Worcester, Massachusetts Aug 5, 2023 (Issuewire.com) - Members of the Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) Alumni Association of North America (GAA-NA) raised $40,000.00 at a reunion and fundraising dinner in Columbus, Ohio. This event, the 17th annual convention of the Chapter, was held from Thursday, 27th July, through Sunday, 30th July 2023.
GSTS is a historic high school in Takoradi, Ghana, and its alumni are called Giants. Founded in 1909 by the British colonial government, it is Ghana's third-oldest high school. The school was originally in Accra, the capital of Ghana, and started as a technical school to train artisans to work in the burgeoning industries, primarily in the mines. In 1914, during World War I, the school was shut down briefly so the British military could use its buildings. Also, staff and some students were recruited to fight in the war. After the war, the school continued to expand and flourish. Its high-quality technical education attracted students from all over the West African sub-region. In 1939, the school moved to its current iconic campus in Takoradi. The school had by then evolved from its early mission of training artisans and mid-level technicians to becoming an institution for training most of Ghana's engineers, scientists, and military officers. Shortly after moving to Takoradi, the school was closed again for the British Royal Air Force to use its premises as part of the RAF West Africa Command.
The GSTS Alumni Association of North America, a 501c3 non-profit organization, comprises alums who live and work in North America (USA and Canada). They support the school in various ways, such as providing scholarships, renovating infrastructure, and supporting extracurricular activities. Several members of the group work in academia, engineering, medicine, IT, construction, and other sectors of the US workforce. According to Gt. Kwamena Sankah, '88/90 President of the Association, "Our mission is to find practical ways to support the school whose infrastructure has deteriorated over the last few decades." Since losing its full government-funded status in the early 1970s, the school has struggled to maintain its infrastructure and technical departments. "Our school is old and has not seen any significant renovations of its facilities for over eighty years," added Gt. Tetteh Abbeyquaye, '89," the Global President of the alumni association. Gt. Charles Kumi '76, CEO of Kumi Construction Management, based in Maryland, who chaired the fundraising dinner, urged all alumni to chip in to support the ongoing roofing and renovation project being sponsored by alums worldwide. "This is not the time to sit on the sidelines; each of us has a responsibility to give what we can to ensure that the future generation of Giants get the quality education that has made us what we are today."
"The North America Chapter continues to show its dedication to GSTS, and this year's fundraiser demonstrates that commitment," remarked Gt. Victor Gorman '92, Organizer of the Association. Last year, the Chapter raised about $25,000 to replace the leaking roof over the school's dining hall, and this year's fundraiser will be used to replace other roofs and renovate dormitories at the school. Despite this effort, the GSTS still faces significant challenges. The Association, therefore, urges all alums and well-wishers to help by donating to this cause.
As part of the weekend activities, the Association recognized ten members for their contributions and generosity to the Association. Gt. Emmanuel Idun '80/82, Gt. Charles Kumi '76, Gt. Ernest Ofori-Darko '78/80, Gt. Nana Yaw Obeng '79/81, and Gt. Kwabena Owusu-Dekyi '75/77 were honored for their philanthropy, while Gt. Anthony Ashon '81, Gt. Tetteh Abbeyquaye '89, Gt. Victor Gorman '92, Gt. Emmanuel Arthur '81 and Gt. Jonathan Abrokwah '69/71 were recognized for their outstanding service to the Association--the Columbus Ohio Organizing Committee led by Gt. Ebenezer Addison '89 and Gt. Adu Kakra Ayensu '89 was also commended for organizing three days of impactful activities to support the alma mater. Other members of the organizing committee include Gt. Charles Amattey '00, Gt. Alex Afful-Bimpong '90, Gt. Gariba Bala Baako '90, Gt. Kwame Boakye 08, Gt. Edmund Baffoe-Twum '91, Gt. Alexander Anim-Mensah '89/91, and Gt. David Gawuga '99.
Aside from fundraising, the Association also held a business meeting to discuss important matters facing the school. The meeting was preceded by a medical screening led by Gt. Edward Botse Baidoo MD '91. Addressing the gathering, Gt. Yaw Yeboah '69/71, Chairman of the Board, urged members to reach out and bring into the fold younger Giants, especially those who have come to the US as students or recently immigrated to the US.
Members of the Association kicked off their weekend event by volunteering at IMPREM Holistic Community Resource Center, a local food pantry in Columbus. "As citizens of this country, it is important to give back in our small way wherever we find ourselves," said Gt. Alex Afful-Bimpong '90. Accompanied by organizing committee member Charles Amattey, '00 executives also visited a local radio station (Afro614 Multimedia) to discuss their alma mater and raise awareness about their mission.
According to Gt. Irving Nemi '83/85, "This year's convention was very successful, a bit beyond our expectations. There is a lot to be done, but we are on track to continue with the roof replacement project."
Next year, the group will meet at a yet-to-be-selected venue to continue its mission of supporting young students to receive quality education to become contributing members of society.
Established in 2007, the GSTS Alumni Association of North America Inc. supports the development, growth, and interests of Ghana Secondary Technical School by finding practical ways of assisting the school.
To learn more about the GSTS Alumni Association of North America and the GSTS Alumni Association, you can visit www.gstsnorthamerica.com and www.gaaglobal.org.
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