Navigation

© Zeal News Africa

Ghana's Mawuli School Marks 75 Years of Excellence: Education Minister Joins Grand Celebrations

Published 1 day ago7 minute read
Pelumi Ilesanmi
Pelumi Ilesanmi
Ghana's Mawuli School Marks 75 Years of Excellence: Education Minister Joins Grand Celebrations

The Mawuli School community recently concluded its week-long 75th Anniversary celebrations, a grand event that paid tribute to decades of academic excellence, stringent discipline, and invaluable service to Ghana and beyond. The festivities, spearheaded by the Headmaster, Board of Governors, staff, and a global network of alumni, included a vibrant float through Ho's main streets, a health walk, various sporting competitions, a lively food bazaar, and rich cultural displays. The celebration reached its apex with a grand durbar, drawing an esteemed audience of dignitaries, revered traditional leaders, and former students from across the globe.

During the welcome address, Mr. Benjamin Yaw Dei, the Headmaster of Mawuli School, eloquently described the institution's 75-year journey as a compelling narrative of resilience, innovation, and unwavering faith in a higher purpose. He extended heartfelt tributes to the founding fathers – the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana, and the Gold Coast Colonial Administration – whose visionary efforts in 1950 laid the foundation for an institution dedicated to cultivating responsible citizens and future leaders for national development. Mr. Dei proudly enumerated the school's remarkable academic achievements, including a consistent 95% pass rate and notable successes in prestigious national and international competitions such as the National Science and Maths Quiz, the National Oratory Competition, and the Climate Change Debate, where Mawuli School emerged victorious. He also announced with pride that four students who excelled in the National Olympiad are set to represent Ghana in upcoming international public speaking contests in South Africa, China, and the United Kingdom.

Further acknowledging governmental support, the Headmaster lauded the sustained implementation of the Free SHS policy and commended the Minister of Education for his "bold and visionary leadership" in transitioning to a single-track education system, assuring that Mawuli School is fully prepared to support this initiative. However, Mr. Dei also brought attention to pressing infrastructure concerns, noting that the school's facilities are under immense pressure due to a student population of 1,161. While expressing gratitude for new infrastructure projects initiated by the Minister, he appealed for urgent completion of an unfinished classroom block and girls’ dormitory, along with the provision of additional GETFund classroom blocks to alleviate severe congestion. He further highlighted financial challenges stemming from the transition from prepaid to postpaid electricity meters, requesting government intervention to ease this burden.

Hon. Kofi Attor, the Board Chairman of Mawuli School, also spoke, praising the enduring foresight of the founding fathers and the robust partnership between the Evangelical Presbyterian Church and the state in shaping the institution. Quoting Malcolm X, he powerfully stated that "education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today." He passionately urged both current students and alumni to steadfastly uphold the school’s fundamental values of discipline, integrity, service, and creativity, which have been instrumental in sustaining its reputation as a distinguished centre of excellence. Hon. Attor reaffirmed the Board’s steadfast commitment to ensuring that Mawuli School continues to deliver a holistic education that judiciously balances intellect, moral discipline, and practical skills, in perfect harmony with its timeless motto: “Head, Heart, and Hand.”

Adding his voice to the chorus of commendations, Mr. Francis Yaw Agbemadi, the Volta Regional Director of Education, congratulated Mawuli School on achieving its Diamond Jubilee, acknowledging its seven-and-a-half decades of nurturing character and excellence. He emphasized that the anniversary theme, “Empowering the Heart and Hand into the Future,” encapsulates the true spirit of modern education—one that equips learners with essential knowledge, core values, and practical skills necessary for responsible citizenship and global competitiveness. Mr. Agbemadi meticulously explained the school’s motto: the "Head" symbolizes creativity and problem-solving; the "Heart" embodies values, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning; while the "Hand" represents practical skills that translate theoretical knowledge into purposeful, tangible action. He encouraged teachers, students, and alumni to remain dedicated to the school’s ideals, asserting, “Together, you are the custodians of this heritage and the architects of its future.” He concluded by urging the entire Mawuli community to deepen their impact and uphold the institution’s legacy of excellence.

