By Jacob Aggrey
The Global President of the Old Mawuli Students Union (OMSU), Richard Buthelezi Nyarko, has called on old students and corporate organisations to support a newly launched endowment fund aimed at improving infrastructure, academic support and student welfare at Mawuli Senior High School.
Mr Nyarko explained that the initiative was driven by passion and a vision to ensure the long-term development of the school rather than a desire to leave a personal legacy.
He noted that the fund was established to support infrastructure development, provide scholarships for brilliant students and improve facilities within the school.
He made the remarks during an Independence Day cocktail event and the launch of the endowment fund to support students and alumni of Mawuli SHS as they progress in life.
According to him, the initiative will also help expand the school’s library, strengthen its technology and innovation hub, and support teacher training programmes.
Mr Nyarko stressed that continuous training for teachers was essential to help them stay updated with modern teaching methods and evolving technologies so they could better support students.
He explained that the launch marked the beginning of a long-term fundraising effort rather than a one-time campaign.
According to him, the goal is to gradually build a strong financial base that will allow the union to support students and undertake development projects in the future.
Mr Nyarko added that the union hopes the fund will eventually grow into several millions of cedis to sustainably finance educational initiatives at the school.
He revealed that fundraising efforts would continue annually, with the union appealing to companies and members to contribute to the fund.
Mr Nyarko disclosed that the union has introduced several initiatives to sustain the fundraising drive, including the Heroes Garden, where donors will be honoured through a park and a wall of fame based on their level of contribution.
He also mentioned the President’s Legacy Fund, which will require presidents of various year groups to raise a specific amount each year to support the initiative.
Mr Nyarko expressed confidence that diversifying funding sources would ensure the sustainability of the endowment fund.
Addressing concerns about transparency and accountability, he acknowledged that some potential donors might fear that contributions could be mismanaged.
However, he assured that strong governance structures had been established to safeguard the fund.
According to him, the fund will be managed by an independent global committee made up of legal professionals, investment bankers and experienced individuals.
He noted that the committee includes representatives from OMSU branches in North America, the United Kingdom and Europe, as well as Australia and New Zealand.
Mr Nyarko explained that the committee would be responsible for the administration and governance of the fund to ensure that contributions are used strictly for their intended purposes.
He added that the committee will present audited accounts annually during the union’s Congress, which is the highest decision-making body of the Old Mawuli Students Union.
Mr Nyarko further stated that donations to the fund are tax-deductible and assured contributors that every contribution will be properly accounted for and utilised to support the development of the school.
The Headmaster of Mawuli Senior High School, Benjamin Yawo Dei, expressed appreciation to the union for launching the endowment fund and supporting the development of the school.
Mr Dei said the school has, over the years, remained committed to nurturing disciplined, knowledgeable and responsible young people who contribute meaningfully to national development.
He emphasised that sustaining excellence in education requires continuous investment in infrastructure, teaching resources, scholarships and student development programmes.
Mr Dei expressed optimism that the endowment fund would help address current challenges while securing the future of both present and future students.
He also recounted an encounter with a former Mawuli student he met while travelling in northern Ghana.
According to him, the young man had completed school with very good results but was unable to continue his education due to financial difficulties.
Mr Dei noted that the situation highlighted the importance of initiatives such as the endowment fund and indicated that he would engage the committee to explore ways of supporting the former student.
He therefore urged old students and stakeholders to contribute to the fund to support the continued growth and sustainability of Mawuli Senior High School.
