Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has described the National Cadet Corps as a vital institution in shaping responsible citizens, saying its contribution to patriotism, discipline and leadership development remains critical to Ghana’s future.

Addressing thousands of cadets during the National Cadet Corps Republic Day Parade at Black Star Square on Thursday, the Vice President said the Corps plays a unique role in preparing young people for national service and responsible citizenship.

“The National Cadet Corps plays an important role in this endeavour. It helps prepare young people to become responsible citizens. It also provides a platform that can guide many of them away from many social challenges,” she stated.

She stressed that Ghana’s progress depends not only on economic development but also on the values of its citizens.

“As we aspire to build the Ghana we want, we must invest in values and institutions. Ghana’s prosperity rests on the character and discipline of its people.”

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang noted that the National Cadet Corps has, over the past 72 years, trained generations of young Ghanaians in patriotism, discipline and selfless leadership. She said the organisation has grown into one of the country’s most disciplined youth bodies, with a membership of more than 76,000 across basic, secondary and tertiary institutions.

She disclosed that more than 10,000 cadets from all 16 regions participated in this year’s Republic Day Parade, describing the turnout as evidence of the Corps’ enduring relevance.

The Vice President also urged Ghana’s security services to continue identifying and recruiting talented cadets, noting that many senior officers in the country’s security agencies began their leadership journeys in the National Cadet Corps.

“Today’s Cadet Corps members must continue to uphold that proud tradition by cultivating the discipline, integrity and commitment to service that Ghana will need in the years ahead.”

Before delivering her address, the Vice President extended condolences to families affected by the recent floods, describing the loss of lives as heartbreaking and calling for greater public cooperation with disaster prevention measures.

She also commended cadets for participating in nationwide clean-up and tree-planting exercises and congratulated winners of the National Music, Jama and Drill competitions.

Earlier, Nicholas Nii Tettey Amarteifio, National Cadet Coordinator General, appealed for increased government support to enable the Corps to expand its activities.

He said the organisation has evolved beyond ceremonial drills to include environmental campaigns, community service and leadership development, and proposed the introduction of agriculture into cadet training.

“We don’t only march. Before this event, we undertook nationwide clean-up exercises, tree planting and other activities. Going forward, we wish to add agriculture to cadetting so young people can develop an interest in farming.”

Mr. Amarteifio also appealed for additional logistical support, particularly vehicles, to facilitate the movement of cadets across the country.

“We have one 60-seater bus that was given to us in 2020. We hope government will support us with more vehicles.”

Established in 1954, the National Cadet Corps is one of Ghana’s oldest youth development organisations. It operates in basic, second-cycle and tertiary institutions across the country, promoting discipline, patriotism, leadership and volunteerism while serving as a pathway for many young people who later pursue careers in the security services.