Mfantsipim School is preparing to commemorate 150 years of existence, a milestone that organisers say represents not only the school’s longevity but the broader story of secondary education in Ghana.
Founded in 1876, the institution is widely regarded as the country’s first secondary school. Over the course of a century and a half, it has become synonymous with academic discipline, leadership formation and public service, producing generations of alumni who have contributed to national development and global discourse.
The 150th anniversary celebration, themed “A Legacy of Excellence, Leadership and Service to Inspire the Future,” will span several months, beginning in March and running through November 2026. The official launch is scheduled for April 11, 2026, at the Accra International Conference Centre.
At a press engagement in Accra ahead of the launch, Chairman of the Planning Committee, John Yamoah, described the sesquicentennial as a national moment rather than merely an institutional anniversary. According to him, the occasion provides an opportunity to reflect on 150 years of structured secondary education and its role in shaping leaders across sectors including governance, academia, business, science and sports.
He indicated that the anniversary will be anchored not only in ceremonial activities but also in legacy initiatives designed to strengthen the school’s future. These include improvements to academic and residential facilities, expanded support for STEM and digital learning, upgrades to sports infrastructure, and the establishment of a historical museum to preserve archival materials dating back to the school’s founding. A commemorative monument is also expected to form part of the celebration.
Also addressing the gathering, Director General of the Ghana Education Service, Ernest Kofi Davis, commended the school’s longstanding contribution to the country’s educational development. He noted that the institution’s history offers a useful lens through which the evolution of secondary education in Ghana can be examined, citing its consistent output of graduates who have served in diverse capacities both locally and internationally.
Planned activities for the anniversary year include lecture series, alumni homecoming events, community outreach initiatives, sporting competitions, awards ceremonies and a grand durbar expected to bring together stakeholders from across the country and beyond.
