The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has donated funds to Education for Change (EFC) to support its educational mentorship and academic excellence programmes in the Tolon District of the Northern Region.

The gesture formed part of the Mayor's broader commitment to promote equal learning opportunities and inspire young learners to achieve their full potential regardless of background.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by a group of high-performing junior high school students from the Tolon District, Mayor Allotey urged the students to remain disciplined, focused, and determined in their pursuit of success.

"Whatever you want to become in life starts with your mindset. Set your mind in the direction and do not allow people to distract you," he said, emphasising that success does not depend on family background or privilege.

He advised the students to be honest, avoid shortcuts, and respect their parents, noting that discipline, patience, and faith in God were essential to achieving one's dreams.

Recounting his own journey, the Mayor revealed that he had aspired to become Mayor for 20 years and eventually achieved that dream through perseverance and divine grace.

He encouraged the students to see life as a personal journey, remain steadfast in their ambitions, and never give up.

The Director of Finance at the AMA, Mr. Abeeku Amissah who introduced the Mayor, described Hon. Allotey as the youngest Mayor in the 125-year history of the Assembly, commending his visionary leadership and reform efforts.

He highlighted the Mayor's professional background in the oil industry and noted that his appointment by the President reflected his strong leadership qualities and dedication to public service.

The Chief Executive Director of EFC, Mr. Ahmed Abubakari, who led the delegation, said the visit was part of the organisation's efforts to promote academic excellence and mentorship among students in the Tolon District.

He explained that the selected pupils were the best-performing students from various junior high schools who placed first to third in their examination.

Other notable officers from the AMA who were present at the meeting were the Budget Director, Mr. Noble Atsu, the Protocol Officer, Mr. Joshua Abeashie Mensah, Mr. Franklin Nyarko Addo, an Assistant Director with the Public Affairs Unit and the Assemblyman for the Kinka Electoral Area, Hon. Carlos Mankattah who commended EFC for its contribution to youth development and education urged the students to take advantage of the experience to learn from leaders and influence their peers positively upon returning to school.

The delegation included Sualisu Zakaria, Secretary of EFC; Suraj Shakira, Staff of EFC; Mba Margaret, representative of the Ghana Education Service (GES); and Mr. Yussif Issahaku, representative of the District Assembly.

The students were selected from the Kpaligun Zion JHS, Tolon D/A JHS "A" and "B", UDS Basic JHS Nyankpala, Kasuliyili D/A JHS, Sabegu Madejude, Tolon D/A Model JHS, Tolon Naa Girls Model JHS, Gburimani D/A JHS and Dabogshee D/A JHS, among others.