By Jibril Abdul Mumuni
Accra, Sept. 27, GNA – Mr Ernest Ofori Sarpong, Global President of the Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC) Alumni Association, has been adjudged the Old Schools Alumni President of the Year 2026.
The renowned entrepreneur was recognised for his significant contributions to his alumni association and alma mater.
The award was presented at the maiden edition of the Old Schools Alumni Networking Gala Dinner 2026, organised by the Entrepreneurs Foundation of Ghana.
Dr Ofori Sarpong also received the Old Schools Alumni Project of the Year Award for the construction of a new 600-bed dormitory for his alma mater, named Ofori Sarpong House.
Other personalities, organisations and alumni associations honoured at the event included Mr Moses Baiden, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Margins ID Group, and Dr Kofi Addo-Agyekum, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kofikrom Pharmacy Limited.
Mfantsipim School received the Old Schools Alumni Legacy Boys’ School of the Year Award, while Latex Foam received the Old Schools Alumni Legacy Foam Mattress Company of the Year Award.
Representing the Minister of Education, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Dr Emmanuel Newman, Director of Tertiary Education at the Ministry of Education, said alumni associations must create platforms for mentorship, entrepreneurship, investment, knowledge-sharing, career development, innovation and community service.
He said students seeking career guidance should be able to find mentors through alumni networks.
He noted that alumni associations could make an important contribution to mentorship through their expertise, professional experience and international exposure.
“Alumni possess knowledge and experiences that cannot always be found in textbooks,” he said.
He added that Ghana’s educational institutions had prepared young people not only to seek employment but also to identify opportunities, solve problems, innovate, create opportunities and generate employment for others.
“A technology professional can introduce them to emerging technologies. A financial professional can promote financial literacy. A successful professional can demonstrate to young people that excellence, perseverance and integrity lead to success,” he said.
He urged alumni to cultivate a stronger culture of giving back to their alma maters.
“We must encourage a stronger culture of giving back. Giving back must not always be financial. It can be through volunteering time, sharing knowledge, providing mentorship, offering scholarships, giving professional guidance or helping young people secure employment opportunities,” he said.
Dr Issahaque Munawaru, Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, commended alumni associations for their contributions to infrastructure development, mentorship and holding the leadership of their alma maters accountable.
He said many alumni were trailblazers in various industries, celebrated entrepreneurs and visionary educators, and that their presence in their alma maters served as an inspiration to students and a demonstration of the importance of giving back.
He urged them to be more intentional about mentorship and to share their industry expertise with their alma maters.
“According to him, mentorship is not an act of charity but a strategic investment in Ghana’s future,” he said.
He said government policies alone could not improve learning outcomes, but that strong partnerships with alumni associations could significantly enhance education in the country.
GNA
Reporter:Jibril Abdul Mumuni
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong