Assin Manso SHS @ 50
Like a rugged lighthouse on the rocks, Assin Manso SHS (AMASS) continues to withstand the stormy weather. Amass popularly referred to as “Assin University” will climax its 50th anniversary (Golden Jubilee) celebration with pomp and circumstance at the school’s ceremonial grounds at Assin Manso, (the epi-centre of the slave trade in the 18th Century) on Saturday, November 29, 2015.
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Thousands of old students (AMOSU), parents, friends, and well-wishers await the D-day with bated breath. It is with a deep sense of passion recounting the foundation stone of this noble institution which was laid on November 26,1965 by the founding fathers, and the contributions of succeeding generations to the growth of its current status.
Humble beginning (genesis)
When Ghana’s first president, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, took over the reins of government, he prioritised education (Accelerated Development Plan, ADP) and, therefore, saw the need for the training of more teachers to pontificate his social agenda towards the rapid development of the country. His reform commenced with the establishment of Community-Based Teacher Training Colleges to augment the already existing ones.
Conditions to be satisfied before a college could be sited in an area or town included accommodation for students and other logistics that would complement teaching and learning. Through the collaborative efforts of two prominent personalities, Nana Kwame Nkyi XI, the then Paramount Chief of Assin Apimanim Traditional Area and the Late Michael Asiedu (an indigenous son of Assin Achiase) the erstwhile Chief Director of the Ministry of Education, Assin Manso Training College was established on November 26, 1965. The Assin Manso Omanhene’s Palace was used as a dormitory for the men, and the ladies were housed in the chief’s mother’s residence now known as “Unity house”.
Staffing
Mr T. E. K. Arhinful was appointed the principal of the college at its inception. A teaching staff of eight included: Mr John Obiba Egyir –Physical Education, Mr Paul B. Oduro – Mathematics, Mr Sarfo Kantanka- English, Mr Zechariah Essilfie – Geography and Music, Mr Kofi Annan-Nunoo - Education, Mr Yusif Effah – Geography, Mr George Sarbah – Health Science, and Miss Ann Foteh (A Peace Corps Volunteer) for English Language.
Other key staff members were: Mr A. K. Oppong (The First Bursar), Madam Afua Asantewaa (The Chief Cook), and Opanin Kwasi Grushie who performed the dual role of Pantry Hand and Watchman for the girls. Mr John Ofori was (The First Driver) assigned to this institution.
The pioneer head prefect of the college was the late Paa Yeboah, a Native of Assin Besease who founded the Oxford Preparatory Schools with a branch at Assin Andoe.
Infrastructure
The college lacked adequate infrastructure at its inception. It had to rely on makeshift structures such as: an old cocoa shed for dining and entertainment hall and an administrative block housed on the current premises of the NHIS facility, Assin Manso. Previously, temporary wooden structures built at the current Emancipation Centre served as a classroom block.
The school started with an initial student strength of 23, which rose to over 500 in 1977 and it currently stands at 2000.
Board of governors
The inaugural meeting of the Board of Governors was held at the Local Council Hall on September 23, 1967. Mr P. A. Gaisie was appointed chairman of the board and Mr Paul B. Oduro became the secretary. Other members of the board included Rev. Alfred Priddy, Mr Vincent K. Pinkrah, Mr Stephen Sarkodie, Mrs Sophia Yanney, Nana Kwame Nkyi XI (Omanhene) , Mr P. A Gaisie, Mr A.B.S. Boateng, Mr P. E. K. Osten and Madam Elizabeth Otsen.
At the inaugural meeting, the board dealt with the numerous challenges facing the college. Notable among them were lack of a library, offices, a bookshop, accommodation facilities and low academic performance.
Other issues discussed at that meeting were a suitable name for the college, its colours and crest, motto of the school and the naming of the four houses, among others.
At the 3rd meeting of the board on October 11, 1968, the current crest was accepted and adopted. Green and Yellow became the school’s predominant colours and the college motto “ANIMIA WIE NKUNIM DI” was given birth to. The four houses were named after the board members. It is worth noting that one of the Houses, Afrifa was named after Nana Afrifa Kyerempeh (aka Nana Kegya) of Assin Andoe, who released a vast parcel of land for a permanent site for the school.
Transformation
Just before the advent of the Second Republic headed by Dr K. A. Busia, most of the community-based training colleges were abolished, Assin Manso was affected as a result of this education policy. However, Nana Obiri Yeboah I (the then paramount Chief of Afutuakwa Traditional Area aka Lawyer Amissah Aidoo) who was then MP for Assin and Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Barima Kwame Nkyi XI lobbied hard and succeeded in retaining the institution and transformed it into a secondary school in the year 1971, a rebirth from MANSCO to AMASS still under the astute administration of Mr T.E. K. Arhinful. The pioneers of the secondary school programme include; Mr Samuel Ababio, former assistant headmaster (Academic), Mr Ogyampa Amoah (rtd) formerly of the Agric Department -AMASS, Mr Kojo Ayirebi – Bondzie a tutor at Akrokeri Training College, Mr Kwame Derchie Assistant Headmaster (Academic), Ghana National College and Mr Anim Damte (the Senior Prefect) Vice – Principal, Fosu College of Education.
Products of amass
The school over its 50-year span has produced its fair share of eminent and distinguished personalities who have chalked up successes in their chosen fields of endeavour and are serving in various positions both locally and internationally.
Achievements
With inspiration and motivation from management and old students, the current crop of students are excelling academically and results from WAEC testify to this fact. The school in 2009 recorded a 98.9 per cent pass, 98.32 per cent pass in 2011, 95.46 per cent pass in 2012, down to 88.94 per cent in 2013 but up to 93.36 per cent in 2014 and 94.86 per cent in 2015.
In the National Math and Science Quiz competition, the school reached the quarter finals of the 2014/2015 edition losing to the eventual winners, Prempeh College. At the regional level, AMASS upstaged endowed schools such as Holy Child Senior High School, Mfantsipim School and Mfantsiman Girls Senior High School.
Amass, according to National Science and Maths Quiz 2015 ranking, is placed 17th among all the senior high schools in Ghana.
In sports, the school has excelled in athletics and volleyball, taking the number one spot for Zone Five over the last three years.
Challenges
In spite of the numerous achievements chalked, the school still has challenges, the notable ones being lack of accommodation for a teaching staff of 90 and the upsurge of intruders who steal and harass female students because there is no wall. The school is also suffering from inadequate furniture for staff and students and a poor road network system.
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Furthermore, there are a lot of uncompleted projects which need serious attention. An example is the 18-unit classroom block which has been under construction since 2006.
Last but not least, the school lacks an infirmary and boarding facilities are woefully inadequate to accommodate almost 2,000 students. The situation compels a sizeable number of students to rent apartments in hostels and nearby communities.
To our Great School, a 24-gun salute on its 50th anniversary. We can only print her achievements in letters of gold. “Ayekooo AMASS”.