The Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Coast, Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, has issued a powerful spiritual and national call to Catholics and young people across Ghana, urging them to prepare for the 150th anniversary of the Catholic Church in Ghana in 2030.
Delivering the keynote message as Patron of St. Augustine’s College at the school’s 96th Anniversary Speech and Prize-Giving Day held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, the Archbishop challenged Catholics to renew their faith and recommit themselves to service, sacrifice and nation-building.
Addressing a packed quadrangle of students, teachers, alumni and dignitaries, the Archbishop declared that the road to 2030 must be marked by faith, moral courage and responsible leadership.
“Let us begin preparing ourselves spiritually and practically for the celebration of 150 years of the Catholic Church in this country,” he said. “Each Catholic must contribute to making the Church and Ghana better.”
The Archbishop’s message, delivered with characteristic passion and clarity, centred on what he described as three guiding principles for the youth and all APSUnians.
Three Messages That Moved The Crowd
First, he urged students to pursue excellence with discipline and perseverance.
Quoting the famous maxim familiar to generations of students, he declared:
“Good, better, best. May I never rest until my good is better and my better is best.”
He said this principle should guide students in their academic work, moral life and service to society.
His second message drew loud applause from the audience.
“Do not curse the dark; light a candle,” he said.
The Archbishop explained that Ghana and the world face many challenges, but the solution lies not in complaining but in action.
He urged young people to become agents of hope, generosity and transformation.
“Share your light with others,” he emphasised, calling on Christians to brighten their communities through faith and selfless service.
“Make Augusco A Green City”
His third message focused on environmental stewardship.
Calling on students and alumni of the famous Catholic institution to lead by example, Archbishop Palmer-Buckle proposed a bold vision:
“Make Augusco a Green City.”
He urged the school community to champion tree planting, environmental cleanliness and sustainable practices on campus and beyond.
According to him, the responsibility to care for creation is both a Christian duty and a civic responsibility.
Vice-President’s Message
The Vice-President of Ghana, represented at the ceremony by the Central Regional Minister, Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, congratulated the school for its enduring contribution to national development.
In a message delivered on behalf of the government, the Vice-President praised the college for producing generations of leaders who have served Ghana with distinction in fields such as education, governance, business, science and the Church.
The message emphasised that schools like St. Augustine’s College continue to play a crucial role in shaping responsible citizens who uphold discipline, integrity and patriotism.
The government representative encouraged the students to take advantage of the opportunities available to them and to use education as a tool for national transformation.
Headmaster’s Report
The Headmaster of the college, Rev. Fr. Patrick Appiah, presented a comprehensive report highlighting the school’s progress in academics, discipline and infrastructure.
He reaffirmed the college’s commitment to producing well-rounded students who embody the school’s motto:
“Omnia Vincit Labor” – Perseverance Conquers All.
Fr. Appiah also outlined ongoing efforts to improve teaching facilities, strengthen academic performance and deepen the spiritual formation of students.
He commended the St. Augustine’s Past Students Union (APSU) for its continuous support in improving infrastructure and mentoring students.
A Moment Of Pride
The celebration drew hundreds of alumni, parents and well-wishers from across the country and beyond.
For many APSUnians, the event was not just a school ceremony but a reminder of the powerful legacy of Catholic education in Ghana.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the Archbishop’s message continued to resonate across the campus:
“Do not curse the dark. Light a candle.”
For the students of Augusco and Catholics across Ghana, the challenge is clear — shine the light.
