The Ghana Education Service (GES) has praised Ghanaian businessman and philanthropist Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong following his donation of a 600-bed ultra-modern dormitory facility to the Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School, popularly known as PRESEC Legon.
The donation, described by the Service as a significant contribution to secondary education infrastructure, is expected to improve student accommodation and ease congestion in the school’s boarding facilities. Dr Ofori Sarpong, an old student of PRESEC Legon, currently serves as Board Chairman of the school and also as Global President of the PRESEC Old Boys’ Association, known as Ɔdadeɛ.
The businessman donated the facility as a gesture of gratitude to the institution that helped shape his academic and personal journey decades ago. The project has attracted national attention, with many describing it as one of the most impressive alumni-funded educational infrastructure projects in recent years.
Donation Expected to Ease Accommodation Pressure
According to the Ghana Education Service, the new dormitory facility will support ongoing government efforts to expand access to quality secondary education by improving student welfare and residential conditions. Many senior high schools across Ghana continue to face accommodation challenges due to rising enrolment figures, especially following reforms aimed at increasing access to secondary education.
The addition of a 600-bed facility at PRESEC Legon is therefore expected to significantly reduce pressure on existing boarding houses while improving the overall learning environment for students.
“The facility significantly enhances ongoing efforts by Government to expand access to quality secondary education, particularly by improving accommodation and easing congestion in boarding houses.”
Ghana Education Service
The newly commissioned structure has been widely described as a modern and well-equipped residential facility designed to provide students with improved comfort and convenience. Reports and videos circulating online showed spacious interiors, modern washrooms, and upgraded residential amenities.
The donation coincided with Dr Ofori Sarpong’s 60th birthday celebration, which he marked by returning to his alma mater to officially commission the project. The event attracted several dignitaries from Ghana’s business, political, and educational sectors, including Minister for Education Haruna Iddrisu and businessman Osei Kwame Despite.
Alumni Contributions Becoming Critical to Education
GES used the occasion to highlight the increasingly important role old students’ associations continue to play in the development of schools across the country. According to the Service, alumni groups have evolved beyond ceremonial associations and are now actively supporting infrastructure development, mentorship programmes, scholarships, and institutional governance.
“Old students’ associations have evolved into a key stakeholder within the education sector, contributing not only to infrastructure development but also to mentorship, scholarships, and institutional governance.”
Ghana Education Service
Education stakeholders have long argued that alumni engagement remains one of the strongest pillars supporting educational institutions in Ghana, especially at a time when schools continue to grapple with infrastructure deficits and growing student populations. PRESEC Legon itself has benefited from several alumni-driven initiatives over the years, including accommodation projects, sporting support, and campus development activities.
Founded in 1938, PRESEC Legon remains one of Ghana’s most prestigious second-cycle institutions, known for academic excellence and achievements in science and mathematics competitions. The school’s alumni network, popularly known as Ɔdadeɛ, has consistently maintained strong involvement in the institution’s development. GES commended Dr Ofori Sarpong for setting what it described as an exemplary standard of alumni responsibility and encouraged other old students and corporate bodies to emulate such efforts.
“Such partnerships remain vital in complementing Government’s efforts to improve teaching and learning conditions across the country.”
GES in a Press Release.
Commitment to Maintenance and Sustainability
The Ghana Education Service further assured the donor and the general public that steps would be taken to ensure the proper maintenance and effective use of the facility. Management indicated that it would collaborate closely with school authorities and other stakeholders to guarantee that the building serves both present and future generations of students.
The Service emphasized that infrastructure projects within schools must be accompanied by strong maintenance cultures to ensure long-term value and sustainability. Educational analysts have repeatedly stressed the importance of preserving school facilities through proper management, regular maintenance, and shared responsibility among students, school authorities, and alumni.
The donation has also renewed broader conversations about the importance of public-private collaboration in Ghana’s education sector. With rising student enrolment and increasing demand for quality learning infrastructure, many observers believe stronger partnerships between government, alumni associations, philanthropists, and private institutions will remain essential in addressing infrastructure gaps nationwide. GES concluded that the gesture demonstrates the enduring relationship between schools and their alumni while reinforcing the transformative impact collective responsibility can have on education delivery.
“This donation confirms the enduring bond between schools and their alumni, and highlights the transformative impact collective responsibility can have on the delivery of quality education.”
Statement from GES.
The release was signed by Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations at the Ghana Education Service.
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