By James Amoh Junior, GNA
Accra, June 1, GNA – Accra Academy has officially launched its 95th Anniversary celebrations with a call on alumni, corporate institutions and stakeholders to support a GH₵50 million fundraising campaign aimed at upgrading key infrastructure ahead of the school’s centenary in 2031.
The launch, held at the Ridge Church Hall in Accra, brought together government officials, alumni, educationists and students to celebrate the institution’s contributions to national development over the past nine decades.
Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Administration, Office of the President, speaking as Special Guest of Honour, paid tribute to the school’s legacy and described herself as “more Bleoo than most” because of her family’s long-standing association with the institution spanning four generations.
Addressing the gathering on the theme: “Accra Academy at 95 Years: A Legacy of Pride, Purpose and Achievement,” she recounted her personal connection to the school and praised its founders for their vision in establishing the institution in 1931 to provide educational opportunities for brilliant but underprivileged youth.
She commended the founding fathers, Dr Kofi George Konuah and Messrs Samuel Niels Awuletey, Gottfried Narku Alema and James Akwei Halm-Addo, for laying the foundation for what has become one of Ghana’s leading educational institutions.
According to her, Accra Academy’s influence on Ghana’s development was evident in the calibre of leaders it had produced over the years, including a Head of State, Chief Justices, Speakers of Parliament, sports personalities, scientists, entrepreneurs and public servants.
Nana Oye Bampoe Addo said the values of discipline, integrity, service and purpose that define Accra Academy were closely aligned with the Government’s national development agenda.
She highlighted several interventions being implemented in the education sector, including the No-Fee Stress Policy, increased funding for Free SHS and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), expansion of the Student Loan Trust Fund, infrastructure development and the One Million Coders Programme.
She said the initiatives were intended to build a more equitable, modern and accessible education system capable of preparing young people for national development and global competitiveness.
As part of the anniversary launch, the school unveiled its official 95th Anniversary logo and announced a series of activities to commemorate the milestone.
The programme includes Founders’ Day Memorial Lectures, Career Guidance and Mentorship Sessions, the Bleoo Connect Durbar, a Float and Homecoming, as well as a Grand Anniversary Dinner Dance and Awards Night.
The event also marked the official launch of a GH₵50 million fundraising campaign to renovate the Konuah Assembly Hall and construct new staff flats to improve accommodation for staff and support the school’s long-term development agenda.
Nana Oye Bampoe Addo appealed to old students, parents, corporate bodies and well-wishers to contribute towards the projects and help preserve the school’s legacy for future generations.
She urged young people to embrace patriotism and nation-building, noting that the story of Accra Academy demonstrated the transformative power of purposeful leadership and investment in education.
Nana Oye Bampoe Addo challenged students and alumni to live by the school’s Latin motto, “Esse Quam Videri” – “To Be Rather Than To Seem.”
She said the vision that inspired the establishment of Accra Academy nearly a century ago remained relevant today, adding that the same spirit of purpose, humility and courage was needed to drive Ghana’s transformation.
Founded in 1931, Accra Academy holds the distinction of being the first private secondary school established by Ghanaians and has, over the years, built a reputation for academic excellence, discipline, leadership and service to the nation.
The ceremony was chaired by Mr Edward Doe Adjaho, Chairman of the Council of State and an alumnus of the school.
The keynote address on behalf of the Minister for Education was delivered by Nana Baffour Awuah, Director for Pre-Tertiary Education at the Ministry of Education.
Other speakers included Mr Rodger Allotey, Chairman of the Joint 95th Anniversary Planning Committee, Mr Eric Ebo Sey, Headmaster of Accra Academy, Ambassador Nii Amon Kotey, a member of the Board of Governors, and Mr Joseph Kofi Amoa-Awuah, President of the Accra Academy Old Boys Association.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba