APSU Debunks Viral Abuse Claims at AUGUSCO

The St. Augustine’s Past Students Union (APSU) has strongly dismissed a wave of anonymous social media publications alleging abuse, intimidation, extortion and academic decline at St. Augustine’s College (AUGUSCO), describing them as “false, unfounded and deliberately orchestrated” to damage the school’s longstanding reputation.

The circulating materials—which include an unsigned “testimony” and an alleged letter from a self-described “concerned parent”—claim students are subjected to forced shaving with unsafe tools, extortion during phone checks, and medical negligence.

APSU, in a statement issued by its Global Secretariat on December 4, said these claims have never been supported by any parent petition, SRC complaint, or formal report, calling the allegations “easily disproven.”

‘A Smear Campaign by Disgruntled Individuals’

The Union suggested the publications are part of a coordinated smear campaign fueled by a “small group” uncomfortable with the renewed discipline under the current Headmaster, Rev. Fr. Dr. Patrick Appiah.

According to APSU, the administration has restored discipline, order, and academic seriousness—measures that may not sit well with students who previously enjoyed lax supervision.

“The College—like all mission schools—upholds discipline as a core value,” APSU noted, stressing that it would not allow attempts to undermine school authority to persist.

Commitment to Discipline, Safety and Academic Excellence

APSU reaffirmed that St. Augustine’s College remains anchored in its Catholic values of discipline, character formation and academic excellence.

Under Rev. Fr. Dr. Appiah, the College continues to:
• Strengthen academic supervision
• Enforce fair and humane GES-compliant disciplinary systems
• Prioritize student welfare, safety and mental well-being
• Deepen collaboration with parents, the PTA and stakeholders
• Uphold its tradition of faith, integrity and excellence

The Union emphasized that AUGUSCO remains one of Ghana’s most respected secondary institutions, with alumni, staff and partners united in preserving its legacy.

Public Urged to Ignore Anonymous Claims

APSU called on parents, prospective students and the wider public to disregard the circulating publications, describing them as “anonymous and unverified.”

It urged the media to rely on official communication from the College, APSU, the PTA or the Ghana Education Service rather than sensational social media narratives.

While encouraging constructive feedback, APSU warned that “deliberate falsehoods will be met firmly with facts.”

AUGUSCO ‘Safe and Nurturing’

The Secretariat concluded that St. Augustine’s College remains a safe, disciplined and nurturing environment, fully compliant with GES guidelines and grounded in the values of the Catholic Church.

“APSU stands firmly with the Management, staff, students and the Headmaster, Rev. Fr. Dr. Patrick Appiah, in upholding the dignity and reputation of this cherished institution,” the statement said.

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