing students' confidence, critical thinking and practical skills.

Participants took part in a Spelling Bee, science and mathematics quiz competitions, debates, indoor and outdoor games, creative arts and entertainment.

They also received lessons on self-esteem, examination preparation, role modelling, self-awareness, drug abuse, financial literacy and the history of Ghana.

As part of the practical learning component, the students visited the Akosombo Dam to observe how hydroelectric power is generated.

The programme also included free health insurance registration and renewal for children who required the service.

### Ampem recalls childhood experience

Speaking at the ceremony, Ampem said the initiative was partly inspired by a childhood experience when he participated in a youth camp in Akosombo while he was a pupil at Anum Presby JHS.

He described the trip as an eye-opening experience that exposed him to opportunities beyond his immediate community and remained with him throughout his life.

“I decided that I would also do something to give the little ones that kind of memory. I did not want to confine it to my church, so I decided I would do it for all the JHS in Asuogyaman,” he said.

Ampem expressed satisfaction that the programme had grown to include students from 77 schools across the district.

He thanked teachers and officials of the Asuogyaman District Education Directorate for their support, particularly those who stayed with the students throughout the camp.

He also acknowledged individuals and organisations that supported the initiative financially and logistically, including the Tang Foundation.

### Students to receive learning materials

He further pledged to support students who perform strongly in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), recalling that some beneficiaries of the 2025 maiden edition recorded single-digit aggregate scores.

He said he would fulfil his promise to pay the cost of their prospectuses for secondary education and extend the same support to successful participants of the 2026 edition.

Focus shifts to EduCamp 2027

Ampem said preparations for the 2027 edition would involve selecting outstanding students from schools across the district.

He encouraged current JHS students to work hard if they wanted to earn a place at the next camp.

“If you want to make it to the EduCamp 2027, you must start learning hard so you will be selected from your school to represent your school in the next edition,” he said.

Ministers urge students to remain disciplined

Transport Minister Joseph Nikpe urged the students to remain disciplined and guard against activities that could undermine their future.

He cautioned them against drug abuse and other behaviours that could be detrimental to their health and education.

“Be careful that as you are the light, somebody will want to put it off. Guide that light and do not allow it off,” he said.

Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey also commended Ampem for sustaining the programme after its maiden edition in 2025.

She said the initiative demonstrated the importance of investing in young people and exposing them to experiences that could shape their future.

The camp is not the achievement

In an address delivered on behalf of Akwamumanhene Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III by Nana Akonnor Bekai Ababio V, participants were urged not to regard the closing ceremony as the end of their development.

The traditional leader said the true measure of the programme would be what participants did after returning to their schools.

“The camp is not the achievement,” he said.

He urged the students to turn the knowledge and experience gained into lasting habits, stressing that “excellence is not an event. It is a habit.”

He also called for the programme to be institutionalised, saying a 10th edition would demonstrate that EduCamp had become a lasting institution.