By Michael Foli Jackidy
Abor (V/A), Feb 22, GNA – Abor Senior High School (ABORSCO) in the Keta Municipality has celebrated its 60th Anniversary under the theme: “60 Years of Impactful Journey: Providing Transformative Secondary Education Through Indigenous Values and 21st Century Skills.”
The Diamond Jubilee celebration also served as a fundraising platform to support anniversary activities and a legacy project, the construction of a six-unit teachers’ bungalow to improve staff accommodation.
Representing President John Dramani Mahama as Special Guest of Honour, Mr James Gunu the Volta Regional Minister, described the 60-year milestone as “not just a celebration of time, but a celebration of legacy.”
He said for six decades, ABORSCO has been a centre of academic excellence, discipline, leadership formation and character building. The theme perfectly captures the direction Ghana must take.
“Education must not only inform the mind; it must shape character. It must preserve our indigenous values while equipping our youth with global competitiveness,” he stated.
He outlined government’s commitment to modernising secondary school infrastructure, expanding STEM and technical education, promoting entrepreneurship, and aligning education with the 24-Hour Economy agenda to create sustainable employment.
Mr Gunu said the Volta Region is strategically positioned for growth, from agro-processing and tourism to renewable energy and ICT. But opportunity demands preparation, and preparation begins in schools like ABORSCO.
He urged students to embrace technology, develop critical thinking, and remain grounded in values such as integrity, discipline, and communal responsibility.
Mr Bernard Ahiafor, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Member of Parliament for Akatsi South, an alumnus of the school, described the theme as timely and reflective of ABORSCO’s long-standing commitment to excellence.
He recounted the difficult conditions under which earlier generations studied, including inadequate facilities and long commuting distances, yet noted that the school produced accomplished professionals across various sectors.
“Though ABORSCO was not my first choice at the time, it became a defining experience in my life. The school shaped my character and career path,” he said.
He urged current students to take advantage of improved infrastructure and qualified teachers, warning against social vices such as internet fraud, substance abuse, and indiscipline.
“Education brings joy and fulfilment when approached with seriousness. Spend your time learning; there is joy in it,” he advised.
Representing the Chief of Staff, Mr Julius Debrah, Mr Elvis Afriyie Ankrah Presidential Envoy on Interfaith and Ecumenical Affairs, emphasised the need for transformative education in a digital age.
“Education today is no longer confined to textbooks. Digital skills determine employability. Social media is now a marketplace, a classroom, and a branding platform. Students must become creators, not just consumers,” he said.
However, he cautioned that technology without character could be dangerous, stressing the importance of Ghanaian values such as respect, humility, integrity and responsibility.
“Your online presence must reflect your upbringing. The goal is to produce not just digitally skilled students, but digitally responsible citizens,” he added.
Mr Francis Yao Agbemadi, the Volta Regional Director of Education, noted that the anniversary reflected the enduring spirit of excellence and unity that defines ABORSCO.
He acknowledged challenges such as shortages of non-teaching staff and reiterated the Ghana Education Service’s zero tolerance for student indiscipline and teacher misconduct.
“Discipline is the foundation of excellence. Students must avoid substance abuse, cyberbullying, and misuse of government-supplied tablets. Any acts of violence against teachers will not be tolerated,” he warned.
Mr Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey, the Member of Parliament for Keta, described ABORSCO as an institution of distinction guided by the core values of SHINE-Selflessness, Honesty, Integrity, Networking, and Evaluation.
He outlined future priorities including modernising classroom blocks and laboratories, expanding ICT and science facilities, improving student accommodation and sanitation, and strengthening guidance systems.
He commended the government’s investment in digitalisation, teacher recruitment and capacity building, noting that such interventions provide a solid foundation for schools like ABORSCO to thrive.
Rev Dr Seth Kwasi Gocky Agbeyome, Headmaster of the school, expressed profound gratitude to stakeholders for their unwavering support to the institution over the past six decades.
He highlighted the school’s notable achievements in academics, sports, and debate competitions, describing them as evidence of ABORSCO’s sustained commitment to excellence.
He particularly commended the 2025 graduating class for recording a remarkable 100 per cent pass rate in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), describing the feat as a testament to the dedication of both staff and students.
Rev Dr Agbeyome, however, appealed for increased infrastructural support to address the needs of the school’s growing student population.
He noted that expanding facilities, including classrooms, laboratories and accommodation, would be critical to sustaining academic standards and ensuring a conducive teaching and learning environment.
As ABORSCO marks six decades of existence, stakeholders called for renewed collaboration among alumni, teachers, parents and government to ensure the school continues to blend heritage with innovation, discipline with dynamism, and values with vision.
The celebration ended with a collective resolve to make the next 60 years even more impactful, as the school’s motto, “Arise and Shine,” echoed through the gathering, an enduring call to excellence and service.
GNA
Edited By: Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade