Building Ghana’s human resource base: Mr Robert Ajene shows the way
It cannot be ruled out that human resources are the lifeblood of any nation’s development. In other words, it is human resource which fuel the politico-socio -economic development of any nation, sustaining democratic governance, and ensuring continuous development across generations. Indeed, it is against this background that successive governments in Ghana from the post-independence era to the present day have made commendable efforts to strengthen education, science, public administration, and skills development. From the constructing of schools and universities to the implementation of the Free Senior High School policy, the state has shouldered a significant portion of the nation-building burden.
While successive governments in Ghana have invested significantly in education and training to build the nation’s human resource base, it must be emphasized that as the years go by, government alone cannot carry this burden. The truth must be told it is becoming quite clear that such responsibility is becoming a daunting task for government in terms of funding and the provision of educational infrastructure.
It is very important to stress that developing a robust, competent, and ethically grounded human resource base requires a collective effort. In fact, it calls for the strategic involvement of other partners, especially individuals with vision, integrity, and the willingness to give more than they take. In that case Mr Robert Ajene is one such individual. A dedicated educationist whose work has quietly but powerfully reshaped the educational landscape of northern Ghana and Ghana as a whole, he stands as a shining example of service far beyond the call of duty.
Born in 1938 at the Sambologo community in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region, Mr Ajene’s educational journey began at Zuarungu Primary Boarding School and took him through Nalerigu Middle Boarding School, Government Secondary School in Tamale, and Prempeh College in Kumasi. He later obtained a BSc in Zoology and Botany from the University of Ghana, Legon, and earned a Diploma in Education from the University of Cape Coast. But his academic success was not an end in itself. It was the beginning of a lifelong mission to expand access to quality education in some most underserved areas in Ghana.
Throughout his decades-long career, Mr Ajene assumed roles that many might regard as routine. Yet, he approached each with a sense of patriotism and national call to duty. His journey begun when he became the first person from the Northern Region to be appointed Director of Education, and later the first to be promoted to Divisional Director in 1981. It was not his contributions in these positions that truly distinguished him.
As Regional Director of Education for the then Upper Region, he spearheaded the establishment of key institutions such as the Zebilla Community Secondary School, Bolgatanga Technical Institute, and Wa Secondary School, vastly improving access to secondary education in the north. In 1992, he played a pivotal role in establishing the University College of Education, Winneba (UCEW), serving briefly as Acting Principal during its formative years.
These efforts were not executed from behind a polished desk or from the comfort of government transport. They were born of his grit, sacrifice, and a personal sense of duty exhibited. In the early 1990s, while leading the establishment of the Advanced Technical Teachers’ Training College (now the UCEW-Kumasi campus), Mr Ajene used his personal pickup truck to transport food supplies for the school’s fledgling canteen.
At the Bolgatanga Polytechnic, now Bolgatanga Technical University, Mr Ajene went even further, purchasing land for the campus at Sumbrungu using his own salary. As Mr Stanley Abopam, an alumnus, recalled, “The Principal did not even have an office. He operated from his old pickup truck.” Such sacrifice speaks volumes about his selflessness and vision”.
His impact at Bawku Secondary School, where he served as headmaster, starting in 1968 (having acted in the role since 1966), was equally transformational. Under his leadership, the school saw significant improvements in academic performance and infrastructure. Today, many of his former students are occupying key positions as Parliamentarians, Judges, Professors Administrators, Bankers and other sectors vital to Ghana’s development. In recognition of his service, many of the schools he served have named him with some of the school buildings.
Mr Ajene’s contributions extend far beyond school walls. He served the nation in numerous advisory capacities, including as a member of the Constituent Assembly that drafted the 1979 Constitution. He advised on the recruitment of Peace Corps teachers and represented Ghana on the International Biology Panel of the West African Examinations Council, helping to shape biology syllabi across West Africa.
Even in retirement, Mr Ajene has remained a committed voice for educational reform. A devout Roman Catholic and father of eight, he also adopted 18 children, an act that reflects his deeply personal commitment to youth development.
He has consistently advocated for prioritising education over politics, stressing the importance of discipline and quality instruction, and called for better infrastructure to support the Free SHS initiative. He also champions the integration of entrepreneurship into the curriculum to prepare students for real-world challenges.
His civic involvement extended into cultural and developmental institutions as well. He served on the Ghana Library Board, the Arts Council of Ghana, and the University Council of KNUST. He was also a member of the National Development Planning Commission and, more recently, served on the Commission of Inquiry responsible for the creation of six new administrative regions in Ghana.
The results of Mr Ajene’s contributions are visible not only in bricks and mortar but in the lives of the many students, professionals, and leaders who carry forward the lessons he instilled. His legacy is not confined to history books; it walks the halls of Parliament, presides over courtrooms, lectures in universities, and manages the wheels of commerce.
His story teaches us a profound truth: nation-building is not solely the responsibility of governments. It is a shared mission that demands the energy, integrity, and leadership of committed citizens.
As the educational challenges of Ghana’ grow in scope and complexity, there is the urgent need for individuals, especially those from underserved regions to emulate Mr Ajene’s example becomes even more urgent. He did not wait for perfect conditions. He saw a need, and through his own sacrifice, determination, and vision, helped light a path for countless others.
Ghana’s future rests not only on government action but also on how boldly its citizens step up to fill the gaps. Mr Robert Ajene has shown the way. Now, it is up to us to follow.
Mr Robert Akurugu Ajene, an unsung hero in Ghana’s educational landscape stands as a bold testament to what a single, determined individual can do to transform lives, shape institutions, and move a nation forward.
The writer is a Level 400, Marketing & Communication Studies student, Bolgatanga Technical University
BY HILARY AKANPULE
