The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Opoku Ahweneeh Danquah, has implored students to make good accounts the attainment of every situation they find themselves.
He said, regardless of any adventure one may encounter in life, it should never be an obstacle for accuses.
Speaking at the 2022 speech and prize-giving day celebration of Presbyterian Senior High School (PRESEC), Legon, he admonished the youth particularly students, to accept every challenge they face since “we do not chose what life gives to us.”
Referring to the popular saying ‘when life gives you lemons, make lemonade’, he stressed the need to make opportunities count whether positive or negative.
The colourful occasion among other things, was to recall the proud history and excellent virtues of PRESEC and to also reward outstanding students who have excelled and shown spectacular work ethic.
They also used the medium to congratulate the contestants at the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ), their teachers, and everybody who helped support the course.
Mr. O.A Danquah who appreciated the wisdom God gave him to overturn the unfairness meted to him by some ‘wicked seniors’ into an opportunity, said: “Students, know very well that life is unfair – that’s the way life is. We do not chose what life gives to us. As the popular saying goes…when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. To bring it closer to home, in lumine tuo videmus lumen.
“In thy light, we shall see light. God’s light is what he has given you, the lemons; you have to take his light, and ask for wisdom to see an opportunity, or to see light in whatever he shines down on your life…that is you making lemonade.
“God will not make the lemonade for you. Make a good situation out of any situation. In lumine tu videmus lumen, see the light in God’s light that he has given to you. Be optimistic,” he added.
He further urged students to add to their Christian training to establish their place in the future of this country.
He, however, added “Life is not a straightforward, but ultimately you are responsible for the decisions that you make…not your father, not your mother, not your teachers, not even God.
“Decisions you make today and the work ethic that follows these decisions will determine the most part of your future. So ensure that you are in control of your choices. Man up to take the tough decisions in life – no one is responsible for them except you – so whatever decisions you take, you have peace with the outcome.”
While acknowledging the top-notch figures the institution has produced, the GNPC CEO who is also product of PRESEC, challenged the current crop of students to take note of the example of excellencies set by their predecessors.
“Victory is always within grasp if you strive earnestly, patiently, and diligently to reach it. You have every resource and backing from your teachers, the staff, your families, and all of us who want to see you thrive.
“This environment offers rigor, discipline, and a path to success. It offers all the benefits of our symbolic baobab tree – resourcefulness, knowledge, and strength. It is up to you to decide whether to make the best of these gifts,” he underscoresd.
