Mfantsipim School has climaxed its 150th anniversary celebrations with a renewed call to preserve its legacy of faith, discipline and academic excellence while preparing students to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.
The celebration, held in Cape Coast, brought together Vice-President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, who represented President John Dramani Mahama, traditional rulers, ministers of state, the Methodist Church Ghana, generations of old boys, staff, students and other stakeholders to commemorate the historic milestone.
Distinguished place in history
Addressing the gathering, Vice-President Opoku-Agyemang described Mfantsipim as an institution occupying a distinguished place in Ghana's educational history, having nurtured generations of young men who have contributed significantly to national and international development.
She said the anniversary should not only celebrate the school's achievements but also prompt a national conversation about the kind of secondary education Ghana needs for the future.
She commended the Methodist Church Ghana for its enduring contribution to the institution, as well as successive generations of educators, families and supporters. She also acknowledged the Oguaa Traditional Council and the people of Cape Coast for providing a home for the school.
Government's commitment to education
The Vice-President said government remained committed to expanding access to quality education through improved infrastructure, adequate teaching personnel and the maintenance of academic standards.
She cited ongoing efforts to complete stalled school infrastructure projects, the return of some senior high schools to single-track operations and the allocation of GH¢1.3 billion in the 2027 Budget towards improving secondary education and eliminating the double-track system.
She, however, urged the school to preserve the values that have distinguished it over the years, despite changing educational and employment demands.
According to her, technological advancement, scientific innovation, climate change and changing employment patterns required students to acquire relevant knowledge and skills while remaining grounded in character, discipline and service.
She particularly drew attention to the school's motto, "Dwen Hwe Kan," describing its adoption in the Fante language during the colonial era as a significant expression of confidence in African potential and education as a means of achieving independence and self-actualisation.
"May secondary education in Ghana be characterised by true excellence, by which I mean academic achievement, but also strength of character, consistently high standards and, above all, service to others," she said.
A legacy of excellence
The Headmaster of Mfantsipim School, Very Rev. Ebenezer Kobina Aidoo, said the anniversary represented a significant responsibility for the current generation to preserve the institution's heritage while strengthening its foundations for the future.
He paid tribute to the pioneering missionaries, educators, church leaders and benefactors whose sacrifices established the school, as well as successive headmasters, teachers and administrators who have contributed to its growth.
He cited the school's recognition as the best all-round school in the Central Region for three consecutive years, alongside achievements by its regimental band, choir, cadets and French club.
Very Rev. Aidoo expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders for their support, particularly the provision of 3,000 chairs and tables for students and assurances of assistance towards the school's STEM initiatives and staffing needs.
He, however, appealed for the construction of a befitting assembly hall, explaining that the school, despite its 150-year history, lacked a facility capable of accommodating its entire student population. He said most major school gatherings were held in the open air and were frequently disrupted by rainfall.
He also urged old boys to sustain their contributions through infrastructure development, mentorship, professional expertise and other forms of support.
"A legacy is not preserved simply because you remember it. It is preserved when we live its values, protect its integrity and pass it on stronger than we received it," he said.
Government pledges support
The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, responding to the school's appeal for improved facilities and logistical support, announced that the government would provide Mfantsipim with a 66-seater bus on or before January 1, as part of its 150th anniversary celebration.
He also said the school would benefit from the GH¢250 million GETFund allocation in the 2027 funding formula for the 12 best-performing senior high schools, which would support the expansion of infrastructure, including the construction of an assembly hall, dormitories, classrooms, ICT centres and libraries.
Student responsibility
The Head Boy of Mfantsipim School, Isaac Kontan Asare, noted that the school's history was built on faith, discipline and excellence, adding that the present generation has a responsibility to protect those values and extend the school's influence.
He also highlighted the institution's achievements in academics, sports, student leadership, clubs and societies, saying its impact has extended beyond its historic campus to Ghana and the wider world.
Mr Asare urged students to understand that belonging to the institution came with the responsibility to uphold its standards and contribute meaningfully to society.
"Buildings may change, and trophies will fade, but character, service, fame and love shall endure," he said.
As part of contributions towards the school's development, President Mahama donated GH¢100,000, while the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, also donated GH¢500,000.
Established in 1876 with an initial 17 boys, Mfantsipim has played a pioneering role in the development of secondary education in Ghana, producing generations of leaders and professionals across various fields.
