By: Jennifer Frimpong Wiredu
The Auxiliary Bishop of Accra Archdiocese, Most Reverend John Kobina Louis, has expressed concern that the quality of Ghana’s education system has declined over the past few decades, primarily due to political decisions.
He emphasized the need for sincere collaboration between the Government, the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, and key stakeholders, including, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Religious and Traditional leaders, Parent and Teacher associations, Learners, and Alumni.
Speaking at the 90th-anniversary lecture of St. Augustine’s College in Accra, Most Reverend Louis stressed that this collective effort is essential to review and refine national policies, administrative procedures, and practices to ensure that learners receive a holistic and nation-building education, which is critical for Ghana’s development.
Ghana’s education system has undergone numerous transformations across various governments, with each regime implementing policies aimed at enhancing the sector to drive national development.
The country’s dedication to quality education has led to significant investments in the sector, with the goal of producing highly moral students who can contribute to nation-building.
While the government’s efforts are commendable, the role of stakeholders, particularly alumni, cannot be overstated.
Alumni associations have made valuable contributions to their alma maters, with the St. Augustine’s Past Students Union (APSU) is a shining example.
APSU’s year groups have made significant contributions to the school’s development, including infrastructure upgrades, logistical support, and financial assistance to brilliant but needy students.
As St. Augustine’s College celebrates its 90th anniversary, stakeholders are exploring ways to enhance the contributions of past students. At the anniversary lecture in Accra, Most Reverend John Kobina Louis, emphasized the need for a collaborative approach between the government, Ghana Education Service, and other stakeholders in formulating educational policies.
He noted that this collective effort is crucial in reclaiming Ghana’s commitment to providing high-quality education that benefits all learners and fosters national development.
“Education is not just a pillar of a society but its very foundation. And as the quality of the foundation of a building determines its stability, durability, fit-for-purpose, etc., so is the quality of education to a society or nation. Unfortunately, in recent decades, Ghana – thanks to its political leaders – has toyed with the quality of her education.
Therefore, now more than ever, the Government and its agencies (i.e., the Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Service), should sincerely collaborate with the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, other religious bodies, traditional leaders, associations of teachers, parents, alumni, learners, etc. so that national policies, administrative procedures, etc. are reviewed to ensure that learners always benefit from a quality of education that is truly holistic and nation-building in nature”, he noted
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and Chairman of the anniversary celebration Dr. Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey urged the year groups to sustain their support for the school.
He emphasized the importance of valuing every contribution, no matter how small, from each year group. By doing so, he noted that it would attract more investors and foster a culture of collective ownership and responsibility.
The 90th Anniversary of St. Augustine’s College explores the Vital Role of Alumni as Stakeholders in Enhancing Quality Education; A Case Study of the St. Augustine’s Past Students Union (APSU) Over the Last Nine Decades.
This theme effectively captures the significance of alumni contributions to the school’s development and highlights the importance of examining the impact of APSU’s efforts over the past 90 years.
