By:Newsalertgh Date: March 4, 2024
Achimota School has celebrated its 97th anniversary in grand style with a lavish celebration under the theme ‘Nurturing the Present, Restoring the Legacy.’
Established in 1927 as the Gold Coast’s first mixed-gender secondary boarding school, Achimota has been a beacon of comprehensive education, nurturing great leaders such as Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
The celebration aimed to honour not only the founding fathers of the school—Guggisberg, Fraser, and Aggrey—but also all esteemed alumni who have contributed significantly to society, embodying the school’s motto of being “Living Waters to a Thirsty Land.”
The weekend festivities, sponsored by the 1974, 1984, and 1999-year groups, commenced with an art exhibition showcasing the works of Akora artists including Ato Delaquis, Theodocia Okoh, Oku Ampofo, Bentil and others. It also focused on Amon Kotei’s work, paying homage to their remarkable contributions.
Additionally, the 1974-year group organized a dental screening and treatment outreach, providing free services to hundreds of students.
The 1999-year group spearheaded the launch of the Achimota School Endowment Trust (ASET) Fund on Thursday, February 29, 2024. The ASET fund aims to support the school’s long-term financial goals, to raise USD 10 million equivalent by the centennial year. This financial resource will be allocated towards academic, infrastructural, and a variety of educational programs.
On Friday evening, the customary vibrant Torchlight Procession, bonfire, and jamboree kicked off the weekend, sponsored by the 1999-year group. This event saw various year groups interacting with thousands of students. The night remained a forever-young gathering, defying all generational inhibitions amidst a cocktail of elevated emotions.
The Cadet Parade on Saturday morning underscored the values of discipline and national leadership. The reviewing officer for the event was Air Commodore Thomas Nii Fio Okai of the 1984-year group, who serves as the Deputy Commandant of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College.
The Grand Durbar on Saturday afternoon epitomized the rich Ghanaian culture through music, dance, and customary rites. Old Achimotan Association President, Akora Joel Nettey, urged all alumni to reflect on the school’s founding principles and consider its future trajectory as preparations for the centennial anniversary in 2027 unfold.
“Today, we celebrate the 97 Anniversary of Achimota School. What this also means is that in a few years, the school will be 100 years old. As Achimota School heads into its centenary in a few years, we must begin to think about the continued relevance of the OAA. We have to revisit the objectives and values on which the school was founded and contemplate the
relevance of Achimota School 100 years after the school was set up.”
“We also have to ask ourselves if Achimota School, as it is currently structured, is in the position to deliver on these objectives and values. If the answer to any of these questions is ‘no’, then we first, as Akoras, have to ask ourselves what we can and should do to help Achimota School regain its glory and compete favourably on even the international stage.”
“Doing this will require a lot of support from all Akoras and perhaps even more importantly, a national rethink of what the structure and governance of secondary schools in Ghana should look like for success.”
“Fellow Akoras, as we eagerly anticipate the forthcoming centenary celebrations, let us also heed the call from our alma mater, Achimota School. In these exciting times, the school seeks our collective efforts to restore and uplift its glory. Let’s rise to the occasion, answer the call, and make our mother – Achimota School – proud in every conceivable way,” portions of the address read.
Special guest speaker, Akora Adrian Nii Odoi Oddoye, emphasized the restoration of Achimota’s legacy of academic excellence and public service. He proposed recommendations for alumni involvement in governance and supporting character development programs.
“At the very foundation of Achimota, therefore, are the principles of academic excellence, a thrust to shape individuals with a strong sense of character and responsibility, and an innate desire to contribute to the wellbeing and positive development of community and society. “When men are intellectually greater than others, we learn from their utterances; when they are morally better, we learn from their lives,” he declared.
“Academic excellence and public-spiritedness is the legacy that must be restored and nurtured in the present-exemplified in the life of Aggrey of Africa. We should always remember this anytime we pass by or worship in the Aggrey Chapel,” Mr Oddoye said.
Akora Adrian Oddoye proceeded to offer several recommendations to all Akoras.
a) The collective wisdom and experience of Achimota alumni and staff is an asset. We should actively seek ways to collaborate with the government and the school administration to contribute to the school’s governance.
b) Empowering the School Board with autonomy ensures that decisions are made with the best interests of the school and its legacy in mind. Independence allows for strategic planning and execution of policies that align with Achimota’s values.
c) While collaboration is essential, excessive interference from external bodies can hinder the school’s ability to maintain its unique identity and legacy. We must advocate for a balance that preserves Achimota’s traditions and values.
d) We must actively support and participate in programs and activities that continue to foster wisdom and character development. Mentorship programs, leadership seminars, and community service initiatives are just a few examples of how we can contribute to nurturing the youth and contributing to the Achimota legacy.
On his part, the Headmaster of the School, Ebenezer Graham Acquah expressed gratitude for alumni support and reiterated the school’s commitment to excellence.
“I want to thank all the celebrating year groups for the unflinching support and the investments made to keep the school running smoothly. I implore you to continue to discharge what you do best with excellence. I wish you a wonderful celebration, and may you succeed in your personal and professional lives as we collectively strive towards positioning Achimota School as a Global Centre of Excellence in Secondary Education.”
“My message to all is that Achimota School has a glorious legacy that should be preserved. Let us therefore continue to work hard and dream big as we launch into the future. I know dreams can often become challenging, but challenges are what we live for and they ought to bring out the best in us. Let us stimulate each other and arise and build our globally recognised School as we gear up towards our Centenary Celebration.”
As part of their legacy project, the 1974 and 1984-year groups renovated the original assembly hall, transforming it into a modern facility ahead of schedule. According to the year groups, the original plan was to rewire the building due to several electrical fires in school buildings. However, it became evident that the scope needed significant expansion.
This expansion included repairing leaking roofs and damaged ceilings, upgrading electrical infrastructure, renovating washrooms, restoring parquet floors and doors, enhancing the audio room and hall with audiovisual equipment, and applying a fresh coat of paint. The estimated costs rose to approximately GH¢1,320,000 (US$120,000), excluding donations in kind and professional services estimated to be an additional GH¢800,000 to GH¢1,000,000. The project, initially scheduled for completion in November 2024, was finished six months ahead of schedule, by March 1st, 2024.
The 1974 and 1984-year group presidents, Akora Gordon Quartey and Akora Ayitey Bulley, along with their members, generously funded the 2024 Motown Founders’ Day celebrations, marking their 50th and 40th years, respectively.
The culmination of the festivities occurred on Sunday, March 3, 2024, with a thanksgiving service featuring a brilliantly delivered sermon and address by Rev Professor Emmanuel Asante. Rev. Asante, a former presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Ghana and chairman of the Ghana Peace Council admonished all attendees to think big, aim high, and be ambitious in their personal and collective endeavours to achieve greatness and restore the legacy of Achimota School.
