Accra, October 7, GNA-The 1994 Year Group of Sogakofe Senior High School (SOSA ’94) celebrated their 30th anniversary, a major milestone, with a focus on the impact of Artificial Intelligence education and the labor market in Ghana and out there.
The anniversary celebrations, which were held around the theme: “Artificial Intelligence: The Implications for the Future of Jobs and Cybersecurity,” were intended to be much more than a nostalgic reunion for alumni.
They represented a call to action, a moment of reflection on how current and future students can prepare for the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
The event was a fusion of tradition, technological foresight and community spirit, drawing attention to the role of AI in shaping the future of employment and cybersecurity.
The theme for the anniversary was not only timely but also essential, given the rapid integration of AI into every aspect of life.
The event took a deep dive into how AI is transforming employment, especially in emerging economies like Ghana, where the education system is striving to adapt to the changes brought about by automation and machine learning.
It was aimed at ensuring that Sogakofe Senior High students are adequately prepared to take advantage of these opportunities rather than being crowded out by them.
Another critical issue addressed during the anniversary celebration was cybersecurity, as industries and educational institutions become increasingly digital and the risks associated with data breaches and cyber-attacks increase.
In a keynote address at the anniversary climactic speech and awards ceremony, an esteemed academic and technology expert, Prof. Clement Dzidonu, highlighted the dual need for both proactive cybersecurity measures and the development of a workforce skilled in defending the digital infrastructure.
Such discussions are critical as the Sogakofe Senior High School community seeks to deploy AI responsibly while protecting against its inherent risks.
He added that AI would not take anyone’s job except those who did not embrace it as a companion.
The Principal of Sogakofe Senior High School, Mr Newman HK Dziedzoave, highlighted the efforts being made to incorporate more technology-based learning into the school’s curriculum.
With the support of alumni like SOSA ’94, the school aims to develop programs that equip students with crucial skills in coding, data analytics and cybersecurity.
He commended SOSA ’94 for its unparalleled contributions as seen on campus, including providing television sets, renovating and adding to the school’s clinic, renovating the auditorium stage and providing disaster relief support in the Volta River.
Currently, the student population is 3,693, consisting of 1,980 girls and 1,713 boys, who are served by 173 teaching and 75 non-teaching staff.
The school presents more than 1,000 students for the West Africa Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) every year and has always achieved an average performance of 80 percent.
The school took first place in the Energy Commission Renewable Challenge in 2023. The school currently has its own solar energy and is not completely dependent on the national electricity grid of the Electricity Company of Ghana.
The Civil Educational Club of the School is currently the best in Ghana in the field of peer education.
However, the principal said the school was still facing infrastructural problems, including the damage to the senior classroom, administration building and principal’s bungalow due to a rainstorm and damage to the school gate by some boys from Comboni Technical Vocational Institute.
He also cited the need for toilets and washrooms for boys and girls, dining hall furniture, bunk beds and the need to refurbish the science labs as major concerns.
He challenged National SOSA executives to design a model so that other year groups could emulate the efforts of SOSA ’94.
The DCE of South Tongu District, Mr Innocent Lynford Kwesi Tetteh, in his speech approved the immediate construction of the toilet and shower facilities for the school.
He challenged the alumni to support Sogasco in its struggle to ensure that they reach the finals of the Ghana Science and Maths Quiz in 2024 and bring the cup to the region for the first time.
The chairman of the anniversary celebration, Colonel Noble Carl Doe Dei-Alorse, the Chief Coordinator of the Ghana Military Academy, focused his speech on how the future workforce must prepare for automation and data-driven decision making.
He called for greater collaboration between educational institutions and industry to ensure students were equipped with industry-relevant skills.
The chairman of the SOSA ’94 Year Group, Dr. Godfred Amewu, shared insights on the role of alumni in promoting school development.
He said their contributions go beyond financial support and include mentoring, career guidance and building sustainable networks that benefit both the students and the school community at large.
He said SOSA ’94 has been instrumental in funding several school projects, including infrastructure development, a career fair and focusing their anniversary on emerging topics such as AI.
There were presentations from alumni leaders. Notable activities during the anniversary included a Keep Fit session, a career fair in collaboration with ABSA Bank and an official homecoming of alumni groups.
The Career Fair was particularly notable because it inspired the next generation of leaders by giving them insight into different career paths and provided practical knowledge about the skills needed in today’s competitive job market.
GNA