St Francis College Celebrates Historic Academic Records as GNPC Foundation and UCC Strengthen Student Support Partnerships

The Ghanaian education sector has reached significant milestones this week, marked by record-breaking academic performances in the Volta Region and a strategic shift toward holistic student development in the Central Region. St Francis College of Education (FRANCO) in Hohoe celebrated its 18th congregation, where an unprecedented 29% of the graduating class achieved First Class honors. Simultaneously, the GNPC Foundation and the University of Cape Coast (UCC) have entered a new phase of collaboration designed to move beyond traditional financial aid toward comprehensive mentorship and career development for scholarship recipients.

At the St Francis College of Education ceremony, Acting Principal Dr. Christopher Yaw Dewodo announced that 135 out of 459 graduates earned First Class degrees in the Bachelor of Education program, a historical feat for the institution. The congregation focused heavily on the evolving role of educators in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Dr. Dewodo and the Bishop of the Ho Diocese emphasized that while AI is an essential tool for modern education, it must be integrated with a balanced approach that preserves the human element of teaching. The ceremony also served as a platform to advocate for improved facilities to match the college’s rising academic standards, with the Chief of Staff reinforcing the government’s commitment to supporting innovative teachers who can drive societal transformation.

In a parallel effort to enhance graduate outcomes, the GNPC Foundation is redefining its relationship with the University of Cape Coast. A high-level delegation led by the Foundation's Managing Director, Helga J.M. Boadi, recently visited the university to finalize a partnership that extends student support far beyond tuition coverage. This expanded framework focuses on equipping scholarship beneficiaries with essential soft skills, industry mentorship, and structured career development paths. By bridging the gap between financial assistance and professional readiness, the initiative aims to ensure that UCC graduates are not only academically qualified but also industry-ready and competitive in the global job market.

These developments reflect a broader trend in Ghana’s educational landscape: a shift toward quality, relevance, and industry alignment. While institutions like FRANCO are setting new benchmarks for academic excellence and technological adaptation, partnerships like that between the GNPC Foundation and UCC demonstrate a growing recognition that financial aid alone is insufficient for student success. Together, these initiatives signal a coordinated effort among academia, government agencies, and industry stakeholders to produce a new generation of professionals who are technically proficient, mentored, and prepared for the complexities of the modern workforce.