By Stephen Asante
Accra, Oct. 15, GNA – The Mfantsipim Old Boys Association (MOBA) has honoured the school’s forebears for laying a strong educational foundation as the institution marks its 150th anniversary with the launch of a commemorative music anthology.
The Association said their legacy of discipline, knowledge, leadership, excellence and service had contributed significantly to the school’s development and Ghana’s educational growth.
Mr Ace Anan Ankomah, a legal practitioner and member of the MOBA 1984 Year Group, said the school’s achievements should inspire younger generations to pursue excellence in their careers.
He was speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Accra during the launch of the Sesquicentennial Anthology, as part of activities marking the anniversary.
The anthology, recorded and produced by Mr Ankomah, features 14 tracks celebrating the school’s musical heritage. The project was supervised by the Anniversary Planning Committee, chaired by Captain John B. Yamoah, a MOBA member.
The collection includes ‘For All The Saints’, the school’s official hymn since 1910, adopted in honour of Reverend A.T.R. Bartrop, who helped save the school from collapse in the early 1900s.
Other tracks are ‘Dwin Hwɛ Kan’, the school’s official anthem since 1963, first composed around 1910; ‘The Mfantsipim Ode’; and ‘Mfantsipim Mfeha Ndwom’, the official anthem and song of the 1976 centenary.
The album also features the ‘Sesquicentennial Anthem’ and ‘Sesquicentennial Jama’, the official musical pieces for the 150th anniversary, alongside a brass band rendition of the jama by the Regimental Band.
Mr Ankomah said the album was produced in memory of his late father, James Kwabena Ankomah, a member of the MOBA 1957 Year Group.
“It is dedicated to the MOBA’ 84 Year Group and to the memory of the MOBA’ 57 Year Group,” he said, adding that many of the tracks were already available on MOBA’s YouTube channels.
Mr Ankomah presented 1,000 pen drives containing the music, with booklets detailing the lyrics and history of each song. He also presented 100 limited-edition red vinyl records to be sold to old boys to raise funds for the school.
Founded in 1876, Mfantsipim School has produced generations of influential leaders and professionals, including former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
Capt. Yamoah said the anniversary offered an opportunity “to reflect on the values of history, importance of the present, and the promise of the future”.
He told the GNA that the celebrations would honour the generations of students, alumni, educators and supporters who had helped build the school’s enduring reputation.
“For Mfantsipim, 150 years represents a legacy of knowledge, character, and leadership,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mfantsipim School has signed a partnership agreement with Caveman Watches, a Ghanaian luxury watchmaker, to produce branded watches for the anniversary.
The partnership seeks to celebrate the school’s 150-year journey and honour the students, alumni, educators and supporters who have contributed to its growth.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Stephen Asante
Email: [email protected]