ABURI GIRLS’ SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

ABURI GIRLS’

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

75TH ANNIVERSARY

SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

DATE: SATURDAY, 22ND JANUARY, 2022
TIME: 10:00AM
THEME: “75 YEARS OF EDUCATING THE GIRL CHILD TO IMPACT SOCIETY.”

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75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY



ABURI GIRLS’ SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

(PRESBYTERIAN)

75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

DATE
SATURDAY, 22ND JANUARY, 2022

TIME
10:00AM
THEME
“75 YEARS OF EDUCATING THE GIRL CHILD TO IMPACT SOCIETY.”
VENUE
JOYCE ASIBEY HALL

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75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

NANA ADDO DANKWA AKUFO-ADDO

PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC
AND

COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE GHANA ARMED FORCES

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75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

RT. REV. PROF JOSEPH OBIRI YEBOAH MANTE

MODERATOR OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF GHANA
SPECIAL GUESTS

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75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

OTTOBUOR GYAN KWASI II

ABURIHENE/ADONTEN HENE OF AKUAPEM & AG.
PRESIDENT OF AKUAPEM TRADITIONAL COUNCIL

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75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

HON. O.B. AMOAH

MP FOR AKUAPEM SOUTH CONSTITUENCY

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75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

PROFESSOR MARGARET GYAPONG

ANNVERSARY SPEAKER

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75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

Order of A ivities

7:00-8:45am School Opens for Guests to enter amidst Cultural Display & Exhibitions
9:00am Students Seated
9:20am Guests Seated
9:30am Arrival of Guest of Honour, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, President of the Republic
9:30-9:50am Guard of Honour Parade by School Cadet Corps to be reviewed by Guest of Honour
9:50am Commissioning and Dedication of Refurbished School Library by Guest of Honour
10:00am Procession of Board of Governors, Special Guest and Guest of Honour

1. National Anthem - All standing
2. Opening Prayer - Rev. Ishmael Dometey Asare
3. School Hymn - O Jesus Strong and Pure and True
4. Introduction of Chairperson - MC
5. Chairperson’s Response - Madam Sika Awoonor
6. Short Report - Senior Prefect
7. Cultural Performance - Cultural Troup
8. Headmistress’ Address - Mrs. Cynthia Anim
9. Message from Old Girls - AOGA President
10. Anniversary Speaker - Professor Margaret Gyapong
11. Appellations - Student
12. Guest of Honour’s Address - Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,

13. Song President of the Republic
14. Presentation of Prizes/ Awards - School Choir
15. Cutting of Anniversary Cake - Assist Headmaster Academic
- Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic
16. Speech & Handing over of Torch
17. Vote of Thanks supported by Moderator of PCG, Aburihene, Headmistress,
18. School Song AOGA President and President of AOGA ‘96D
19. Closing Prayer/ Benediction -1996D Year Group to 1997 Year Group
- Mrs. Rita Biney, Asst Head, Domestic
20. Recession - Our School is Built on a Hill
- Rt. Rev. Prof. Joseph Obiri Yeaboah Mante
Moderator, Presbyterian Church of Ghana
- AGH 200; Stand up! Stand up for Jesus

MCs:
Reverend Edwin Buertey – School Chaplain
Regina Ofori – AOGA National Organizer

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75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY



Hymns for the Speech and Prize-Giving Day

Processional Hymn

AGH 206 2.
1. Stand up! Stand up for Jesus
Stand up! Stand up for Jesus The trumpet-call obey
Ye soldiers of the Cross

It might not suffer loss In this His glorious day
From victory unto victory Ye that are men now serve Him
His army he shall lead Against unnumbered foes
Till every foe is vanquished Your courage rise with danger
And Christ is Lord! Indeed And strength to strength oppose.

3. 4.
Stand up! Stand up! For Jesus Stand up! Stand up for Jesus
Stand in His strength alone The strife will not be long

Ye dare not trust your own The next the victor’s song.
Put on the gospel amour To him that overcometh
Each piece put on with prayer A crown of life shall be;
Where duty calls or danger He with the King of Glory
Be never wanting there. Shall reign eternally

Aburi Girls’ School Hymn
1. 2.

O Jesus strong and pure and true The joyous life that year by year

before thy feet we bow Within these walls is stored

the grace of earlier years renew The golden hope, the gladsome cheer

and lead us onward now We bring to Thee O Lord

3. 4.

Our faith endow with keener power In paths our bravest ones have trod

with warmer glow our love O make us brave to go,

and draw these halting hearts of ours That we may give our lives to God

From earth to things above In serving man below.

5. 6.

and love’s high precept keep, and grace , as from a full-fed spring,
rejoice with those that rejoice to make the world a better place,
and weep with those that weep and life a worthier thing.

School Anthem School Song

Our school is built on a hill top Our school is built on a hill
Bepow so hann is our motto Bepow so hann is our motto
We’ll make our live To be a light We are always victorious
To shine through all from age to age As we work in God’s name
Aburi Girls’! Arise and shine! O Aburi Girls’O Aburi Girls’
Aburi Girls’! Arise and shine! O Aburi mighty eagles
Aburi Girls’! Arise and shine! We shall never ever lose our fame!
Aburi Girls’! Arise and shine!
To make the world a better place
For the future generation
With excellence, we’ll sing and shout
Bepow so HannNyame ne Hene!

