Explaining my love for Augusco

As we celebrate the 85th anniversary of St. Augustine's College (Augusco), many enquiries have been directed my way.

Not surprising, given the many anniversary related messages that I've shared. The most frequent question relates to my passion for the College, which I'll answer publicly, using this mass platform.

My paternal grandfather, Stephan Tonato Agbeko, who passed in 1967, when I was just 4 years old, is my connection with Augusco. Sadly, I didn't get the opportunity to know him well.

S.T Agbeko hailed from Aného, Togo; son of Mr Ferdinand Agbeko Mathey Apossan of Aného in the Préfecture des Lacs and Madam Atesi Adodanou from Togomé in Anyronkopé in the Préfecture de Vo, Togo. He sojourned to Lomé, where he undertook training in carpentry at the German Professional Training School — a Catholic Training Centre. S.T. later joined the Great Trek away from Togoland into the Gold Coast.

Grandpa Stephan was a fully-fledged artisan who worked in the construction of dwelling houses, warehouses, factories, furniture, etc. He was endowed with formidable entrepreneurial skills and emerged as a very successful business man.

Above all he was a philanthropist, who contributed to many projects. The Sacred Heart Parish in Accra for instance benefited immensely from his initiative and generosity. S.T. Agbeko, together with some other members of the church, took leadership roles in raising funds, bought a large cocoa shed, and converted it into a chapel. Today this chapel is the centre piece of the prestigious Sacred Heart Parish of the Accra Archdiocese of the Catholic Church.

From available records and narratives from my late dad - Col. Peter Mama Agbeko (APSU '48), S.T. Agbeko, was among the early donors who contributed to establishing Augusco. The original plaque at the College administration block bears testimony to this fact.

I am a proud member of the APSU class of 1980, and many of my uncles and countless relatives have also passed through this great college, benefitting directly from Grandpa Stephan's benevolence. Regarding my cousins, I can readily recall Eric Tamakloe (Costello, APSU '75), Felix Gadegbeku, Maxi Gadegbeku and Raymond Tuvi (APSU '88, Assistant School Prefect 1988– 1989).

On this occasion I wish to recognise and publicly acknowledge S.T. Agbeko's significant contribution as well as that of many other generous donors, past and present.

The outstanding contribution of APSUNIANS, such as Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom and the Adjaye brothers – Prof. Joseph Adjaye and Dr. Robert Adjaye needs to be acknowledged. The support of others such as, Sir Dr. Kwame Donkor Fordwor and Hon. Hackman Owusu Agyemang among others deserves public recognition.

Many other APSUNIANS such as Messrs. Joseph Aduhene (APSU '78), Michael Buadoo ('81) and Ben Nunoo-Mensah ('84) among others who are sponsoring speech day awards need to be commended.

Over the years I've had occasion to interact with some of these fine gentlemen. Our support to Augusco can take different forms. Please get in touch with the APSU Secretariat to discuss how you can also contribute meaningfully to the College.

I'm particularly delighted with the renewed interest in the College and Union activities. I personally owe it to S.T. Agbeko, to help build on his foundation, hence my passion.

All contributions, individual or collective, no matter how small will go a long way to develop the College. The strategy of using the year groups as the rallying point for funding projects is a strategic one. It helps with coordination and resource mobilization. Please note that all the College projects are executed after a needs assessment with the school authorities.

For the next steps regarding sponsorship and funding of projects, please get in touch with the APSU National Secretariat at the Trade Fair Centre, Pavilion E, for guidance. The contact person is: Eric Atta-Sono, Secretary: 024 382 1447; Email: [email protected]

BASIC INFORMATION ON APSU PROJECTS
Currently there are two categories of projects at the College. The first group comprises of ongoing developments and refurbishment of existing facilities whilst the second category comprise of works that various interest groups have committed themselves to undertake.

God bless!

By Peter Martey Agbeko