Wesley College of Education

WESLEY COLLEGE OF EDUCATION – KUMASI ANNUAL CONGRESS – GLOBAL WESCOPA

SATURDAY, 17TH OCTOBER 2026

THEME: ARISE AND BUILD UNITED

KEYNOTE ADDRESS – MOST REV. DR. PAUL KWABENA BOAFO

Introduction The Global President and Executive Officers of the Wesley College Alumni Association, Revered Clergy, Principal and Management of Wesley College, Distinguished Alumni spanning the generations, Tutors, Students, and Honoured Guests: It is a profound honour and privilege to stand before you today on the sacred grounds of Wesley College of Education as your Guest Speaker for this Annual Congress. As we gather for this year’s Annual Congress, we are not merely former students revisiting our alma mater, but a family bound by a shared heritage, a common vision, and an enduring responsibility. When I look across this hall, I see more than a gathering of former students. I see leaders, educators, innovators, trailblazers, and pillars of our society. I see the living, breathing testament to the noble vision upon which Wesley College, Kumasi, was founded. Quod Bonum Est Tenete. Every time we gather as Wesleyans, we return to the fountainhead of our personal and professional journeys. WESCO did not merely teach us from textbooks; it forged our character, sharpened our intellect, instilled in us an unshakable moral compass, and taught us the value of discipline and service. We owe this great institution a debt of gratitude—one best paid not just in words, but through dedicated action. Against this backdrop, I find our chosen theme for this year’s congress both urgent and inspiring: “Arise and Build: United Alumni.” This theme is both a rallying call and an urgent mandate. It calls us to look back with gratitude on the firm foundation WESCO laid for us, while boldly stepping forward to build a sustainable future for the generations to come. Wesley College has long stood as a beacon of discipline, excellence, and moral integrity in Ghana’s teacher-training landscape. The values instilled in us within these walls—service, sacrifice, and leadership—have shaped us into educators, leaders, and change-makers across the nation and beyond. Yet an institution’s true strength lies not solely in its storied history; it lives in its alumni’s ongoing commitment.

The Imperative of Rising

The phrase “Let us rise” conveys an undeniable sense of urgency. It invites us to move from passive appreciation to active stewardship. It asks us to shift from asking “What did WESCO do for me?” to declaring “What must we build together for WESCO today?” In an ever-evolving educational landscape, no institution—no matter how storied its past—can survive on legacy alone. The world’s great institutions are sustained, defended, and continually elevated by one primary force: a passionate, organised, and invested alumni base. We cannot afford to leave the future of Wesley College solely to the government or the college administration. We are the guardians of its legacy, and we must become the architects of its future. To “Arise” is to shed apathy and complacency. It means recognising that preserving WESCO’s excellence now rests squarely on our shoulders. The challenges facing educational institutions today—from modern infrastructure needs to technological adaptation and student mentorship—require active, strategic intervention. We cannot afford to sit on the sidelines when our alma mater calls.

The Nehemiah Challenge

This congress echoes Nehemiah’s words as he surveyed the fallen walls of Jerusalem and rallied his people with the call: “Let us rise up and build.” In this well-known biblical story, we see that no single person rebuilt the walls; families and groups worked side by side, each taking responsibility for a section. Today, the call comes to us. Whatever section of the “wall” you are positioned to build—whether through financial resources, professional expertise, advocacy, or organisational leadership— bring it to the table. Let us lay aside minor differences, look past misgivings, and unite under the banner of our beloved Alma Mater.

To “Build” requires intentional action. Building means investing our time, resources, expertise, and networks in the college. It means renovating ageing facilities, funding scholarships, mentoring current teacher-trainees, and ensuring that WESCO remains a top-tier institution of learning. Every contribution, no matter how small, adds a vital block to the structure we are building. Crucially, we cannot build in isolation. Our theme centres on “United Alumni.” Unity is our greatest multiplier. When past students across all year groups, generations, and walks of life align around one purpose, our capacity to effect real change becomes unstoppable. Division or indifference only weakens our collective voice; unity amplifies our impact.

Pillars of a Truly United Alumni

Building unity is an intentional act. It requires structure, vision, and a willingness to transcend our differences. As you deliberate during this congress, I encourage you to focus on three critical pillars:

❖ Bridging the Generational Gap

❖ A truly united alumni body honours its pioneers’ wisdom while making space for the dynamic energy of its newest graduates. We must build deliberate bridges between senior alumni and new graduates, using mentorship, networking, and digital platforms to ensure every WESCOPA feels valued and connected, regardless of graduation year.

❖ Moving from Fragmented Groups to Collective Impact

While year-groups and regional branches foster great camaraderie, our ultimate impact depends on alignment. Imagine the transformative power if all chapters, both local and in the diaspora, aligned around major strategic goals—whether funding state-of-the-art learning facilities, expanding scholarship schemes, or supporting faculty development. Unity turns scattered streams into a powerful river.

❖ Investing in Tomorrow’s Leaders:

Our unity must extend beyond ourselves to the current students walking the campus today. They are the future of WESCOPA. Through structured career guidance, professional apprenticeship programs, and values-based mentorship, we must ensure that the Wesleyan standard of excellence remains uncompromised.

As we deliberate during this congress, let us ask ourselves hard but necessary questions:

What legacy are we leaving for WESCO?
How can our various year groups collaborate more effectively?
How do we ensure that every alumnus feels welcomed, valued, and engaged in this project?

Conclusion

Distinguished WESCOPA, history will not judge us by how warmly we recall the past, but by how courageously we build for the future. Let this Congress be remembered not merely as another annual gathering, but as the historic moment when the alumni of Wesley College, Kumasi, rose together with one voice, one vision, and one unwavering purpose. Let this Congress be more than a gathering of words and nostalgic memories; let it be a catalyst for action. Let us leave Kumasi with renewed resolve, clear action plans, and a unified spirit. Together, let us arise. Together, let us build. Long live Wesley College of Education, and long live our United Alumni Association. Let us rise! Let us build together! May God bless Wesley College, Kumasi, and may God bless us all.

Quod Bonum est Tenete – Hold fast that which is good.

Thank you.