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75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

Hi ory of School

HISTORY OF ABURI GIRLS’ SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL to replace her but she also died on 4th November,
THE EARLY BEGINNINGS 1921. Miss Ross went back home and was replaced
The establishment of the Aburi Girls’ Senior High by Misses F. S. Lamont and N. Whimster.
School falls within the missionary work of the In March 1922, Misses A. M. Gray and E. C. Sutherland
Evangelical Missionary Society; otherwise called the were also posted to join the team in the Aburi Girls’
Basel Missionaries, (founders of the Presbyterian School. The school made tremendous progress
Church) in the Gold Coast. The Basel mission thereafter in the training of girls for Christian life and
considered education to be very important for the service. In those early years, the girls were involved in
development of the Christian communities it set out the life of the church by engaging in teaching Children
to establish in the Gold Coast. Thus, from the very during Sunday church services. It is heartwarming to
inception, it opened schools at almost every station know that such a practice continues today with some
where it operated. In line with this policy, the mission of the girls running children service for the children
opened a boarding school for girls at Aburi in April, of staff in the school on Sundays under the auspices
of the Chaplaincy.
the school was Miss Rose Ann Miller (one of the West In 1923, Miss E. H. McKillican arrived in Aburi to
Indian emigrants). The second teacher was Miss Anna replace Miss Agnes Gray who had been transferred
Furer from Basel. Other teachers who followed were to Calabar the previous year. The very year she
Augusta Zimmermann, Theodora Rottman, Emma arrived Miss McKillican introduced a class in Teaching
Kies, Marie Runs, Hanna Brugger, Emma Northwang, Methods out of which the Teacher Training College
Luise Trost and Clara Breuninger. The Aburi Girls’ would eventually emerge.
Boarding School had adequate classroom and It is worth noting that an important aspect of Education
dormitory facilities and so much progress was made was added to the Aburi School in 1925 by Miss C. P.
with students’ enrollment increasing appreciably as
girls from other mission stations namely; Akropong, kind in the country at the school. The Kindergarten
Osu, Abokobi and Odumase Krobo were admitted into class was taken over by Miss E. M. Beueridge – author
the school. In 1898 the enrolment was 51 and it stood of “Kan Me Hwe” a series of readers for infant schools
at 44 in 1914 and the students were up to the 3rd in the Twi - speaking areas of Ghana and she was
standard. assisted by Miss Ophelia Som.
In 1916, a Girls’ Primary Senior School (standard
four to seven) was opened with 31 pupils in addition of the establishment of the Teacher Training College
to the junior school with Miss Clara Breuninger as at Aburi. It was to run as a Two-Year Teacher Training
the Headmistress. There was no female teacher for course for women.
the school at the time hence Mr. John Walker was
transferred from the Akropong Boys’ Primary Senior ESTABLISHMENT OF GRAMMAR SECONDARY
School to the Aburi Girls’ School and he was assisted SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
by Miss Lucy Evans. In 1945, the Education Committee of the Presbyterian
The First World War from 1914-1919 affected work at Church of the Gold Coast (Ghana) proposed to the
the school in Aburi as the British Colonial Government heads of the Basel and the Scottish Missions a Girls’
deported the Basel Missionaries from the Gold Coast. Secondary Grammar School be established by the
This was due to the German background of the church. The school was proposed to run alongside the
missionaries in the British territory in a critical time of Training College programme on the same premises.
war against Germany. The Scottish missionaries who The arrangement was that students admitted to the
were then operating in Calabar in northern Nigerian Secondary School programme would hold classes
were invited to take over the administration of the
Basel mission schools. Subsequently, in 1920 Miss I. two years. This arrangement was adopted with the
P. Ross and Mrs. Howie were posted to the Aburi Girls’ anticipation that the construction of permanent
Schools. Mrs. Howie died on 13th November, 1920, site for the secondary school would be completed
not long after arrival and Miss G. Wallace was posted within the two-year period after which they would

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75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

be separated for their respective curriculum in the third Some friends of the school such as former missionaries
year. Indeed, it was hoped that within the structures for who had links with the school also gave contribution
the secondary school would be ready by the second year in diverse ways. With that, Miss Anderson moved with
of operation for the students to move into them. The
proposal was accepted by the church and the two mission namely; Dina Obiri, Paulina Kitcher and Louisa Nelson for
the Sixth Form programme in the school. They all passed
of seven (7) were admitted to begin the Presbyterian
Church’s Girls’ Secondary School under the name Aburi the Ministry of Education then granted recognition for the
Girls’ Secondary School. The seven pioneer students Sixth Form and absorbed into the government funding.
were Mary Reid, Patience Asante, Vida Mante, Florence SOME EARLY TEACHERS OF THE SCHOOL
Anaman, Elizabeth Boye, Lily Kissi and Rose Aboagye The early European teachers were Miss E. H. McKillican
-Atta. as Head, Misses E. C. Sutherland, Agnes Gray, E. M.
Brodie Edith Sangster, Christabel M. Wedderburn. Their
SPECIAL INSPECTION: Ghanaian counterparts were Misses L. Som, D. Turkson,
On the 2nd July 1951, a team of inspectors from the Osafo, G. Addo Boateng and A. Okantey. Due to shortage
Ministry of Education conducted a thorough inspection
of the school. Members of the team were Miss Quartey Messrs. S. A. Gyampo and Kwei Tsuru were appointed to
teach in the school.

