The JOBA – KNUST Journey

FROM GENESIS TO GREATNESS: THE JOURNEY OF JOBA-KNUST

In September 2023, a dream took its first step toward reality. What began as a vision to unite the proud alumni of St. James Seminary and Senior High School at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) quickly transformed into a movement. JOBA-KNUST was born—not just as an association, but as a brotherhood bound by shared history and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
The journey was anything but smooth. In November 2023, the Ad-hoc Planning Committee which consisted of notable members like

attempted to hold the association’s first general election. However, despite their best efforts, the election could not take place as planned. But rather than falter, the committee saw this as an opportunity to learn and grow. This setback was not an end but a lesson, strengthening their resolve to forge ahead.

Determined to establish a strong foundation, the committee turned their attention to welcoming the newest members of their community. In January 2024, they organized a Freshers’ Orientation for the 2023 batch of JOBA, ensuring that incoming students felt the warmth of their alumni family. They emphasized the balance between academics and social life, urging the freshmen to actively engage with JOBA-KNUST. To deepen this connection, February 2024 saw an initiative unlike any before—room-to-room visits across the traditional halls on the KNUST campus. Through these visits, members engaged in heartfelt conversations, gathering feedback, and nurturing a deep sense of belonging.

But JOBA-KNUST wasn’t just about academic and social support; it was about camaraderie. In March 2024, the Inter-Year Football Tournament kicked off, proving that the spirit of St. James extended beyond classrooms or chapels and into the field of play. The competition was fierce, the passion undeniable, but above all, the event strengthened the bonds of fraternity.

Beyond KNUST, JOBA’s impact was already rippling outward. In May 2024, Snr. Larbi Benoni Odame, a dedicated member of the planning committee, led a Scholarship Seminar at St. James Seminary and Senior High School, Abesim. For many final-year students, this was more than just a seminar—it was hope, guidance, and a stepping stone toward their dreams.

As months passed, JOBA-KNUST continued to evolve. In November 2024, the Association entered the social media space to make their endeavours and achievements known to individuals outside the community, allowing the them to engage with a wider audience. Then, in January 2025, history was made once again. The unveiling of JOBA-KNUST’s first merchandise, a T-shirt in the iconic green and white colours, symbolized unity and pride. Around the same time, the Freshmen Hunt commenced, a mission to identify and welcome the 2024 batch of JOBA , ensuring that no member felt lost in the vastness of university life.

But the true defining moment came on 8th February 2025—the month that marked the association’s first General Meeting and Elections. Henry Ford once said, “Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” True to this, the mistakes of the past election attempt became the foundation for a successful one.

The Electoral Commission which was headed by Snr. Amoah Gyamfi Joseph, with assistance from Snr. Amoako Julius Odame and Snr. Kusi Sarpong Jephther ensured a free and fair election process. With overwhelming participation, the first-ever executive team of JOBA-KNUST was elected, setting the stage for a new era of leadership and progress. The pioneer executive team are as follows:

1. Snr. Larbi Benoni Odame (2020)
2. Snr. Agyekum Nana Yaw Boateng (2021)
3. Snr. Akuamoah-Boateng Bernard (2022)
4. Snr. Gyan Annye Isaac (2022)
5. Snr. Effah-Frimpong Maxwell (2021)
6. Snr. Appiah Godson De-graft (2021)

JOBA-KNUST IN PROSPECT
With firm roots now planted, the journey is far from over. A comprehensive bylaw will be crafted to guide the association’s governance and address its unique internal operational issues, while database issues will be resolved to streamline operations. The Alumni Hunt will extend JOBA’s reach, connecting members across institutions and generations. Plans for a Grand Get-Together will soon take shape, bringing past and present members under one roof for an unforgettable event.

Beyond networking, JOBA-KNUST envisions a future of empowerment. A strategic support system will be established for members with student political aspirations. A welfare and financial assistance program will provide aid to those in need. An academic support system will ensure that no member struggles alone. And perhaps most ambitiously, the JOBA-KNUST Chapter will advocate and assist in championing the establishment of JOBA communities in other Universities and Tertiary institutions, expanding the family across the nation and beyond.

The ultimate goal? To create a vast and connected JOBA network—a legacy that will outlive its pioneers, serving generations of St. James alumni who pass through KNUST. From humble beginnings to undeniable greatness, the journey of JOBA-KNUST has only just
begun. But if history is any indication, the best is yet to come.