Accra, July 27, GNA - The Saint Francis Old Girls Association (FOGA) has awarded Hajia Alima Mahama, their compatriot, for the substantial contribution she is making towards national development through the strengthening of local government institutions, gender advocacy and pro poor programmes.
The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development had her secondary education at the St Francis of Assisi Secondary School at Jirapa, in the Upper West Region, from 1970 to 1975, and obtained her General Certificate of Education Certificate.
A six-member delegation from the Association presented a citation to Hajia Alima, saying she had excelled in both in the private and public sector and contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of the nation.
It read: “This citation is in recognition of your elevation to the high office as a Minister of State in-charge of Local Government and Rural Development for the Republic of Ghana.
“From a humble beginning as a student of the St Francis of Assisi Girls Secondary School in Jirapa (1970 – 1975) , you went on to become a Minister for Women and Children’s Affairs, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, and later Deputy Minister of Trade, before your current appointment as a substantive Minister of Local Government and Rural Development.
“Your selflessness, high sense of commitment and dedication to duty made you an advocate for your people in the three Northern Regions of Ghana; especially women and children.
“You have become a shining example to the many girls of your Alma mater , therefore, St Francis of Assisi old girls Association (FOGA), Board Governors, and the entire students body of St Francis of Assisi Girls Senior High School are proud of you and wish you God’s guidance.”
Mrs Fati Bodua Seidu, the National President of FOGA, led the delegation, with Mrs Judith Oppong-Tawiah, Miss Theresa Vaa-ib, Mrs Comfort Clottey, Mrs Patricia V. Asare and Miss Agnes Bamona Salifu, as members.
The feeling of nostalgia began to build up when the Old Girls started to recount their days in the School.
They laughed and teased each other about how they used to relate and have fun.
A visibly elated Hajia Alima expressed gratitude to the delegation and the entire Association for the honour done her.
She recalled, with excitement, her visit to the school during a Speech and Prize Giving Day, when she was the Minister of Women and Children’s Affairs, under the Kufuor Administration.
The member of the 1975 FOGA Year Group said she was proud to be an Old Girl, noting that, the School had grown from strength to strength as an institution that had contributed immensely to shaping many lives for them to become agents of change in society.
Thus, she said, there were many competent FOGA members serving the nation in both the private and public sectors.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mrs Bodua Seidu recalled that FOGA members in April this year also honoured Dr Margaret Amoakohene, a Member of the Council of State, and the Head of Department of Communication Studies, University of Ghana.
The Association’s President said the initiative of honouring the Members formed part of measures to advocate for Old Students to mobilise and support developmental projects at their alma mater.
“We are calling on Old Girls to go back as mentors, and encourage students, particularly, those who may be demoralised; that no matter where they find themselves they should strive for excellence and prepare to take up leadership roles," she added.
GNA
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