Parliament has celebrated the 150th anniversary of Mfantsipim School, Ghana’s oldest secondary school, paying tribute to its historic contribution to education, leadership development and national progress.
The milestone was commemorated through a statement presented on the floor of Parliament by the Member of Parliament for Atwima Kwanwoma, Kofi Amankwa-Manu, on behalf of himself and co-sponsor Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, MP for Takoradi. Both lawmakers are products of the Cape Coast-based institution.
Founded in 1876, Mfantsipim School has played a pioneering role in Ghana’s educational development, with Parliament describing its 150-year journey as not only a celebration of the institution but also a landmark in the history of secondary education in the country.
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“Founded in 1876, Mfantsipim has, for one hundred and fifty years, stood as a pillar of academic excellence, moral discipline, leadership development, and national service,” Amankwa-Manu stated.
He noted that the establishment of Mfantsipim marked the beginning of secondary education in Ghana, which has since expanded from a single missionary institution to more than 900 senior high schools across the country.
The statement traced the evolution of secondary education through successive reforms, including the early church-led and colonial education systems, post-independence expansion, the O-Level and A-Level framework, the 1987 Junior Secondary School and Senior Secondary School reforms, and the current modernisation of senior high school education.
Hon. Amankwa-Manu also paid tribute to the Wesleyan Mission, now the Methodist Church Ghana, for its vision and commitment to education, which led to the establishment of the school.
Special recognition was given to pioneering founders, including lawyer John Mensah Sarbah, the Wassa Chiefs, early administrators, generations of teachers, the Faithful Eight and students whose contributions helped shape the institution’s identity and values.
According to him, over its 150-year history, Mfantsipim has produced distinguished personalities who have served Ghana and the international community in politics, public administration, education, science, religion, security, business, sports, diplomacy and other professional fields.
“The school’s influence extends far beyond its campus, contributing significantly to national development and to the shaping of Ghana’s civic and leadership culture,” the statement noted.
The lawmaker also commended the Mfantsipim Old Boys Association (MOBA) for its sustained contribution to the school’s development through financial assistance, infrastructure projects, mentorship and strategic guidance.
Amankwa-Manu described the association’s commitment as a major pillar of the school’s continued progress, expressing gratitude for being part of the global network of former students.
He acknowledged the current students for sustaining the school’s academic reputation, particularly through their performances in the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ).
As part of the sesquicentennial celebrations, a year-long programme was organised and officially launched by Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.
The celebrations will reach their climax on Saturday, November 14, 2026, with a Grand Speech Day. President John Dramani Mahama is expected to attend, alongside the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Oguaamanhen and the Esokadomanhene.
In his contribution, co-sponsor Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, MP for Takoradi, acknowledged the contributions of successive governments, the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, the Methodist Church Ghana, parents, guardians and the global MOBA community in sustaining the institution’s legacy.
He described the anniversary as an important national moment for reflecting on the progress of secondary education and the role of established institutions in shaping future generations.
He urged stakeholders in government, the private sector and civil society to strengthen efforts towards quality, inclusive and value-driven secondary education.
“As Old Boys of this great institution, we stand before this august House in humility and gratitude, reaffirming our commitment to supporting national educational development,” Amankwa-Manu said.
The school marks the historic anniversary under its enduring motto, “Dwen Hwe Kan – Think and Look Ahead to Wit; Be Visionary!”