report was excellent and very encouraging. HEADSHIP OF THE SCHOOL
Ms. Elsie McKillican who had been the Principal of the
CONSTRUCTION OF NEW PREMSISES AND MOVEMENT Teacher Training College doubled as Headmistress of the
TO THE NEW SITE Secondary School from its initial years. Her retirement
Acquiring a site for the Secondary School and subsequent in 1953 coincided with the separation of the two
construction of new buildings took longer time than it was institutions. Subsequently, Miss Irene Anderson took over
initially anticipated. After much delay, the present site as Headmistress on November 30th, 1953 and served in
at Safrom was selected and acquired by the Presbyterian that capacity till her retirement in 1971. Mrs. Joyce Lucy
Church of Gold Coast (Ghana). Nana Osae Djan II,
Aburihene and Adontenhene of Akuapem who reigned Headmistress in 1971 and served up to 1988. She was
from 1923 to 1975 was very instrumental in acquisition followed by Mrs. Grace Ansa -Otu who headed the school
of the land from the Asekyere clan of Aburi for the school. from 1988 to 2001. From May 2001 to January 2002, Mrs.
Construction work began in early 1950 and the foundation Akosua Takyiwa Otu, the District Director of Education for
stone was laid on November 8th, 1952, by Lady Arden the Akuapem South District had oversight responsibility
Clarke, wife of the then Governor of the Gold Coast. On of the school as acting Headmistress.
December 10th, 1953, the Secondary School students On 1st February, 2002 Mrs. Sylvia Asempa took over as
numbering seventy-six (76) together with the third (3rd) Headmistress and served in that capacity up to 2011.
and fourth (4th) year Teacher Training College students She was succeeded by Ms. Rosemond Bampo who
marched in a torchlight procession from the old premises
of the College in Aburi town for the current site of the 2011 to September 2016. Mrs. Alice Prempeh- Fordjour
Secondary School. This was the historic time when the assumed the position of Headship of the school from
secondary section was physically separated from the 5th September, 2016 to December, 2021. The seventh
substantive Headmistress, Mrs. Cynthia Anim assumed
school took place on December 11th, 1953 at 3:30pm. Headship of the school in December, 2021.
Each of these headmistresses worked hard to move the
ESTABLISHMENT OF SIXTH FORM school from one level of development to the other thus
In 1958, the need for a Sixth Form became necessary as
schools in Ghana.
were not getting placement in the schools with Sixth Form
at the time. Miss Irene Anderson, the then Headmistress SCHOOL BOARD
moved to establish one to absorb her students but this
proposal was turned down by the Ministry of Education. September, 1953 with the Rev. C. H. Clerk, Synod Clerk of
She however, had the support of the Presbyterian Church the Presbyterian Church of the Gold Coast as Chairman.
of Ghana who offered the girls scholarship for their studies. On 31st July, 1972, Dr. Mrs. Leticia Obeng was elected

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75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

Currently the school has a thirteen-member Board of
Governors representing various stakeholders under the
Chairmanship of Rev. I. D. Asare, Chairperson of the
Akuapem Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana.
THE ANNEX COMPOUND
In 1972, the Methodist Training College located on the
southern side of the school was closing down so Dr. Mrs.

negotiations with the Methodist Church to acquire the
college premises for the school. The Methodist college
buildings were handed over to the school at a ceremony
on the 31st August 1972. The compound had a dining
hall, a dormitory and classrooms and so it was used to
house Form one students. This was done to reduce the
incidence of bullying. Due to the increase in numbers
in the 1990s, this arrangement was stopped. The old
“Metico” compound is now known as Irene Anderson
Compound.

CURRENT PROGRAMME
The school currently runs the three-year Senior High
School Education course upon which students take the

(WASSCE). Programmes offered are General Science,
General Arts, Business, and Vocational (Home Economics
and Visual Art).
The School also runs a number of co-curricular
programmes as a way of giving holistic education to
students. Emphasis is also placed on discipline and
development of sound morals and character formation.

BRIEF INFORMATION ON SOME MAJOR STRUCTURES
IN THE SCHOOL
The foundation stone for the Assembly hall was laid on
12th March, 1976 by Col George Minyila, Commissioner
for the Eastern Region. The Assembly hall was completed
in 1980 and was commissioned on 3rd May, 1980 by Dr.
Kwamena Ocran, then Minister for Education, Culture and
Sports. The hall is named after Mrs. Joyce Asibey, the First
Ghanaian Headmistress of the School.
The footbridge joining the two compounds of the school
was completed in 1975 and commissioned by Mrs.
Faustina Acheampong, wife of the then Head of State,
Col Ignatius Kutu Acheampong on 5th March, 1975. It is
named after Miss Elsie Mckilican, the First Headmistress.
The School Chapel was constructed during the tenure
of Mrs. Joyce Asibey as Headmistress entirely through
funds raised by the school under the leadership of Mrs.
Asibey, the Headmistress. The Chapel was opened on 12th
March, 1976 and foundation stone in commemoration of
it was laid by Mr. E. M. Debrah, Secretary to the Supreme

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75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

Military Council. With increasing number of students, the AOGA 1966-year group in 2006 and was commissioned
the chapel was too small for use for school worship. It by Hon Frema Osei Opare, then Deputy Minister for
was converted into a dormitory in 2010. It is hoped all Manpower, Youth and Employment, on 14th October,
stakeholders led by the Presbyterian Church of Ghana 2006. It was again refurbished by the AOGA 1991 Year
would work together to put up a new chapel as place Group in 2016 and was commissioned by Mrs. Catherine
of worship in the school to further imprint the Christian Krobo Edusei-Benson on 21st May, 2016.
identity of the school in the minds of everyone connected The Chemistry Lab was refurbished by the AOGA 1985
with the school. Year Group and commissioned on 29th May, 2010 by Hon.

