At Ejisu R/C Model Junior High School in the Ashanti Region, democracy took center stage—not in a national arena, but right on the school compound. Pupils lined up with anticipation, casting their votes in an election that bore all the hallmarks of Ghana’s national electoral processes. From transparent ballot boxes to voting screens branded with the national flag, this wasn’t just any school election—it was a model of the Electoral Commission of Ghana’s standards, replicated with precision and purpose.

This year’s school prefect elections at Ejisu R/C Model JHS were conducted in collaboration with the Ejisu Municipal Electoral Commission office. The necessary electoral logistics—including voting booths, ballot boxes, indelible ink, and voter verification methods—were provided to ensure the exercise mirrored national elections in structure and spirit. This remarkable initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of civic education and leadership training beginning at the grassroots level.

Building Future Citizens through Real-World Democracy

By conducting their prefect elections with such authenticity, Ejisu R/C Model JHS offered students a unique and powerful learning experience. They were not only exposed to the mechanics of voting but also to the responsibilities that come with democratic participation. This approach empowers students to appreciate the value of their voice and understand the weight of each vote cast—lessons that go far beyond the classroom.

The process—from nominations and vetting to campaigning and voting—taught students the importance of credibility, transparency, and fairness. Candidates were held to high standards of conduct, and voters were encouraged to make informed choices. These are the very principles upon which Ghana’s democracy is built.

A Direct Link to National Development

Ghana’s political future does not begin at the ballot box—it begins in spaces like these, where the youth are given a chance to practice the principles they are taught in Civics and Social Studies. Today’s school prefects could be tomorrow’s MPs, Ministers, or even Presidents. When children experience democracy firsthand in such structured and credible ways, they are more likely to grow into adults who value democratic governance, demand accountability, and reject political violence and corruption.

Strengthening Political Literacy and Leadership

Partnering with the Municipal Electoral Commission ensured that this election did not just “look” real—it was real in terms of procedure, logistics, and integrity. It elevated the status of the school election from a mere classroom activity to a civic exercise worthy of national attention. This initiative strengthens political literacy at the basic education level and provides fertile ground for nurturing leadership qualities in Ghana’s next generation.

Conclusion: A Lesson for All

The Ejisu R/C Model JHS election should be applauded—not just by educators and students, but by policymakers, civil society, and the public at large. It serves as a compelling example of how schools can become laboratories for democratic practice. By mimicking national election standards with the support of the Municipal Electoral Commission, the school has laid a strong foundation for producing informed, responsible, and engaged citizens.

In a time when the credibility of elections is crucial to peace and progress, initiatives like this give us hope. They remind us that Ghana’s democratic future lies in the hands of the young—and those hands are already learning how to carry the torch.