The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has urged old students’ associations to turn their networks into platforms for investment, mentorship, entrepreneurship and the development of schools across the country.
He said alumni networks possessed a wealth of experience, professional connections and resources which, if deliberately mobilised, could support young people, improve school facilities and contribute to national development.
Mr Iddrisu said alumni associations should move beyond maintaining social connections and create tangible opportunities for students and their former schools.
“Networking should not simply create connections. It should create opportunities and partners.
Alumni networks should, therefore, become platforms for mentorship, entrepreneurship, investment, internship, learning, sharing, career development, innovation and community service,” he said.
Mr Iddrisu said this in a speech read on his behalf by the Director of Tertiary Education at the Ministry of Education, Dr Emmanuel Newman, at the maiden edition of the Old Schools Alumni Networking Gala Dinner.
Held on the theme, “Connecting Legacies, Building Future Opportunities,” the event was organised by the Entrepreneurs Foundation of Ghana.
The gala brought together chief executive officers, entrepreneurs, corporate executives, public-sector leaders, professionals and alumni from different generations and schools to strengthen relationships and explore business and investment opportunities.
Awards
Nine individuals, schools and brands were recognised at the gala.
The Founder and Executive Chairman of the Ofori Sarpong Group, Dr Ernest Ofori-Sarpong, was named Old Schools Alumni President of the Year 2026, while the Ofori Sarpong House received the Old Schools Alumni Project of the Year award.
Mfantsipim School was named the Old Schools Alumni Legacy Boys School of the Year.
The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Margins ID Group, Moses Baiden, received the Old Schools Alumni Digital ID Technology Executive of the Year award.
The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Kofikrom Pharmacy Ltd., Dr Kofi Addo-Agyekum, was named Old Schools Alumni Pharmaceuticals Executive of the Year, while the Founder and Executive Chairman of JL Properties, Dr James Orleans-Lindsay, received the Old Schools Alumni Real Estate Development Executive of the Year award.
Polyfer Blood Tonic was named Old Schools Alumni Pharmaceutical Brand of the Year, Jay Kay Industries & Investments Ltd. received the Old Schools Alumni Exercise Books and Stationery Brand of the Year award, while Latex Foam Students Foam Mattress received the Old Schools Alumni Legacy Foam Mattress of the Year award.
Alumni network
Mr Iddrisu said a student seeking career guidance should be able to find a mentor through an alumni network, while a young entrepreneur with a promising idea should have access to experienced professionals who could provide guidance and support.
He also urged alumni associations to support schools with infrastructure and other resources, including libraries, ICT facilities and academic support.
Less-resourced schools
Former Deputy Minister of Education and former editor of the Daily Graphic, Elizabeth Ohene, challenged alumni of well-resourced schools to extend their support to less-resourced schools instead of concentrating their efforts on their institutions.