BRIEF SURVEY OF CONTRIBUTIONS OF groups of AOGA converted the basements of three staff
STAKEHOLDERS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE bungalows on the Irene Anderson compound for use as
SCHOOL residential units for staff.
The Government of Ghana is the main provider of funds The 1987-year group of AOGA with the support of the
for administering the school providing funds for majority
of the infrastructural projects in the school. The school Anderson House in 2012. In 2013, the kitchen and pantry
remains eternally grateful to the government for its on the main compound were renovated and refurbished
support in this direction. by the AOGA 1988 Year Group and commissioned on
The Presbyterian Church which initiated the school 3rd August, 2013. The group additionally provided some
continued with its support for the school. Among its equipment such as stoves and cooking pots for the
recent contributions are construction of a two-bedroom kitchen. The kitchen underwent another renovation and
staff bungalow that was dedicated in 2008, construction refurbishment in 2020 by the AOGA 1995 Year Group and
of a toilet facility for the Chapel house in 2010 and was commissioned on 31st January, 2021. The 1995-year
construction of a three-bedroom staff bungalow that group that did the second renovation provided some
was dedicated in December, 2021. additional gadgets such as an industrial cooker to help
The PTA has been of great support to the school over improve work in the kitchen.
the years. Some of the contributions of the PTA in recent The 1989-year group of AOGA converted the 20-seater
years include the following: KVIP toilet of Aberdeen house into a water closet facility
i. Setting up a water treatment plant to produce drinking in 2014. The group also gave a facelift to the school’s
sick bay in 2019 and has since adopted it as their project
water for the school in 2003 for periodic renovation.
ii. Providing a milling machine for the school in The Physics Lab was refurbished by the AOGA 1990-year
iii. Providing funds to convert the old Assembly Hall and group and was commissioned on 16th May, 2015 by
DCOP, Dr. Mabel Aboah, Ghana’s First Female General
chapel into dormitories in response to the increase in Surgeon.
numbers of students The Biology Lab was refurbished by AOGA 92/94 Year
iv. Constructing a six-unit classroom block for the school Group and was commissioned on 27th January, 2017
in 2010 by Dr. Elsis Effah-Kaufmann, A Pioneer of Biomedical
v. In 2011, the PTA initiated the construction of a new
dormitory block and this was later taken over by educative programme the National Science and Maths
government. Quiz.
vi. In 2012, the partnered AOGA 1987 to construct a The Current ICT Lab on the Irene Compound was
refurbished by the AOGA 94/96 Year Group and was
vii. In 2013, the PTA provided funds for the school to commissioned on 25th May, 2019.
rewire the school and provide new electricity metres The AOGA Garden on the Irene Anderson compound was
for all the blocks in the school. redesigned and reconstructed by the AOGA 1978/80
Year Group and was dedicated on 27th January, 2019.
Another key stakeholder in in terms of the infrastructural The washrooms on the left at the southern end of the
development of the school is the Old Girls. It is virtually Joyce Asibey Hall wee refurbished by the AOGA 1981
impossible to chronicle all the contributions of the Old Year Group and was dedicated on 27th January, 2019.
Girls’ in this short history. However, some few ones in The Visitors Lounge (Recreational Centre) on the Irene
recent times are stated here in no particular order. Anderson Compound was refurbished by the AOGA 1979
In 2005, the 1980-year group of AOGA renovated a Year Group and was dedicated on 25th January, 2020.
four-unit staff quarters for staff on the Irene Anderson
compound. The Home Economics Lab was refurbished by

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75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

The AOGA 1961 year erected a bust of Ms. Irene educated and also help resource the immediate help
Anderson to the school. The group provided other facility where the current students receive their initial
assistance to the school such as helping to mount medical attention whilst in school. This shows a real
the exhibition for the 70th anniversary celebration sense of public spiritedness which they learnt from
in 2016. During the COVID 19 pandemic, the group the school that nurtured them and pointer to the
donated assorted items such as soap, veronica
buckets with stands and tissue papers to the school. in the theme for the 75th anniversary celebration.
The AOGA 1969 year donated industrial oven with This brief chronicle of the contributions of the Old
accessories to the school kitchen in 2020. The 1965- Girls’ to the development of the school is ample
year group of AOGA donated two mechanized bore evidence of the extent to which they love the school
holes to the school in 2915 to boost water supply in and are ready to give back to it. Of course, it is also
the school. In May, 2021, the AOGA 1971-year group
donated 100 pieces of students’ tables and chairs education they had in the school for which they feel
to the school. deeply indebted to the school and indeed the wider
In keeping the established tradition, the AOGA society.
1996D year group renovated and refurbished the CONCLUSION
school library making it a state-of-the-art modern At 75 years, there is no doubt that Aburi Presbyterian
library. The group also provided the major funding Girls’ Senior High School has stood the test of time as
for the 75th anniversary celebration in keeping with a grade A school. It can only look into the future with
the established practice for the school and the Old the sure hope of building on its legacy of producing
Students group. Additionally, the group organized women with proven commitment and character to
a free medical screening for the people of Aburi in impact society. The vision of the founding mothers
October, 2021 as part of activities to mark their silver lives on. Congratulations, Aburi Girls’ Ayekooooooo!!!
jubilee of leaving school. Bepow So Hann!! Nyame ne Hene!!!
Besides the assistance from the various year groups,
the National AOGA has equally been active in its RESEARCHED AND COMPILED BY
support for the school. For instance, the association REV. EDWIN TETTTEH BUERTEY
constructed and extension to the dining hall on the SCHOOL CHAPLAIN
main compound and also re-roofed the entire dining January, 2022.
hall. In 2016, the association renovated the kitchen
on the Irene Anderson compound and also provided
tables for the dining. The national association
also renovated two staff bungalows on the main
compound in 2016. In the wake of the COVID 19
pandemic, the AOGA national donated assorted
items such as PPEs, liquid soap, veronica buckets
and stands among others to the school in July, 2020.
Beyond its support to the school, in the wake of
the COVID 19 pandemic the national association
raised funds from members of AOGA out of which
it donated Gh¢22,000.00 to the national COVID 19
Trust Fund and another Gh¢22,000.00 to the Young
Medical Doctors in residence. The association further
donated assorted items such as liquid soap, veronica
buckets with stands, tissue papers PPEs and other

KOM Presbyterian Clinic in Aburi. Obviously, these
donations by desire to help the nation in times of
crises. With respect to the donation to KOM Clinic, it
was to give back to the community in which they were

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75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

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75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

Houses

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75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

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75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

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75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

75 Years

of Preparing the Girl Child to impact society.
Prof. Margaret Gyapong (AOGA 1981)

His Excellency Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo Addo
President of the republic of Ghana
Rev. Professor Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante Moderator of the
general Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana
Otuuboor Djan Kwasi II Oman Hene of Aburi
The Eastern Regional Minister
The municipal Chief Executive Akuapim south District
District Director of Education
AOGA
Chairman and members PTA
Headmistress and Staff
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen
My dear students.

