Democracy in the Classroom: St. Nicholas Charity School Holds Historic Maiden Prefect Elections

In a vibrant display of civic education and student leadership, the St. Nicholas Charity Foundation School in Tema Newtown has successfully conducted its first-ever democratic

elections to choose student leaders for the 2025/2026 academic year.

Partnering with the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana, the school transformed its campus into a simulated national polling station, giving learners a hands-on experience in the "Power of the Ballot." The initiative was designed to teach students the nuances of democratic choice while allowing final-year students to focus on their upcoming Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

1. The Results: A New Era of Leadership

The elections were highly competitive, featuring formal nominations, spirited campaigns, and a transparent voting process monitored by teachers and EC officials.

The Presidential Race (Head Prefect)

Departmental Results

• Library Prefect: Francisca Afle Lamptey secured a landslide victory with 92 votes, dwarfing her competitors Samuel Tetteh Tetteh (8 votes) and Godsway Kofi Amedzi (4 votes).

• Compound Overseer: Bismark Senyo Dogbega won convincingly with 77 votes.

• Canteen Prefect: Angelina Oppong matched the high mark of the day with 92 votes.

• Sports Prefect: Albert Ansah Quaicoe took the lead with 70 votes.

• Entertainment Prefect: The day's "photo finish" saw Francis Lamptey win with 53 votes, just two votes ahead of Ekvina Ampomah Opoku (51 votes).

2. Beyond the Ballot: Reducing "Wasted Votes"

Mr. Stephen Boryor, Head of Social Studies and Deputy EC for the day, noted that the exercise had a critical academic and national purpose. He observed that many adult Ghanaians inadvertently waste their votes during general elections by making technical errors on the ballot paper.

By introducing the 6-step voting process to students early, the school aims to produce a generation of "Zero-Error" voters:

1. Checking for the official EC stamp.

2. Properly identifying the candidate.

3. Careful thumbprinting.

4. Folding the ballot paper correctly (to avoid ink transfer).

5. Verification of identity on the register.

6. Successful deposition in the ballot box.

3. Focus on BECE Excellence

Mr. Philip Amegago Quarco, the school’s electoral commissioner, highlighted that the timing of the election was strategic. By electing new leaders now, the outgoing JHS 3 students can hand over their administrative duties and dedicate their full attention to their final exams, ensuring the school maintains its high academic standards.

4. An Urgent Call for Support

While the election was a triumph of spirit, the Headteacher, Mr. Richard Kwabena Nsarkoh, reminded the public that St. Nicholas remains a charity-driven institution. The school provides free education and meals to children in need within the Tema Newtown enclave.

"We are calling on companies and kind individuals to visit us and help us train these children to be great leaders. We need donations of food, books, or funds to keep this mission alive." — Mr. Richard Nsarkoh

The Bottom Line

St. Nicholas Charity School has proven that leadership is "chosen, not forced." As the 2026 general elections approach, these students have set an example of peaceful transition and civic maturity for the rest of the country to follow.