President John F. Kennedy, in inspiring the United States to embark on the difficult and risky mission onto the moon, said on September 12, 1962, “We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things not because it is easy but because it is hard”.

In this spirit, AKATAKYIE USA, led by her Executives and Trustees, embarked on a journey to endow a MINIMUM $1 M Fund for Opoku Ware School (OWASS) in 2016 and 2017. The purpose of this Fund is to sustain OWASS as a center of excellence in secondary education in Ghana, and to provide opportunities for future OWASS students to participate in the digital and emerging technologies for human capacity development and wellbeing. When the Fund is fully endowed, it could return an annual income of $50,000 at 5.00% interest rate per annum in perpetuity for investments in select OWASS projects. Facing this challenge, AKATAKYIE from the United States and around the globe came together in unity with conviction, determination, and purpose for achieving this Great Milestone. Today, the market value of this Fund, in excess of $800,000, is a true testament to the commitment of AKATAKYIE towards this cause. I would like to express sincere gratitude and thanks to the Board of Directors who have shown leadership, commitment and support by donating 86% of the total contribution of about $614,860. I would also like to thank the Executives and the Trustees of AKATAKYIE USA for their unwavering support for the OWASS E-Fund. Sincere thanks to all who have contributed and pledged to contribute into the Fund. Special thanks also go to our Affiliate Members who have contributed about $50,000 (~8.3%) into the Fund. We have made significant progress towards the MINIMUM $1 M Target, but we are not there yet. Our goal is to reach this target by the 2026 Reunion. A number of strategies including new contributions, pledge redemptions, and corporate and philanthropic fundraising efforts are being deployed to achieve this goal.

However, the greatest asset for achieving this goal is YOU. Please continue to sow into the OWASS E-Fund and leave a legacy with impact on future generations of Owareans and AKATAKYIE. Opoku Ware School da mo nyinaa ase anyaado!! Then shall our souls sing “All Hail Opoku Ware School, our Alma Mater!!” Thank you and may God richly bless the AKATAKYIE Brotherhood!!