Ghana’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Mr Ken Kanda, has challenged Ghanaian students to always think about what they can contribute to the development of the country.

He said as future leaders, they should eschew negative, selfish and greedy attitudes, and grow to be responsible national assets.

Mr Kanda, gave the advice at a party held for 40 Ghanaian students who participated in this year’s International Middle School Model UN Conference in New York.

A statement from Ghana’s Mission at the UN said, the conference enabled first and second cycle students from all over the world to look at current global issues like peace, sustainable development, maternal health, sports for peace and human rights and economic problems in a model UN fashion.

Reminding them of the need to take advantage of opportunities offered them by their participation in the conference, he urged them to always ask questions, adopt the can-do spirit and challenge themselves to always do the right thing otherwise their visit would not mean much.

Quoting a famous statement by Dr Kwegyir Aggrey, a Statesman; "if you educate a man you educate an individual and if you educate a woman you educate a nation", Mr Kanda tasked the 22 girls among the Ghanaian participants to always aspire to be at the top of their career.

He commended Mr Geoffrey Bannerman, Ms Eunice Broni, Mr Kwesi Smart and Ms Ekua Pokua Adom for winning prizes at the competition.

Among those present at the ceremony were the Deputy Permanent Representative of Ghana to the UN, Mr William Awinador Kanyirige, officials of the Ghana Mission and Lifelink Ghana, organisers of the Ghanaian students.

The Global Classroom is supported by The Annenberg Foundation, New York University, the Oprah Winfrey Foundation, United Parcel Service, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation and Newman’s Own Foundation.**