By Peter Martey Agbeko, APR
The APSU Dinner and Awards Night, held on Friday, February 21, 2025, at the Alisa Hotel, Ridge Arena, was an evening steeped in nostalgia, camaraderie, and celebration. With twenty of my 1980-year groupmates seated at two tables next to each other, it was a night to relive cherished memories, share laughter, and honor those who have made a lasting impact on our alma mater, St. Augustine’s College (Augusco).
The event was chaired by Hackman Owusu-Agyeman, a member of APSU class of 1961. He shared how Augusco had profoundly shaped his life, emphasizing his commitment to giving back to the school at every opportunity. As a demonstration of this commitment, he presented a cheque of 100,000 Ghana Cedis toward a fundraising effort in preparation for the school’s centennial anniversary in 2030. Prior to this, Mr. Owusu-Agyeman had donated seed money of $100,000 to the college’s endowment fund.
Bishop John Kobina Louis, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Accra, Titular Bishop of Fesseë, and a member of the APSU class of 1983, graced the occasion. Also present were Rev. Fr. Patrick Godfred Appiah, PhD, Headmaster of the college, and Rev. Fr. Dr. Anthony Adawu, Chairman of the College Board of Governors.APSU Global President, Dr. Anthony Ernest Osei (APSU ‘80), expertly balanced his role, seamlessly moving between the high table and his year group’s tables. Our APSU ‘80 cohort made a strong presence, securing two tables, accommodating ten members each—a testament to our enduring bond and commitment to the College.
The night brought together APSUnians from various year groups, all united by a common purpose: to celebrate excellence and reminisce about our shared journey. This event also marked the beginning of an exciting milestone—the celebration of our cohort’s 50th anniversary of admission to St. Augustine’s College in September 2025.
A significant highlight of the evening was the recognition of distinguished APSUnians. Two of our own, Peter Zwennes and I, Peter Martey Agbeko, were honoured with medallions and citations, joining a prestigious group of awardees. The ceremony also paid tribute to five APSUnians posthumously and celebrated five esteemed headmasters for their invaluable contributions to the College’s legacy.
The evening’s master of ceremonies, the ever-charismatic Nathaniel Attoh (APSU ‘01), ensured a lively and engaging program. As expected, he did a fantastic job.The combination of great food, music, and inspiring speeches made for an unforgettable night. Music was provided by the Funky Millionaires Band of the Ghana Armed Forces, adding a dynamic and lively touch to the celebration.
Various year groups made pledges to support the College, and representatives of the Mfantsiman Old Girls’ Association (MOGA) pledged an amount of 5,000 Cedis. A fundraising activity, which involved auctioning bottles of Johnnie Walker—Blue Label, Gold Label, and other premium editions—proved highly successful. The bottles on offer were purchased by individuals and year groups, further demonstrating the commitment of APSUnians to the growth of St. Augustine’s College.
Kofi Acolatse, Convenor of the APSU 2000 year group—the hosts of the upcoming 95th-anniversary celebrations—was given an opportunity to present their plans to the gathering. He was well received and promised a fantastic event in Cape Coast, urging APSUnians to participate fully in the planned activities.
Some well-known faces at the event included Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom (APSU ‘71), Ambassador Kabral Blay-Amihere (APSU ‘70), Kenney Ashigbey (APSU ‘88), Dr. Amponsa-Achiano (’89) and Prof. Kofi Abotsi (APSU ‘93). They were presented with certificates and medallions in recognition of their contributions and support to both the College and their alma mater.
Attendees from the APSU ‘80 Year Group: Peter Raymond Zwennes, Emmanuel Dodoo, Ransford Eddie Botchway, Henry Daniel Quist, Ebenezer Owusu-Ansah, Kofi Giovangigli Biney, Kelvin Egya Taylor, Patrick Yaw Nimo, Peter Martey Agbeko, Charles Ebo Fabin, Ernest Pels, Ato Kwamena Aidoo, George Eguakun, John Best Onai, Francis Akyeampong-Mensah, George Tsatsu Tamakloe, Magnus Victor Awuah, Kobby Asmah, Alfred Obuamah and Alfred Quartey-Papafio.
In total, 79 outstanding alumni were selected for recognition, including five posthumous awards and five headmaster recognition awards. The selection of awardees followed extensive consultations with various year groups and APSU branches, after which the final list of distinguished awardees was released for this highly attended APSU @ 90 Dinner and Awards Night.
The official list of awardees was also published in the Daily Graphic on Monday, February 17, 2025, and widely shared across various platforms to ensure maximum reach and acknowledgment.
Under the distinguished patronage of the Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle and hosted by APSU President Dr. Ernest Anthony Osei (APSU ‘80), the APSU @ 90 Dinner and Awards Night was more than just an evening of celebration. It was a reaffirmation of APSU’s unwavering commitment to upholding the values of academic excellence, moral discipline, and the highest standards of Catholic education embodied by St. Augustine’s College.
An anniversary cake was cut to commemorate the occasion, symbolizing both the achievements of the past and the aspirations for the future.This milestone event was not only an occasion to honor past achievements but also a call to action—a reminder for APSUnians worldwide to unite, reflect on our shared heritage, and strengthen our resolve to contribute to the continued growth and excellence of our beloved institution. Indeed, it was a night to remember!
