ZICO Alumni Launches GH1m Endowment for School Transformation

Zion College (ZICO) is embarking on a significant transformation, heralded as the most ambitious in its 88-year history. The drive for renewal was unveiled at the school’s inaugural Homecoming celebration, galvanizing alumni to support a coordinated effort to restore its academic standing and address infrastructural challenges.

Speaking to hundreds of former students, Global President of the Old Students Association, Professor Anthony Mawuli Sallar, urged them to move beyond complacency and actively contribute to the school’s revival. “We cannot continue doing the same things and expect different results,” he stated, describing the current situation as “unsustainable” and demanding urgent, organized intervention.

Over the past two years, Prof. Sallar has overseen sweeping reforms, including a restructuring of the alumni association and the establishment of a Council of Elders to provide guidance to the Executive Committee. Specialized committees focusing on academics, infrastructure, fundraising, and year-group coordination have also been formed.

The Academic Committee is already working to enhance teaching and learning by providing access to WAEC past questions, examiners’ reports, and mentorship programs. The Homecoming event itself placed a strong emphasis on academic excellence, reaffirming ZICO’s core mission.

Addressing critical infrastructure needs, the association is prioritizing solutions like accommodation for National Service Personnel who assist with WASSCE preparations. The 1974 Year Group demonstrated this commitment by handing over a fully completed bungalow during the Homecoming.

Prof. Sallar emphasized the link between a conducive environment and academic success. He highlighted recent upgrades, including a GH₵100,000 investment from an alumnus for digital and remote-skills training equipment. “Better facilities will attract committed teachers and high-performing students, helping reverse years of stagnation,” he explained.

A key announcement at the event was the launch of a One Million Cedi Endowment Fund, designed to provide sustainable financial support for ZICO. Founding contributors – Prof. Sallar, Prof. Livingstone Kumassah, Dr. Samuel Gayi, Mrs. Empress Ahiable Dotse, Dr. Reuben Hadzide, and Mrs. Maureen Mathilda Akaba – have each pledged between GH₵7,500 and GH₵10,000 over three years.

The fund is projected to generate approximately GH₵100,000 annually once it reaches its GH₵1 million target. These returns will be allocated to scholarships, staff development, facility maintenance, and equipment procurement, while preserving the principal amount. Prof. Sallar described the fund as a “perpetual engine” for the school’s long-term stability.

To streamline decision-making, the association plans a strategic retreat involving all stakeholders – the School Administration, Board of Governors, PTA, and Alumni – to align priorities under a unified development agenda.

The Homecoming, chaired by Precious Edem Agbemafoh, served as a powerful demonstration of collaborative spirit, bringing together distinguished alumni, former association president Prof. Cornelius Dzakpasu, and Guest Speaker Togbi Tagbor of Kedzi. Togbi Tagbor encouraged graduates to extend their service beyond the school and contribute to national development.

The success of the event was also due to the efforts of individuals like Mr Gameli Attipoe, Mrs Edem Agbemafor Lumorvie, Vice President Isaac Apetorgbor, Senior Emmanuel Nyatuame, and MCs Edina Fiawoo, Mamavi Owusu-Aboagye, and Mr Anani.

As ZICO approaches its 90th anniversary, leaders are appealing to alumni to support the transformation through financial contributions, mentorship, committee involvement, or by simply advocating for the school. Chairperson Agbemafoh noted that unity and determination were crucial to the success of the inaugural Homecoming, values she believes should guide the school’s revitalization.

Prof. Sallar concluded with a poignant message: “ZICO shaped who you became. Now it needs you to shape what it becomes.”

With new governance structures, ongoing projects, and the launch of the endowment fund, alumni leaders are optimistic that ZICO is on a clear path to regaining its position as one of Ghana’s leading second-cycle institutions, provided its former students rally together to support this vision.

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