I deem it a great honor to be asked to deliver this address on
this very auspicious occasion. I owe a debt of gratitude to the
Planning Committee. I must say that 75 years in the life of any
person is no mean feat. From a newborn baby through puberty,

been granted us. Anything after that is a bonus. Chalking the
75th milestone as a School presupposes that, we have gone
through the changing scenes of life in trouble and in joy. We
have seen the good the bad and the ugly but through it all we
can say with the hymn writer that the praises of our God shall
still our hearts and tongues employ.
Permit my brief walk down memory lane. Forty-one (41) years
ago, my mother brought me to Irene Anderson House (Mettico)

connivance with the shrieking forest animals and daring me to
use the bathroom when the urge to go was the greatest. But
Mettico was a safe haven for us Ninos and green horns. It was just
us and our monitresses and we felt very protected.
Then came the move to the main site. A senior yet a junior. The
early morning struggle at the tank with your bucket and rope,
the arduous journey to Jamaica when the tank run dry, the

the top of your chopbox was broken and your prized shito was
gone. After ‘O’ Level, you crossed the Jordan and graduated
from the pinafore to the skirt and blouse. That was the highlight
of your stay if you did 7 years in Aburi Girls. In our opinion, we
had the best teaching and non-teaching staff led by Mrs. Joyce
Asibey our “Auntie Joyce” (May her gentle soul Rest in Peace)
supported by Mrs. Owusu. Up to Form 3 we learnt Akuapem Twi,
needlework, cookery, traditional dances, gardening and used

in the dining hall or wear shoes that were not FLAT. Lights out
meant lights out, no eating of gari and oil under the tent. It was

monkey face, have the tuning fork land on your head for the
best pitch or the wooden sword thrust into your abdomen as you
tried unsuccessfully to sing “Sadaku dendende” the almighty
choir song. We will miss you A.B.P. Nyarko. May your soul Rest in
Perfect Peace.

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75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

Ladies and gentlemen, this is just a 5 minute nostalgic generation to the next: educated girls have fewer, healthier
memory of my walk through Aburi Girls Secondary School and and better educated children. For each additional year of a
if what I have achieved is anything to go by, then I received the mother’s education, the average child attains an extra 0.32

In the 75 years, we have had 7 Headmistresses, 2 British and literacy can have a remarkable effect on women’s earnings.
5 Ghanaians (We are on our 8th ) all with a common goal to As stipulated in the 2013/2014 Education for all Global
bring the best out of their children. It is not surprising that Monitoring report, in Pakistan, working women with high
schools in Ghana.com in their May 2021 online publication levels of literacy skills earned 95% more than women with
described our school as “founded by the Presbyterian Church weak or no literacy skills, whereas the differential was only 33
and the best girls senior high boarding school in the country, % among men. Educated women are empowered to take a
rated for producing RESPECTABLE SELF-SUFFICIENT WOMEN greater economic role in their families and communities, and
OF VALOR. they tend to reinvest 90% of what they earn into their families.
Our School has received National Best Schools’ award, overall In fact, if all girls had secondary education in sub-Saharan
Best School in the Eastern Region, best in Science and best in Africa and South and West Asia, child marriage would fall by
Mathematics. We however need to step up our game with the 64%, from almost 2.9 million to just over 1 million.
National Maths and Science quiz. At the wider societal level, more educated girls lead to an
increase in female leaders, lower levels of population growth
75 years of Aburi Girls without mentioning the Presbyterian and the subsequent reduction of pressures related to climate
change. The power of girls’ education on national economic
Rev. Prof. Martey in his foreword to our 70th Anniversary growth is undeniable: a one percentage point increase in
brochure indicated that the history of the Presbyterian Church female education raises the average gross domestic product
of Ghana cannot be told without the critical role of formal (GDP) by 0.3 percentage points and raises annual GDP growth
rates by 0.2 percentage points.
was established by the church. The evangelistic work of the Ladies and Gentlemen I will not be far from wrong if I say
Church was interconnected with the secular education and that those of us who walked through Aburi girls in the period
the idea was to train the head, heart, and the hands, which we are celebrating and who imbibed the all round secular
equals the holistic formation and development of the human and religious education have become to a very large extent
person. To develop an all-round personality, the mind to do the woman as described in proverbs 31:10-31. A woman of
critical analysis of issues, the heart to love and do what is
right, and the hand that works hard to harness the resources brings good and not harm, she gets up while it is yet dark,
of society for development. she provides for her family, she opens her arms to the poor,
I agree with him because quality education I believe is one her husband is respected at the city gate, she is clothed with
that focuses on the whole child, the social, emotional, mental, strength and dignity, she speaks wisdom, she does not eat the
physical, and cognitive development regardless of gender, bread of idleness and above all her children rise and call her
race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or geographic location. blessed.
This kind of education needs to be structured to realize the By the Grace of God, our School has produced the most
potential of each child regardless of location or economic amazing women who are shining and stand tall, impacting
status and prepare the child for life, not just for testing. “Send our country and the world in various disciplines. The list is
the girl child to school” Over the years, our country has gone endless – to name but a few:.
through numerous educational reforms all for the good of First Female director General Ghana Prisons Service
our children. I pray and hope that the new approach will be First Female Director General Ghana Education Service
supported with the needed infrastructure, tools and supplies First female General Surgeon
to ensure the best for our children. First African most outstanding female scientist
Sustainable Development Goal 4 and Indicator 7 is on Education First female recipient 2018 golden torch award for Academic
for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship. It means, Leadership
the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes required by citizens Professors, Doctors, Fashion Designers, Philanthropists,
to lead productive lives, make informed decisions and assume Esteemed Lawyers
active roles locally and globally in facing and resolving global Ambassadors, Business Tycoons, Presbyterian Ministers,
challenges can be acquired through education for sustainable Directors of Institutions
development and global citizenship education; which includes Ministers of state.
peace and human rights education, as well as intercultural
education and education for international understanding. Indeed Our school is built on a Hill top with Bepow so Hann as
As Michelle Obama once rightly said, “NO country can ever our motto for the right reasons. Those of us who have passed
through have made our lives by the Grace of God to be a light,
itself of the contribution of half its citizens” to shine thru all from age to age!! I pray that for those of you
The yields from investing in girls’ education are substantial. still here and those yet to come, this will be your pledge. Aburi
An educated girl is likely to increase her personal earning GIRLS ! Arise and Shine. Let us together make the world a
potential, as well as reduce poverty in her community. better place for the future generations.
According to the World Bank, the return on one year of
secondary education for a girl correlates with as high as a BEPOW SO HANN!!!!!
25% increase in wages later in life. The effects carry from one

