Hackman Owusu-Agyeman, a 1961 alumnus of St Augustine's College, has pledged his support for a housing project for teachers on the school's campus. Speaking at the official launch of the APSU 2002 Year Group's legacy project at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, Owusu-Agyeman commended the initiative and assured the organisers of his commitment to working closely with them to ensure its successful completion.
The project, dubbed BOLT – Building Opportunities for Learning and Transformation, involves the construction of a 14-unit teachers' apartment block on the school campus. The one-storey facility is expected to increase the number of teachers residing on campus. Currently, only 60 of the school's 140 teachers live within the school premises.
According to the Headmaster, Rev. Fr. Dr Patrick Godfred Appiah, the project will enhance student supervision and strengthen discipline, particularly at a time when enrolment numbers continue to rise under the Free Senior High School policy.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Ernest Kofi Abotsi, an APSU alumnus from the 1993 year group and Dean of the UPSA Law School, encouraged alumni to view contributions to their alma mater as an act of selfless service rather than a competition among year groups.
Francis Afoani, Head of Communications for APSU 2002, expressed appreciation to sister-school alumni associations, including HOPSA 2002, AMOSA 2002, Bleoo 2002, Santa 2002 and MOBA 2002, for their support towards the project.
St Augustine's College is expected to celebrate its 97th anniversary in March 2027, marking nearly a century of academic excellence and service since its establishment in 1930.
'Most of the friends I made at St Augustine's came from other regions,' Owusu-Agyeman said. 'The principle of one nation, one people, which was inculcated in us at St Augustine's, shows that the founders meant well for us.'
Hackman Owusu-Agyeman is a well-known figure in Ghanaian politics, having served as a Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament for New Juabeng North. He has been a strong advocate for education and has worked tirelessly to promote the development of Ghana's educational sector.
The BOLT project has the potential to significantly improve the living conditions of teachers at St Augustine's College, allowing them to focus on their work without the burden of housing costs. The project's organisers have also expressed gratitude to the various alumni associations and individuals who have contributed to the initiative.
The Ghanaian government has expressed its commitment to supporting the education sector, with a focus on improving infrastructure and resources for schools across the country.
The APSU 2002 Year Group has raised over GHS 500,000 (approximately USD 65,000) towards the project, with donations coming from various sources, including individuals, corporate organisations, and other alumni associations.
The construction of the 14-unit apartment block is expected to be completed within the next 12 months, pending the availability of funds and resources.