A significant highlight of the celebrations was the memorable address delivered by the Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, who passionately underscored the paramount importance of student-centred education and the critical need for practical, skills-based learning across Ghana. Speaking at the grand event, Minister Iddrisu unequivocally stated that the student must remain at the core of national education policy. He announced ambitious curriculum revisions, from kindergarten through to senior secondary school, designed to integrate cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, coding, and electronics, thereby preparing young Ghanaians for a rapidly evolving technological landscape. The Minister also emphasized the crucial role of discipline, integrity, and character formation within schools, stressing the need to maintain exceptionally high standards. He firmly declared, “We will not tolerate indiscipline in our schools, including cases where teachers abuse learners. Any teacher found taking advantage of a student will face strict sanctions.” To the students, he imparted a powerful message: “As you leave Mawuli School, carry with you two core values: discipline and integrity. The future is yours to shape.” Minister Iddrisu further reflected on the enduring partnership between the Church and the State in Ghana’s education sector, noting, “I am pleased to note that His Excellency John Damani-Malma and the NDC government recognise the significant and ongoing role of the Church in providing education. In the Volta Region, initiatives such as the construction of new campuses and technical schools are being prioritised.” As part of the celebratory events, the Minister also performed a symbolic sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of new dormitories at the school, reinforcing the government’s commitment to enhancing learning infrastructure. He lauded notable alumni and public figures, including Farah Strong and the Chief of Army Staff, who exemplify the Mawuli ethos of excellence, and acknowledged the dedicated efforts of the Headmaster, staff, and governing board in shaping generations of students.

Richard Nyarko, the Global President of the Old Mawuli Students Union (OMSU), delivered an inspiring address that highlighted the indispensable role of alumni in the school's continuous development. Speaking to a diverse gathering, Mr. Nyarko drew profound inspiration from the dedication and sacrifices of past generations, asserting that the school’s legacy must be diligently nurtured and advanced by its alumni. He emphasized the strength of OMSU as a well-organized association with vibrant chapters spanning Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Kirkuk, Sumeru, and Sabana, all united in purpose. Mr. Nyarko articulated two primary objectives for the global alumni body: first, to strengthen connections among alumni to effectively leverage their collective resources, networks, and influence for mutual welfare; and second, to channel these concerted efforts toward significantly enhancing the quality and infrastructure of Mawuli School. He proudly revealed a tangible achievement: the commissioning and handover of a four-unit, two-bedroom staff apartment during the celebration. This impressive project, initially valued at $8,000,000, was completed at an efficient $740,000, serving as a testament to the alumni network's efficiency and dedication. “We are the only ones who can make Mawuli School better. Let us commit our resources, our influence, and our connections to this mission,” he urged. Beyond infrastructure improvements—which include connecting water supply across campus, renovating classrooms, and refurbishing furniture—Mr. Nyarko underscored the critical importance of academic excellence, stating that Mawuli’s long-term success hinges not only on physical facilities but also on maintaining high academic standards and competitiveness. He announced a strong future focus on academics for the coming year. The celebration also included heartfelt recognition for the numerous volunteers and coordinators—from chapters in the UK, US, Australia, and various other regions, as well as teams responsible for events, branding, and fundraising—whose tireless efforts and sacrifices made the anniversary possible. Adding a personal touch, he paid tribute to his former headmaster, Chato Akolo, and invited alumni to join him in singing a nostalgic school song, a cherished tradition from Monday morning assemblies. Mr. Nyarko concluded with unwavering confidence in the collective power of the alumni community to continue driving Mawuli School toward even greater achievements. The 75th Anniversary of Mawuli School thus stood as a profound testament to the enduring spirit, dedication, and unity of its alumni, students, and staff, celebrating not only its rich history but also its promising future.

Recommended Articles

Loading...

You may also like...