150th anniversary: Mfantsipim School marks Founders’ Day
The historic campus of Mfantsipim School in Cape Coast was filled with nostalgia, humour and renewed pride over the weekend as students, alumni, and guests gathered for a three-day Founders’ Day celebration ahead of the school’s 150th anniversary in November this year.
The event, held from Friday, April 24 to Sunday, April 26, 2026, formed part of a year-long commemorative programme aimed at reconnecting the school community with its roots while reinforcing the values of discipline, leadership and service that have defined the institution since 1876.
From tree planting and mentorship sessions to a public lecture and a historic torch procession, each day of the event carried a distinct message; the legacy of Mfantsipim School should be protected, strengthened and carried forward by future generations.
Acknowledged as Ghana’s oldest secondary school, the institution used the occasion not only to honour its founders but also to remind students that the values of discipline, service and leadership remain central to its identity.
The celebration also drew participation from several institutions across the Central Region, transforming the event into a gathering of schools connected by history and tradition.
Among the participating schools were Adisadel College, Ghana National College, Aggrey Memorial AME Zion Senior High School, University Practice Senior High School, Oguaa Senior High Technical School and Komenda College of Education.
Tree planting
Activities opened on Friday morning with a symbolic tree-planting exercise on the school campus by students, alumni and guests, to mark continuity, growth and the enduring legacy of the institution.
The day was climaxed with a public lecture delivered by the principal of Komenda College of Education and an alumnus of the school, Professor Kwesi Nkum Wilson, on the theme:
"Faith-led education and nation building: The legacy of missionary schools in shaping Ghana’s leadership and development”.
He traced the historical roots of missionary education in the Gold Coast, explaining how early mission schools combined formal education with moral and religious instruction.
Mentorship and candlelight procession
On Saturday morning, there was a mentorship session for students where speakers shared personal experiences and encouraged students to remain focused and disciplined despite modern-day challenges.
Later on Saturday, there was a candlelight procession through Mount Hope, Blankson Private Residence, McCarthy Hill and Acquaah Private Residence, locations that once served as temporary homes of the school before it settled at its present site.
Students reflect
For students, the celebrations offered both inspiration and a deeper sense of identity.
Samuel Adentwie, a student, described the experience as a powerful reminder of the school’s enduring legacy.
“I am very excited about what has happened over these three days,” he said, adding, “It is inspiring to know that our school has stood the test of time for 150 years, and I am proud to be part of that history.”
Another student, Percy Papa Kwesi Ghansah, said the historic walk through had helped students appreciate the sacrifices behind the institution’s growth.
The programme also marked the sod-cutting ceremony for the Mfantsipim Sesquicentennial Memorial Project, a six-month development initiative funded by SYG 2026 groups MOBA 1976, 1986, 1996, 2006 and 2016.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the President of the Sponsoring Year Groups (“Sixes”) of Mfantsipim School, Kofi Coleman, said the Founders’ Day celebration formed part of a year-long programme lineup marking the school’s 150th anniversary, aimed at helping students understand the institution’s historical journey since its establishment in 1876.
He, however, acknowledged infrastructural challenges, stating that although school buildings remained functional, there was still significant work to be done.
He disclosed some major projects ahead of the anniversary: the completion of the school's modern sports complex (Kwabotwe Centre of Sports Excellence), a general facelift of school infrastructure, and a Sesquicentennial Memorial Park to preserve the school’s history and provide a reflective space, which would be undertaken to leave a lasting legacy beyond physical structures.
Call to discipline and continuity
The Headmaster of the school, Reverend Ebenezer Aidoo, delivered a sober address reminding students that the legacy they inherit was not built in comfort.
He reflected on the sacrifices of the school’s founders and urged students to remain disciplined, persistent, and purpose-driven and hold high the values of Mfantsipim, hard work, resilience and integrity.
The three-day celebration ended last Sunday with a thanksgiving service held at the school.
