By Stanley Senya
Accra, Nov. 23, GNA – The 2001 Year Group of the Old Achimotans Association (OAA 2G1) has held a sod-cutting ceremony to commence its 25th Anniversary Legacy Project to renovate the School’s Science Lecture Theatre.
The ceremony brought together alumni, dignitaries, school authorities, and students to modernise the facility as part of the group’s silver jubilee celebrations.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Joel Nettey, President of the Old Achimota Association, explained that every year group of the Association was required to undertake specific projects at various milestones as part of Achimota School’s long-standing tradition of alumni service.
“At ten years, groups mentor students; at twenty, they organise Teachers Appreciation Day; at twenty-five, they are tasked to deliver a major legacy project as well as organise the torchlight procession, bonfire night and Speech and Prize-Giving Day,” he said.
He noted that the 2001 group, which turns 25 in 2026, had chosen to refurbish the Science Lecture Theatre because of its central importance to science education and its deteriorating state.
“At Achimota, we pride ourselves on educating the head, heart and hand, this project will not only support our performance in science and mathematics but will strengthen STEM education for generations,” Mr Nettey stressed.
Also, the OAA also undertakes other major legacy projects at the 40-year milestone, where multiple year groups collaborate to deliver large-scale infrastructure, such as staff bungalows and laboratories.
Mr Lom Nuku Ahlijah, Co-chair of the 25th Anniversary Planning Committee, said the Science Lecture Theatre had become outdated and urgently required modernisation to meet contemporary standards.
“As you can see, the facility is not in the best state, our goal is to raise GH¢1.5 million to renovate the entire space, upgrade technology, improve ventilation, refurbish the washrooms and enhance the surrounding environment, he said after a tour of the building.
He explained that the upgraded theatre would serve both Achimota School and other institutions that use the facility for inter-school science competitions and academic engagements.
“This project is for Ghana as a whole, we invite all Old Achimotans, corporate institutions and the general public to contribute. Investments in science education benefit the nation,” he noted.
Delivering the keynote address, Rev. Dr. Joyce Aryee, a distinguished alumna, praised the year group for aligning its celebration with a project that would create lasting institutional value.
“Alumni-driven infrastructure investment is critical to strengthening Ghana’s education sector, our actions today build a stronger foundation for future generations,” she said.
The OAA President also applauded the group for demonstrating leadership and reaffirmed the Association’s support for the project.
Representing the school, the Headmaster described the Science Lecture Theatre as “a space with decades of academic history” and said its renovation would significantly uplift STEM capacity at Achimota School.
As part of the event, the 2001 group launched an open fundraising campaign, providing bank account details and an online portal to allow contributions from Ghana and abroad.
GNA
Christian Akorlie