21

75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

Profile

75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND
PRIZE–GIVING DAY
CHAIRPERSON | Sika Awoonor

Sika Awoonor of the 1982-year group,
is Director of Global Choice Services

in attracting investments into
Africa, with focus on the Angolan market.
A seasoned professional with over 20 years
of Africa- related experience, she leverages
high level relationships to facilitate business
opportunities for corporate and government
clients. Past and present clients include Zeni
Lite Buoy Company, AstraZeneca, Chevron,
Coca-Cola, Motorola, and government agencies.
For 8 years, her company (Global Choice)
managed the scholarship fund of Angola’s
Ministry of Petroleum. Under her management,
the program trained and built the capacity of
thousands of university students as part of the
Angolanization program that aims to enhance
local content in the petroleum industry. For 10
years prior to that, she worked for GoodWorks
International, an Atlanta-based business

for Business Development and later served

to Angola as a United Nations Peacekeeping

was later appointed Spokesperson for the
UN Special Representative. Ms. Awoonor has
a Bachelor’s degree in English and French
Literature from State University of New York at
Stony Brook, a Master’s degree in International
Affairs from Columbia University in New York,

from the Executive Education programs of
Emory and Harvard Universities, respectively.

Foundation, that aims to promote creative
literary arts among Ghanaian youth.

22

75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

Message

FROM THE HEADMISTRESS
ON THE OCCASION OF THE 75TH
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
OF ABURI GIRLS’ SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

On the occasion of the 75th Anniversary celebration of our
enviable school, Aburi Girls’ Senior High School, I have the
singular honour as the Headmistress to extend our greatest
felicitations to His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo,
President of the Republic of Ghana, for honouring our invitation to be
the Guest of Honour on this special day. I express our highest regards
to the Government of Ghana, the Ministry of Education, the Ghana
Education Service, the Presbyterian Church of Ghana and indeed all
members of the Aburi Girls’ Family.
Our 75th Anniversary celebration is without doubt dedicated to the
Presbyterian Church of Ghana, the founding mission of this noble school.
The decision by the Presbyterian Church in 1945 to establish a second
cycle school for girls has proved to be a far sighted one as the school has
become a beacon and stalwart in the provision of holistic education for
girls in our country. Beginning with the seven carefully selected girls who
were enrolled on 31st January, 1946, the school has over the last 75 years
turned out brilliant ladies who have contributed to the development of
this nation and indeed the global community in tremendous ways. This
would not have been possible without the sound biblical, moral and
spiritual principles laid down by the Presbyterian Church as foundations
for its educational enterprise. On this glorious occasion, I render profound

successive generations of leaders of the Presbyterian Church for the
spiritual, moral and material support they have rendered to the school
over the years. May the Lord bless the Presbyterian Church with heavenly
wisdom to continue to strive in every aspect of its mission.
We owe a debt of gratitude to our hard working and visionary matriarchs
who laboured over the last seven and half decades; some to lay the
foundations of the school and others for building on it up to this far. I
therefore pay glowing tribute to the successive past Headmistresses;
Ms. Elsie Mckillican, Ms. Irene Anderson, Dr. Mrs. Joyce Lucy Asibey, Mrs.
Grace Ansah-Otu, Mrs. Sylvia Asempa, Ms. Rosemond Bampo and Mrs.
Alice Prempeh-Fordjour for their great efforts to God and country in the

brand and sought-after schools in this country. I count it a privilege to
continue in their foot-steps as the Headmistress of this school. My self
and the current team of staff and students stand on their legacies and

The Chiefs and people of Aburi deserve special commendation for being
such generous and gracious hosts. Right from the time of the late Nana
Osae Djan II; the then Adontehene of Akuapem and Chief of Aburi who

facilitated the acquisition of land for the school to the To the teaching and non-teaching staff; both past and
present era under Otoobour Djan Kwasi II, the current present who have kept the school running through thick
Adontehene and Chief of Aburi our school has enjoyed and thin, over the years, I bow in honour to you. To the
warm fellowship with the Chiefs and people of Aburi. We hard working teachers, you deserve great commendation
recognize with gratitude the prompt response of Otoobuor for teaching the girls to come out with brilliant results
Djan Kwasi II and his elders to help address some of the and also instilling moral and spiritual values in them.
pressing challenges of the school anytime such issues are The non-teaching personnel of various grades have been
phenomenal either for keeping the school running through
partnership with Aburiman will continue for as long as God oiling the wheels of administration, keeping the compound
would ordain for both sides. clean, safe and secured, preparing food for the students,
The successive generations of girls who have passed seeing to the health needs of students and staff among
through the walls of this school have never minced words several other efforts whether noticeable or not. I say God
to demonstrate how blessed and privileged they are to have bless you greatly.
been educated in this school. These uncountable numbers The parents and guardians of our dear students have been
of the Aburi Old Girls’ Association (AOGA) have contributed
to the transformation of society at both national and that have seen your daughters through their education
global levels. Admittedly, we cannot exhaust enumerating in the school. Further-more, parents and guardians have
all the ways in which our dear old girls have impacted contributed in several ways directly and indirectly either
society. Whilst many of them have received recognition as individuals or collectively through the Parent Teacher
at various levels for their unique contributions, several Association (PTA) to ensure that the school is stable and
others have remained unsung heroines. Yet one thing is conducive for academic work. To all the parents and
common to all of them; lightening the paths of everyone guardians over the decades, I render the heartfelt thanks

