The Vice-President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has launched the 150th anniversary celebration of Mfantsipim School, describing the all-boys institution as one of the most respected secondary schools on the continent and a key force in developing human capital and strengthening the intellectual foundations of the country’s democracy and progress.
She noted that institutions such as Mfantsipim have played a vital role in shaping individuals who have contributed significantly across various sectors of development.
She added that as the school marks its sesquicentennial anniversary, it carries an even greater responsibility to equip students with critical thinking skills, digital literacy, strong ethical values and a sense of civic responsibility.
“This anniversary invites reflection on the structure, quality, relevance and direction of education,” she said.
“It reminds us to uphold discipline and character, expand access without compromising excellence, and align education with an innovation-driven economy,” Prof. Opoku-Agyemang stated.
The Vice-President further emphasised that education must foster innovation, resilience and a strong commitment to nation-building.
While commending the school’s forward-looking initiatives, including its proposed STEM Centre, she stressed the need for programmes that cut across all academic disciplines.
She reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening secondary education nationwide, noting that meaningful progress depends on strong partnerships with stakeholders such as faith-based organisations, alumni bodies and the private sector.
She also urged current students to recognise the rich legacy they have inherited and to uphold the values of integrity, discipline and service.
The Vice-President praised the school’s old boys for their sustained support and investment, which continue to extend the institution’s transformative impact to new generations.
“I congratulate you on this historic milestone and wish you a successful and impactful celebration. May the next 150 years be even more impactful,” she said.
Established in 1876 by the Methodist Church, Mfantsipim is widely regarded as the first secondary school in the country. It has produced notable figures, including former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who served from 1997 to 2006.
The launch, held last Saturday at the Palms Convention Centre, brought together government officials, clergy, alumni and education stakeholders to reflect on the school’s legacy and its contribution to shaping some of Ghana’s most influential personalities.
The anniversary is being celebrated on the theme: “150 years of shaping Ghana’s greatest minds.” Activities lined up include a lecture series, Founder’s Day celebration and corporate social responsibility initiatives, culminating in a grand durbar on November 14, 2026.
The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, described the school as a cornerstone of Ghana’s education system and commended its long-standing contribution to national development.
On the state of education, he announced that from July 1 this year, special education for persons with disabilities would be made free. He also revealed that GH¢100 million has been allocated under the Ghana Education Trust Fund formula approved by Parliament to enhance social inclusion.
Chairman of the anniversary planning committee, John B. Yamoah, traced the school’s origins to its founding vision of producing well-educated citizens of the then Gold Coast, now Ghana, to serve both God and country. He said the school has since evolved into a bastion of excellence, producing leaders in governance, academia, diplomacy, sports and innovation.
A businessman and old student of Adisadel College, Sam Jonah, described the long-standing rivalry between the two schools as a healthy competition grounded in mutual respect and the pursuit of excellence.
“Rivalry at its best is respect wearing a competitive mask,” he said, noting that both institutions have consistently pushed each other to achieve higher standards over the years.
He encouraged current students to uphold the school’s tradition of excellence and leadership, expressing optimism that the next 150 years would be even more impactful.
The Ebusuapanyin of the Mfantsipim Old Boys Association (MOBA) and CEO of Margins Group, Moses Baiden Jr, underscored the school’s foundational role in shaping Ghana’s national identity and leadership culture.
He added that it was time for old students to be given a more active role in discussions and decisions regarding the school’s development at the national level.
