The family and children of the late Augustus Kofi Kwakye, affectionately known as Teacher Kwakye, have launched the Teacher Kwakye Educational Fund to honour his enduring legacy in mathematics education and support brilliant but needy students.
Rev Harrison Amponsah (District Minister, Awisa District- Presby Church) officially launched the fund during a commemorative service, marking the first anniversary of his passing at the Akim Awisa Presbyterian Church.
Born on August 8, 1949, and called to glory on February 21, 2024, Teacher Kwakye was widely celebrated for his exceptional dedication to teaching mathematics.
Throughout his career, he helped countless students, many of whom had failed mathematics multiple times, finally achieve the pass mark needed to pursue tertiary education. His impact on the academic lives of underprivileged children remains unmatched.
Teacher Kwakye began his educational journey at Akyem Awisa Presby Primary and Boarding Schools before earning a scholarship to Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS).
He later trained as a teacher at Fosu Teacher Training College, where he passed the Post-Secondary Teachers’ Examination in 1972 with distinction, placing second out of 59 candidates and earning the highest mark in mathematics.
He furthered his expertise at Akrokeri Specialist Training College and later earned a Bachelor of Education in Mathematics and a Diploma in Economics from the University of Cape Coast in 1990. His teaching career included stints at Akim Akroso L/A school, Schools in Nigeria, Achimota School, Radiant Way Preparatory, and the University of Ghana Basic School (where he retired as Principal Teacher in 2010).
Teacher Kwakye also served as the District Coordinator for Mathematics in the Akim Oda District and spent much of his time offering free mathematics tuition to underprivileged children across Accra, Akim Awisa, and surrounding communities.
At the launch, his eldest daughter, Mrs. Wendy Ameyaw, announced the fund, stating that it will provide financial assistance to needy but academically gifted members of the Presbyterian Church in Akim Awisa. She noted that the fund will be managed by a board comprising representatives from the church, the family, and his children.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Mrs. Vida Asante, sister to the late Teacher Kwakye, urged parents to support their children’s education and not to relinquish their responsibilities simply because of the funds. “This fund is here to support, not replace the role of parents,” she emphasized.
Other family members present included Hon. Yaw Osafo Maafo (former Senior Minister of Ghana and brother-in-law), Nana Anti Ababio (Gyaasehene of Akyem Awisa and brother), Anna Osafo Maafo, Rose Karikari, Kwesi Karikari, Benjamin Asante (nephew), Mr. Kwame Owusu Ameyaw (son-in-law), Mrs Julie Karikari (daughter-in-law), Mrs Evert Osei (daughter), and Dr. Timothy Karikari, son of the late educator.
The launch of the Teacher Kwakye Educational Fund marks not just the memory of a remarkable teacher, but also the continuation of his life’s mission to empower the next generation through education.