He said although the path to success was often difficult, students who remained focused, disciplined and committed to their studies could achieve their goals despite financial, academic or domestic challenges.

Alhaji Muntaka made the call during the commissioning of a newly constructed 12-unit classroom block at the Sakafia Islamic Senior High School at Agyigya in Kumasi.

The project was executed with funding from the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) and the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund).

Drawing on his personal experiences, Alhaji Muntaka told the students that he came from a humble background and had lived and worked as the son of a “koko” seller.

He said those early experiences shaped his character and taught him the importance of hard work, resilience and perseverance.

“Today, I stand before you not as someone who depended on luck, but as a Minister of State,” he said, adding that perseverance and discipline had helped transform his life from hardship to public service.

He therefore encouraged the students not to lose hope regardless of the circumstances they encountered, including financial difficulties, academic challenges or difficult situations at home.

The MP said he would continue to advocate for and support the provision of educational infrastructure needed to create a conducive environment for effective teaching and learning in the constituency.

He noted that quality classrooms, reliable water supply and adequate sanitation facilities were critical to students’ comfort, regular attendance and academic performance, while also enabling teachers to deliver lessons effectively.

Alhaji Muntaka further pledged to personally complete the school’s 2,000-capacity dining hall and furnish it with tables and chairs.

He said the provision of proper dining arrangements and regular meals would help reduce stress among students, allowing them to concentrate better on their studies and participate actively in school activities.

The MP stressed that investment in education should not be viewed merely as the construction of physical infrastructure but as an investment in the future of students and the nation.

He said such investments were intended to create an enabling environment for students to develop strong values, discipline and a mindset geared towards excellence.

Alhaji Muntaka also advised the students to maintain discipline and avoid drug abuse and other negative behaviours that could jeopardise their future.

He expressed concern about the increasing prevalence of drug abuse among young people, warning that it could have serious consequences for their academic performance, health and social development.