Member of Parliament for Akyem Oda in the Eastern Region, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has urged students of Oda Senior High School (ODASCO) to uphold discipline, protect their personal reputations and demonstrate responsible behaviour, particularly on digital platforms.
He said students must recognise that their conduct, both online and offline, reflects their character and can affect their families, the institutions that trained them and the communities they represent.
Mr Acquah, a former Deputy Minister of Health, made the remarks on Friday, October 19, 2026, at the launch of the 66th anniversary celebration and homecoming of his alma mater, Oda Senior High School.
The celebration was held under the theme, “Dreams, Discipline, and Destiny.”
Speaking from his experience as a former student of the school and a public officeholder, the MP said the values instilled in him at ODASCO had contributed to his conduct and achievements in public life.
“In my capacity as a Member of Parliament, if I had done anything untoward which disgraces me, my family and everybody, ODASCO would also have its share,” he said.
He explained that the training he received at the school continues to influence his professional and public life, helping him appreciate the importance of discipline, integrity and accountability.
According to him, students must understand that the reputation of their alma mater is closely connected to the conduct of its past and present students.
Mr Acquah placed particular emphasis on responsible use of the internet and social media, cautioning students against online behaviour that could undermine their reputations and future prospects.
He said the growing influence of digital platforms means that students must exercise restraint and good judgment when creating, sharing or commenting on content online.
“Your digital conduct is part of your character,” he stressed.
The MP described the statement as thought-provoking, explaining that it had prompted him to share the message with his online audience as a reminder that behaviour on digital platforms forms part of a person’s public identity.
He urged students to be mindful of the content they publish, warning that their online activities could have lasting consequences.
He further reminded them that material shared on the internet could remain accessible long after it is posted, potentially affecting how others perceive them in the future.
Mr Acquah encouraged the students to cultivate a positive digital footprint that would reflect the values and discipline associated with their school.
The former Deputy Health Minister also cautioned students against relying excessively on artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet at the expense of their independent thinking and academic development.
He acknowledged the importance of digital technologies as tools for learning and accessing information but maintained that students must continue to develop their ability to think critically and assess information independently.
According to him, technological advancement should complement, rather than replace, the intellectual effort required to acquire knowledge and develop sound judgment.
He urged students to use the internet and AI responsibly, ensuring that these tools support their education rather than weaken their capacity to reason, analyse and make informed decisions.
His remarks underscored the need for students to combine digital literacy with academic discipline and responsible decision-making in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Mr Acquah also encouraged the students to remain connected to their roots and appreciate the investment their school and community is making in their education.
He said their time at ODASCO should prepare them not only for academic and professional success but also for responsible citizenship and service to society.
The MP urged them to conduct themselves in ways that would make their families, teachers, alumni and the wider Oda community proud.
He emphasised that the school’s reputation depended partly on how its students carry themselves while studying there and after completing their education.
He therefore called on them to uphold the institution’s values and avoid conduct that could bring the school into disrepute.
Congratulating the school on reaching the 66-year milestone, Mr Acquah expressed the hope that the anniversary would usher in a more successful and glorious future for the institution.
On behalf of the people of the Oda constituency, he commended the school for its contribution to education and the development of successive generations.
He prayed for God’s blessings on the institution and expressed optimism that it would continue to make progress in the years ahead.
The anniversary and homecoming celebration is expected to provide an opportunity for students, past students, staff and other stakeholders to reflect on the school’s legacy, renew their commitment to its development and consider ways to sustain its contribution to education.
The theme, “Dreams, Discipline, and Destiny,” highlights the importance of ambition, personal responsibility and perseverance in shaping the future of students.
Mr Acquah’s message served as a reminder that academic achievement must go hand in hand with integrity, discipline and responsible conduct, both in the physical world and online.
For the students of ODASCO, he stressed, the responsibility is not merely to succeed individually but also to uphold the reputation of the institution that has helped shape their lives.
By 1960news.com