agents of change and progress in society. It is to celebrate of the girls and the school to you.
these women who have imbibed the ideals of this school The Government of Ghana through the Ministry of
Education and the Ghana Education Service, has
school that we have our as our theme for this celebration demonstrated its commitment to the delivery of education
with the provision of resources and policy directions. The

“75 Years of Educating the Girl-Child to Impact Society.” role of the government in the life of Aburi Girls’ is beyond
I salute all of you gallant old girls for making us proud measure. Indeed, the Ministry of Education and the
where ever you have found yourselves. We put on record Ghana Education Service duly recognizes Aburi Girls’ as
your avowed love and commitment to the school that has a unique school of distinction and duly grants resources
turned you out as brilliant individuals. Your contributions
to the development of the school has been tremendous. the stakeholders of the school I say a big thank you to the
But for your support our infrastructural situation would government and like Oliver Twist, ask for more.
have been unpleasantly different. Your continuous visits I count it a unique privilege to be the Headmistress of
to the school to make donations of various kinds either this noble school at a time like this. I am resolute to lead

as individuals or groups is great motivation to the current the school to continue in our stride as a top-class school.
generation of students who aspire to become like you. We will not go down on our commitment to providing
Thus, to members of the Aburi Old Girls Association (AOGA) holistic education anchored on sound moral development,
of various eras, I say Ayekooo and may God bless you. discipline, effective teaching and learning, promoting civic
Our school continues to keep its place among the league of consciousness, active co-curricular training among others,
grade one schools because the current group of students so as to turn out students who will compete favourably
have shown determination to build on the achievements of with their peers at any level and ultimately contribute to
the past and move forward. Time and space cannot allow national and international development.
me to enumerate the excellent results our girls obtain year As we match into the future, I wish to pray for the
blessing of God upon all the stakeholders of our school;
Examinations (WASSCE). This is shown in the teeming the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, the Government of
numbers of our girls who are admitted to their institutions Ghana, AOGA, Aburiman, Staff, Students, Parents and all
and programs of choice for their tertiary education in local others who have contributed to our story. Ayekoo to all
and foreign universities. With respect to performance in of you and may the gracious hand of God be upon and

important co-curricular events, the story is uncountable. may He continue to let His face shine upon you and our

I give a pat to all the current crop of students for keeping dear school.

our torch burning and challenge you not to rest on your Bepow so Hann!!! Nyame ne Hene!!!
oars. Beyond the skies should remain our goal.

24

75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

Goodwill
Message

FROM KRISTINE AWURABENA LARTEY
(NEE WILLIAMS)

NATIONAL PRESIDENT, ABURI GIRLS OLD

GIRLS ASSOCIATION (AOGA)

It is with a sense of pride and gratitude that I Ayekoo to you! The training and upbringing we
write this Goodwill Message on the occasion received on account of being a Presbyterian
of the 75th Anniversary of our beloved Missionary School has stood us all in good stead.
School, Aburi Girls Senior High School
(AGSHS). On behalf of the Aburi Girls Old Girls It will be remiss on my part not to acknowledge the
Association (AOGA), and on my own behalf I bring Headmistress, her staff, and the Board of Directors,
the very warmest of greetings and felicitations as for their dedication and collective effort to ensure
AGSHS hits another landmark age. It is indeed that the young ladies entrusted to your care are
a privilege to be part of the 75th anniversary well schooled, well trained and well groomed to
celebrations, particularly so in these uncertain
they leave the safety of these walls. We salute
so real. you, jointly and severally, Madam Headmistress,
the School Board and Staff (both academic and
As we celebrate 75 years of being numbered non-academic). AOGA wishes you God’s abundant
among the best of Ghana’s institutions of learning, grace, strength and wisdom in all that you do to
it is gratifying to know that the reputation of continue to nurture the young ladies entrusted
Aburi Girls Senior High School and the legacy to your care.
passed down over the years will remain ours for
many more years to come. The contribution of Congratulations again, Class of 1998! Thank you
our beloved alma mater to the development of for giving back to our dear School. I wish you
our Nation in churning out well educated, self- well in all your private endeavors and ask that
assured, young women to take their place in the
world outside the walls of AGSHS, both home and God bless Aburi Girls Senior High School, God
abroad cannot be gainsaid. bless our Silver Anniversary Celebrants and God
Bless AOGA, may our light that beams from the
To the Class of 1998, congratulations on your Hill onto the valleys below never be diminished.
Silver Anniversary which is extra special because
it coincides with our 75th Anniversary celebration. Bepow so Hann!!
You are indeed a very special and dynamic group Nyame Ne Hene ampah!
of Ladies. I am privileged to have three of you
as part of my Executive Team. Your support
and dedication as members of AOGA National
Executive has been immeasurable. I daresay you
three are a microcosm of the dynamism of your

normal, settled on a very challenging project: the
refurbishment of the Joyce Asibey Hall Library
as your Silver Anniversary gift to the School. My
very special congratulations to you. In the face of

your project to perfection, with all the extras too. 25

75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

A Speech

DELIVERED BY MAAME ABENA OFORIWAA BOAMAH-DWIRA
ON THE 22ND OF JANUARY, 2022 DURING
THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
AT THE JOYCE ASIBEY HALL

On the 20th of November, 2021, members of the Young
Writers and Debaters Club made the school proud by

Competition Ghana. They competed with six other Senior
High Schools and by the Grace of God, came out third.
The contestants – Stacy Nunoo and Euodia Appiah –
were presented with an amount of money, laptop and
groceries from the sponsors. This was however not the
only achievement from the Young Writers and Debaters
Club. They have won many competitions from the District
level to the Zonal level.

