By Vicentia QUARTEY
Alumni associations in Ghana are committed to giving back to their alma mater. From undertaking infrastructure projects to sponsoring scholarships and rewarding dedicated teachers, these former students contribute significantly to advancing quality education in their schools and Ghana in general.
Take, for example, the recent project by the Aburi Girls’ Secondary School 1999 Old Girls Association (AOGA 99) to transform a major kitchen and dining hall of their former school. With students eating in shifts due to space constraints, action was necessary. Determined to make a difference, the AOGA 99 year group assessed the outdated kitchen and dining hall and envisioned a transformation that would improve meal service for students.
With the support of other alumni groups, corporate sponsors, and the Ministry of Education, the determined former students raised GH¢2 million to implement an ambitious project — a modern kitchen and dining area, fully equipped with ministry-provided furnishings and a 40-foot cold storage room. At a brief ceremony ahead of the school’s 78th Speech and Prize-Giving Day, the alumni handed over the facility to the school — an investment that will significantly enhance the school’s catering facilities.
Beyond Infrastructure: Skills and Service at play
AOGA 99’s impact extended beyond the construction project. Drawing on the expertise of alumnae from diverse fields, they organized health screenings for students and staff, mentorship sessions featuring industry leaders, and ensured their homecoming events were of the highest standard.
The highlight of the celebrations was the 78th Speech and Prize-Giving Day, hosted with distinction by AOGA 99. Meticulously planned by the year group’s event experts and chaired by accomplished legal practitioner Gloria Asabea Cofie, the event brought together dignitaries and elegantly dressed alumnae in matching kente cloth.
It was an inspiring showcase of the power of giving back, instilling pride in all stakeholders and motivating current students. To further mark the occasion, AOGA 99 generously sponsored numerous awards for students and teachers, past and present, underscoring their unwavering commitment to excellence and appreciation for dedication within the school community.
Lessons for ongoing engagements on Free SHS Policy
As Ghana continues to refine its Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, alumni engagement must be recognised as a crucial support mechanism. Discussions at the ongoing National Education Forum have included proposals such as requiring boarders to contribute to feeding and accommodation costs, encouraging schools to engage in farming, and increasing government investment in infrastructure.
While these recommendations are essential, other mechanisms would be vital in addressing the challenges confronting secondary education in Ghana. Given the decline in donor assistance—exemplified by the Trump administration’s cuts to United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funding and Britain’s reduced aid budget—local solutions are more critical than ever. Alumni associations provide a viable avenue for supplementing government efforts in funding and improving secondary education.
A Model for Alumni Involvement
The impact of alumni engagement is evident across the country. From the Presec Old Boys Association and Keta Senior High to the Mfantsiman High School Old Girls Association and Wesley Girls High School, alumni groups are driving positive change in secondary education. The AOGA 99 experience offers valuable lessons for successful alumni philanthropy, outlined below:
Strategic Collaboration
Multiple year groups should unite on impactful projects rather than undertaking smaller, fragmented initiatives. Collaboration with school management ensures that projects align with actual needs. Partnering with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education, enhances project sustainability and impact.
Ensuring Sustainability
To preserve alumni investments, a portion of project funds should be allocated for maintenance, managed transparently by alumni associations and school authorities. A structured approach to upkeep ensures that projects remain beneficial for years to come.
Strengthening School-Alumni Partnerships
Schools should actively engage alumni and foster collaboration among different year groups, encouraging long-term commitment beyond financial contributions.
Concluding Thoughts
The future of alumni philanthropy in Ghana’s secondary schools lies in collaboration. By working together, pooling resources, and engaging with school administration and government, alumni can drive lasting change. However, alumni efforts should complement, not replace, government responsibilities. Educational infrastructure and development remain primarily the government’s duty, supported by schools’ initiatives and Parent-Teacher Associations.
The AOGA 99 project exemplifies the transformative power of alumni engagement when aligned with broader institutional and governmental support. By each playing our part, we can help create the educational environment that Ghanaian students deserve.
Photos of the project
Vicentia is a Communications Executive and Accredited Member of IPR Ghana. She served on the AOGA 99 Anniversary Brochure Committee. Written with insights from Miriam Odiko-Ollennu, fellow Brochure Committee member.
