Mr Michael Kwaku Amankwa, Managing Director of CoreNett Limited, has challenged the youth to strive to power their dreams and aspirations with the required perseverance.

Delivering a keynote message to launch the 85th Anniversary of St Augustine’s College, Cape Coast, Mr Amankwa, a past student of the school, used his life story to explain how young people could rise above the ashes of despair and attain notable achievements by being focused and determined.

He said from abstract ideas, he had developed a practical solution enterprise, geared towards enhancing the lives of many people in nine countries across the African continent, to cause a transformational change through entrepreneurial management and business information technology to impact lives.

He asked the College authorities, past students and parents to encourage the present crop of students, who lack the required direction, to get the innovative drive required to groom them for the necessary 21st Century Education model.

Unveiling the theme of the 85th Anniversary: “21st Century Education-The Age of Innovation and Transformation,” Dr Anthony Ernest Osei, President of APSU, expressed the hope that the theme would help keep stakeholders focused on the essence of the anniversary in order to ensure its success.

Mr Eric Atta-Sonno, APSU Secretary and Leader of the college in 1990 and George Addison, Chairman of the 85th Anniversary Planning Committee, outlined the various activities and the anniversary project.

The 1990 year group has adopted the College’s Geography Block for refurbishment. Works to be undertaken will comprise concrete works, electrical works, replacement of ceiling, louvre blades, doors, writing boards, notice boards, landscaping works and painting.

The project together with the hosting of the other anniversary events, expected to cost GH¢ 150,535.50 is expected to be financed from levies by members of APSU 1990, donations by other year groups and old boys among others.

At the ceremony, the 1950s, 1995, 1964, 1991, 1988, 1980, 1979, 1987, 1976, 1989, 1984, 1966, 1961, 2000, 1971, 1975 and 1998 year groups pledged sums of money ranging from GH¢ 1,000.00 and GH¢ 2,000.00. The auctioning of APSU souvenirs, also raked in GH¢ 30,000 in cash and pledges.

Mr Joseph Connel, Headmaster of the College, commended APSU 1990 year group for the bold initiative to refurbish the Geography Block and expressed the hope that all members would support members to ensure speedy completion of the project.

The ceremony was presided over by Felix Anyinsah, a Lawyer and Head of Multi-Nationals of Universal Merchant Bank as well as APSU Representative on the College Board of Governors.

The huge number of past students included Mr Samuel Seddoh, College Headmaster, 1969-76, Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom, 2012 Presidential Candidate of Progressive Peoples Party, Mr Hackman Owusu Agyeman, former Member of Parliament, Prof S.K. Adadevohm, Consultant Obstetrician and Fulbright Scholar, and Mr Patrick Anume, Managing Director, First National Bank.