GSTS Alumni Launches Golf Club for Student Opportunities

The Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) Alumni Association (GAA) has launched its first affinity group, the GAA Golf Club, alongside an inaugural tournament.

The launch, which took place during the 116th Anniversary celebrations of GSTS, was attended by global GAA executives, old boys, and associates of the school.

President of the Global GAA, Gt. Dr. Tetteh Abbeyquaye, expressed his excitement about the initiative, stating it could address the growing issue of donor fatigue among alumni.

“We are hopeful that this initiative will be one of many that could help deal with donor fatigue among old boys,” Gt. Dr. Abbeyquaye said.

He also encouraged the golf club to actively involve current students in the sport, recognizing the potential benefits for their development.

Gt. Roland Ato Quianoo, President of the GAA Golf Club, explained the club’s formation was driven by a desire to bolster support for GSTS. He highlighted the low contribution rate from alumni, noting that less than 30% consistently give back to the school.

“What came to mind was that there’s a lot of donor fatigue. If you look at the year groups they run into the hundreds but when it comes to giving back to the school it takes less than thirty percent who are contributing back to the school. So it becomes a donor fatigue for the same people who are giving over and over,” he said.

The club aims to create a new avenue for fundraising through sponsorships. “The mindset for me was that let’s create this one and then look out for sponsorships so that when golfers go in for those sponsors, we give it (the support) back to the school,” Gt. Quianoo explained.

Plans are also underway to integrate students into the club’s activities. Gt. Quianoo emphasized the importance of this inclusion, stating, “The discipline and the fact that golf is life…they’ll learn that sometimes opportunities seem wide open, but external factors require careful consideration.”

The inaugural tournament saw Gt. Dr. Asare Bediako ’03/H7 emerge as the winner with a handicap of 19 and a net score of 65. Gt. Roland Ato Quianoo finished second with a net score of 66, also with a handicap of 19. Giant Frank Antwi secured third place.

Additional awards were presented to Giants Peter Brako (most improved player), Sammy Ofoei (seniors), Benjamin O. Darkwa (closest to the pin), and Roland Ato Quianoo (longest drive).

The GAA Golf Club intends to participate in competitions with other old student association golf clubs, further expanding its fundraising network and fostering camaraderie.

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