Most Rev. Dr. John Kobina Louis, Auxiliary Bishop of the Accra Archdiocese of the Catholic Church, has called on the government, the Ministry of Education (MoE), and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to engage in meaningful consultations with religious organizations and other stakeholders to enhance education in the country. He emphasized that, given the complexities and costs associated with providing quality education, collaboration with religious bodies—such as the Catholic and Presbyterian Churches—traditional leaders, teachers’ associations, parents, and alumni is essential.
Bishop Louis made these remarks during a public lecture organized by the St Augustine’s Past Students Association (APSU) as part of the 90th anniversary celebration and the 2024 Feast of St. Augustine.
Public Lecture Highlights
The lecture, held at Christ the King Parish Hall in Accra, was themed “Role of Alumni as Stakeholders in Enhancing Quality Education: A Case Study of APSU over the Last 90 Years.” Joseph Connel, a former Headmaster of St Augustine’s College and a 1979 alumnus, served as the main speaker.
The event attracted numerous alumni, including Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, who chaired the gathering, and Dr. Anthony Osei, the Global President of APSU.
In his address, Bishop Louis, a member of the 1983 alumni group, emphasized the need for consensus among all stakeholders on what constitutes quality education. He urged the government and educational agencies to recognize the significant role that churches play in managing schools and to provide them with the necessary space in decision-making processes. He suggested that the Catholic Church should have the authority to train and appoint staff for its schools and that Catholic students should be given priority for admissions.
Acknowledging Alumni Contributions
Bishop Louis also highlighted the importance of formally recognizing the contributions of alumni in enhancing school facilities and resources.
Joseph Connel praised APSU for addressing various challenges faced by the school, noting that the involvement of alumni is crucial for the institution’s success. He pointed out that holistic education requires significant resources, and many APSU members have generously donated equipment, supplies, and other necessities to support the school.
He urged APSU to continue mentoring current students to help shape their futures and enhance the institution’s impact on society.
Call to Action
As the event’s chair, Dr. Ashigbey encouraged APSU members to attract more investments into the school and create opportunities for alumni to give back. He stressed the importance of community and collaboration, echoing St. Augustine’s belief in the power of collective effort.
“Let us work together to foster an environment where every alumnus feels valued and motivated to contribute to our institution’s growth,” Dr. Ashigbey stated.
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