Mr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong, a renowned entrepreneur and Global President of the Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC) Alumni Association, has been adjudged the Old Schools Alumni President of the Year 2026. This recognition was given in honor of 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, organized by the Entrepreneurs Foundation of Ghana.
In addition to being named Alumni President of the Year, Dr. Ofori Sarpong also received the Old Schools Alumni Project of the Year Award. This award was given for the construction of a new 600-bed dormitory for his alma mater, named Ofori Sarpong House. Other notable personalities and organizations that received honors 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 was awarded 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. The event brought together various stakeholders to celebrate outstanding contributions to education and community development. The awards ceremony served as a platform to acknowledge the efforts of individuals and organizations in giving back to their alma maters.
Representing the Minister of Education, Dr. Emmanuel Newman, Director of Tertiary Education at the Ministry of Education, emphasized the importance of alumni associations in creating platforms for mentorship, entrepreneurship, investment, knowledge-sharing, career development, innovation, and community service. He noted that students seeking career guidance should be able to find mentors through alumni networks. Dr. Newman highlighted that alumni possess valuable knowledge and experiences that cannot always be found in textbooks.
Dr. Newman urged alumni to cultivate a stronger culture of giving back to their alma maters, noting that giving back must not always be financial. He suggested that it can also be through volunteering time, sharing knowledge, providing mentorship, offering scholarships, giving professional guidance, or helping young people secure employment opportunities. According to him, this culture of giving back is crucial for the development of educational institutions.
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 noted that many alumni are trailblazers in various industries, celebrated entrepreneurs, and visionary educators. Their presence in their alma maters serves as an inspiration to students and demonstrates the importance of giving back.
Dr. Munawaru urged alumni to be more intentional about mentorship and to share their industry expertise with their alma maters. He emphasized that mentorship is not an act of charity but a strategic investment in Ghana’s future. According to him, government policies alone cannot improve learning outcomes, but strong partnerships with alumni associations can significantly enhance education in the country.
Key points
- Mr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong was adjudged the Old Schools Alumni President of the Year 2026.
- The award ceremony was organized by the Entrepreneurs Foundation of Ghana.
- Dr. Ofori Sarpong also received the Old Schools Alumni Project of the Year Award for constructing a 600-bed dormitory for PRESEC.
