The Minister of State at the Ministry of the Interior, Nana Obiri Boahen, has noted that to achieve success in government's priority in providing quality and meaningful education for all, the indefatigable support and fervent contribution of Old Students Associations cannot be overemphasized.

Speaking at the first Inter-Tertiary Congress of Sunyani Senior High School Old Students Association (SOSA), held in Sunyani, Nana Obiri Boahen acknowledged that Old Students Associations have had positive impacts, since they were created, in promoting and fostering ongoing relationships between schools and its students.

The Minister of State, who is also a member of the SOSA, reiterated that Old Students Associations were vital in the current educational reforms, where the private sector is encouraged to increase its participation in the provision of funds, resources, services and other meaningful programs, to provide students in their various alma mater with the most beneficial educational experiences, and to shape the future of education in their community, and the future of students in its entirety.

He bemoaned the situation where some schools do not have Old Students Associations, just because their old students are pre-occupied with their own interests, and have decided not to care about their alma mater.

Nana Obiri Boahen advised such people to be mindful of the fact that their careers were the results of the efforts, and expertise gained from their alma maters, therefore it was a moral responsibility to recognize the value of education, and provide for today's students.

He continued that old students should contribute immensely in providing scholarships, endowment funds and other logistics, for the effective education and training of the young students, who are a repository of the future leadership.

He noted that undoubtedly, the responsibilities of Old Students Associations go beyond cash donations, suggesting that sending E-mails, SMS and calling old school friends that live in one's area, to inform the other fellows about high school activities, was simple, yet an invaluable gesture of support.

Nana Obiri Boahen urged members of the SOSA, to be proud of their roots, by sharing their treasures, times and talents of the school at anytime and anywhere, to gain the mark of patriotism.

He again suggested to the executive of SOSA, to concentrate on establishing a database of all old students, work assiduously to open up international chapters, in countries where there is a high concentration of Ghanaian residents, and also think about the possibility of establishing a newsletter, to educate and inform its members.

The President of SOSA, Mr. Otu-Essel, urged the members to be proud of organizing such a durbar with scanty resources, describing it as a herald of great things to come, as he urged them not to relent until successes were achieved.

According to Mr. Otu-Essel, it was not uncommon that goaded by youthful exuberance, members might soon forget about all what they have done, and abandon the Sunyani Senior High School, once they are thrown into the theatre of life.

He urged members of SOSA to surmount the challenges like a family after completing school, and take up jobs to rally solidly behind the Association, in order not to make the vision a mirage.

The Headmaster of the Sunyani Senior High School, Mr. Joseph Awuah, expressed gratitude to the Association for its immense contribution to the development of the school, and urged them to regularly visit the school, and contribute to the development and welfare of the students.