Students across the educational divide have been urged to embrace audacity, discipline and adaptability as guiding principles for success in an ever-evolving world.
Delivering the keynote address at the 149th Speech and Prize-Giving Day of Mfantsipim School, the Commercial Growth Director at GE Power and 1995 alumnus, Michael Konadu, emphasised that true audacity was not recklessness, but “courage guided by discipline.”
Held on the theme: “Hɛn Nananom Botae Pa: 149 Years of Sustaining Legacy, Building Excellence,” the event brought together students, staff, old boys, dignitaries, education stakeholders and parents to celebrate the rich legacy of Ghana’s oldest secondary school and reflect on its future as it approached its 150th milestone.
Talent
Mr Konadu reminded the students that discipline was the highest form of freedom, explaining that it bridged talent and legacy.
He said Ghana and Africa needed “builders and innovators, not just talkers,” urging the younger generation to stay grounded in their values while remaining open to transformation.
He further advised parents to nurture their children with love and consistency, noting that “children need peace and stability to thrive.”
The Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, lauded the school for its immense contribution to national development through the training of outstanding human capital.
He congratulated the school on its 149th anniversary and recent National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) triumph.
Prof. Davis revealed that the government was set to build robotics and engineering laboratories in four senior high schools, including Mfantsipim, to promote STEM education.
He assured the students that he would forward their concerns, including the appeal for infrastructure expansion, to the appropriate authorities.
He also cautioned against rising cases of indiscipline among students, urging them to “uphold the values that define Mfantsipim’s legacy.”
Gratitude
The headmaster of the school, Ebenezer Kobina Aidoo, expressed his gratitude to God and all stakeholders for sustaining the school’s legacy for nearly a century and a half.
He described Mfantsipim as “a citadel of character, intellect and excellence,” noting that it was more than just a school; it was an institution where discipline and sacrifice merged to produce holistic individuals.
Mr Aidoo highlighted the school’s success in all facets of life, including academics, sports and moral development.
Anniversary
As the school prepared for its 150th anniversary next year, he called for unity among all stakeholders to celebrate the milestone in peace and togetherness.
The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, Dr Paul Kwabena Boafo, commended the school for not only imparting academic knowledge but also nurturing faith, discipline and patriotism.
The Regional Commercial Head of English-Speaking Africa at Medtronic, Divine Akaba, who chaired the occasion, praised the collective spirit of the MOBA fraternity.
A retired legal practitioner, Dr David A. Fiifi Sam, urged the students to protect the school’s legacy and avoid shortcuts to success.
Appeal
The Head Boy of the school, Martey Anim Atoklo, appealed to the government and old boys to support the expansion of the school’s assembly hall to accommodate the increasing student population.
