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Opoku Ware school (OWASS) homecoming is easily becoming one of the most exciting events that often takes place during the first quarter of each year.

The entire Akatakyie old boys come together with oodles of spirit and energy as they gather to share fond memories and give back to the school.

In line with this tradition, on 23 March, 2019, the AQ/AV 400+ marched gallantly back to their Alma Mater, for their homecoming celebrations.

It was a sight to be behold as this event saw the gathering of many familiar faces, the recollection of past memories, the challenges and goals that were aimed before drifting apart. Yes! This was definitely an event which did not only bring back profound memories but provided a stage where every person tried to relive the glory days and rekindled the bliss of once being a student.

As patrons reminisced about their school days, the event also provided an opportunity for those present to acquaint themselves with events on campus as many danced, tapped their feet, and nodded in elation to tunes provided by the school brass band. Some of us have very vivid memories of the school but boy, the school has changed: whilst the tradition of keeping the environment clean was evident with manicured and polished surroundings, the size of the student population keeps quadrupling and many new buildings continue to grace the various spaces where we once used to congregate during our spare time.

The school cadet, who were smartly kitted in their Army suits, did not fail to entertain us to their well-rehearsed drills. The day also saw a number of great speeches but the key-note address by the Minister for Planning, Professor George Gyan-Baffour, an Okatakyie and the guest of honour, was very inspirational.

During our time, making even a phone call was a big deal, but the technological advancement of these current students, which was on exhibition at the event, quickly reminded us that the school is not too distant from producing the next Mark Zuckerberg.

The theme for this year’s homecoming was, inculcating environmental awareness in young minds: the role of innovative school leadership. This event was therefore a confluence of reliving past experiences and creating awareness of environmental issues among the current students. I am hesitant to do this at the risk of sounding self serving and self promoting, but given the theme of this homecoming celebrations, trumpeting the efforts made by this year group in addressing the sanitation challenges on campus is the least of the accolades that could be associated with them, particularly when such challenges are getting negative prominence and notoriety in the media.

As you may remember, in February this year, the school received bad press coverage due to some sanitation challenges on campus. In their bid to partly address the challenges, the AQ/AV 400+ Year group took upon themselves to provide an ultra modern 17-seater washroom for the school.

The facility which was handed over to the school set the crown of a fight to improve the sanitation conditions in the school.

This project, which was constructed at a cost of 250,000 Gh, boasts of 2 well-equipped toilets for the staff, 14 ‘normal’ and 1 disabled seats for the students. Whilst the various houses in the school have their own washrooms, the strategic positioning of this facility is what tinkles my fancy: it is within close proximity of the classrooms to allow easy access during school hours. The co-celebrants of this homecoming, the AS year group, also handed over to the school a renovated school gate.

I must say, this project was also artistically and professionally executed to the highest of standards. This monumental edifice has also changed the narrative when it comes to discussions around entrances to various schools in the country. By these efforts, it is reasonable to hold the view that we are in a comfortable lead in setting the pace for others to follow and very soon I would not be surprised if the green-shirted Booty Ninjas, located along the Sofoline highway, replicate this.

To the AQ/AV 400+ and AS old boys, I say Ayekoo and thank you bountifully for the courage you displayed in giving back to the school. To those under whose watch these projects were executed, particularly Kofi Agyei ‘Capuna’ (AQ 143), Somaila Kyirapem, (AQ 67), Emmanuel Ofori Yeboah (AQ 231) and Kofi Selasie (AQ 176), please accept our heartfelt appreciation; your heroic efforts have set you on a path of historical eminence. Clearly, as the school population grows so are the challenges that will befall it.

The projects handed over by these year groups remind us all of the need to give back to our Alma Mater and hope that the old boys of this great school will continue to support it in the years ahead. It was truly an honour to see the many faces of people who once aspired to be and became who they are right now.

Thank you.

Katakyie Kwame Parbey (AQ 3)