“Someone Tried to Take My Place”: Defence Minister Boamah Shares Emotional POJOSS Admission Story

Defence Minister Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah delivered an emotional and inspiring speech at the 67th Anniversary and Speech & Prize Giving Day of Pope John Senior High School (POJOSS), revealing a deeply personal story of nearly being denied admission due to what he described as an “admission conspiracy.”

Speaking to a packed audience of students, parents, staff, and alumni, Dr. Boamah recounted how, decades ago, his place at POJOSS was nearly stolen—until his mother's relentless determination uncovered the truth.

“Someone tried to take my place. My mother went back and forth between POJOSS and SECTECH three times in one day until she found my results card buried in a box,” he revealed.

● A Story of Grit, Sacrifice, and Destiny

Using the incident as a metaphor for perseverance and parental sacrifice, Dr. Boamah urged students to honour their families’ efforts by pursuing dignity, integrity, and service.

“That’s how my journey here began,” he said, drawing applause. “And this school has shaped every chapter of that journey—from Dormitory 3 in House 1 to the United Nations and the London School of Economics.”

● Shaping the Future with Digital Power

The Minister also used the occasion to highlight Ghana’s “One Million Coders” initiative—a bold national plan to equip students with coding, AI, and data literacy skills.

“Digital skills are the new passport—not just to travel, but to thrive,” he declared. “The future is not waiting. It’s already here.”

Dr. Boamah challenged students to take active roles in solving global challenges—from climate to education to governance—and to prepare themselves for a digitally competitive future.

● Discipline, Equity, and Giving Back

Emphasising the values of discipline, transparency, and service, the Minister called for a culture where POJOSS admissions are earned—not inherited or manipulated.

“Let this school remain a place of merit. Our youth must not grow up thinking opportunity is negotiable,” he warned.

He also urged alumni to give back by supporting infrastructure development, revealing that the school’s roads had been recently asphalted—a symbolic act of “filling the potholes in our adventurous lives.”

● A Call to Purpose and Patriotism

Dr. Boamah concluded by inspiring students to embrace courage, resilience, and innovation, urging them to be agents of Ghana’s transformation.

“Your future is calling. Answer it with courage. Use your story to build others, not just yourself.”

As Pope John SHS marks 67 years of shaping leaders, Dr. Boamah’s journey—from nearly missing out on admission to becoming a national leader—stood as a powerful testament to faith, family, and fortitude.