Additionally, students took it upon themselves to promote
co-curricular activities organized in the school. The members
of the Head Of State Awards Scheme (H.O.S.A) embarked
on a three-day kicking expedition from 3rd December to
5th December to Nsabaa. This expedition taught them a
lot of lessons as they learnt to be self-dependent and serve
society. They also developed the habit of giving and helping
others as they gave out donations and interacted with the
inhabitants of the smaller towns around Nsabaa.

Also, on the 12th of December, 2021 the chaplain of Aburi
Girls’ Senior High School, Reverend Edwin Tetteh Buertey

Presbytery. This took place at the Ebenezer Presbyterian
Church of Ghana, Aburi Akuapem and was attended by some
members of staff, and students of the school.

The Chairperson, Headmistress, Hon. Ministers of Prior to this, a new Manse was constructed for the
State, Management, Clergy, Heads of Schools, Chaplain and it was commissioned by the Moderator of
Nananom, Parents, Staff, Students, Ladies and the Presbyterian Church of Ghana on 2nd December, 2021.
Gentlemen. Good morning. It is indeed a great
honour to stand before this august audience to deliver a The infrastructure of the school also witnessed some
report on behalf of the student body on the events that changes and development. Some structures such as the
school wall and gates, the business blocks, administration,

Compound and the Mckillican Bridge were repainted.

lift our heads and say that the Lord has been good to us. The newly formed Cyber Security Club was also not left
behind as its members have also started sweeping awards
Several changes have taken place in the school ever since for themselves. On 24th November, 2021, a symposium for
the club was held and students demonstrated their skills
These changes were all for the improvement of our stay in and knowledge in hacking and malware analysis. These
school. Permit me to take you through the journey.

26

75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

The school was also given a plaque for being the best
among eight schools involved in Cyber Security.
Finally, the members of Chapel house had the privilege
of being relocated into a new house (started by P.T.A and
completed by GES) on the Irene Anderson Compound.

open arms as students were over crowded in their former
house. A service was held to dedicate the House into
God’s hands.

CHALLENGES
Though we have been blessed with all these changes
and developments, there are however a few problems
and challenges.

Due to the double track system and large number of
students, the dining hall on the main compound is
unable to accommodate our numbers. Due to this, we
have to dine in batches and this arrangement ends up
eating into the study time of the batch that dines last.
We therefore humbly request for the aid of the Old Girls
and government to help in the provision of the basic
necessities needed to make the Dining Hall on the Irene
Anderson Compound run smoothly and effectively.

In addition, the wearing down of the ‘Sankofa’ building
used by the General Arts Students has caused a lot of
problems and disrupted smooth learning process. The

into classrooms and the growth of weeds on the building
have left the structure in a sorry state. This has even
caused some classrooms to become vacant.

Another problem we are facing is the leakage of water
into the main dining hall whenever it rains. The broken
doors and windows in the dining hall have also made

the rain. We humbly cry out to our Old Girls, all other
stakeholders and philanthropists to come to our aid to
address these issues.

In a nutshell, we would like to commend the Board
of Governors, Parent Teacher Association (P.T.A.), our
headmistress, Mrs. Cynthia Anim, Old Girls, Staff of the
school and all well-wishers who have greatly contributed
towards the development of the school, above all; glory
and honour to the Almighty God. We anticipate that
some time from now, we would look back and have
greater successes to be proud of. Thank you.

Bep w So Hann!

Nyame Ne Hene!

27

75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

Members of the Board

and Teaching Staff

Rev. I. D. Asare - Board Chair
Dr. Joana Nerquaye Tetteh - Old Girl Rep
Mrs Cynthia Anim - Headmistress
Kristine Awurabena Lartey - AOGA President
Mr. Isaac Agyei Opare - Non Teaching Rep.
Mr. Michael Osae - District Assembly Rep.
Mr. Sampson Ampadu -Teaching Staff Rep.
Mrs. Lydia Akuetch - District Assembly

28

75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

SCHOOL MANAGEMENT
TEACHING STAFF

NON-TEACHING STAFF

Goodwill Message

REV. DR. GODWIN NII NOI ODONKOR,
CLERK OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF GHANA ON
THE OCCASION OF THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY
CELEBRATION OF THE ABURI GIRLS’ SENIOR
HIGH SCHOOL

Your theme chosen for the anniversary: “75 Years
of Preparing the Girl Child to Impact Society” is apt,
relevant and consistent with the vision of the School.
Gender parity in education has become a global priority
and Aburi Girls’Senior High School has played a key
role in providing quality education for females who are
much more often disadvantaged than males in getting
educational opportunities.
Today, the School has become one of the best second-
cycle institutions in Ghana and has been instrumental
in the development of human resource for the Country
and the world at large. Today, Old Students of Aburi
Girls’ Senior High School continue to make names for
themselves in medicine, engineering, politics, academia,
ordained ministry, media, creative and entertainment

and it is marvelous in our sight.

Undoubtedly, the School has achieved a lot, but there

is more to achieve. A greater challenge lies ahead of

you; and this therefore calls for discipline, hard work,

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim His name; determination and dedication. As one of the leading

Make known among the nations what He has done. girls’ school in Ghana, you should not lose sight of the

Sing to Him, sing praise to him; fact that you have come a long way and that you still

Tell of all His wonderful acts. have a long way to go. You should resist the temptation

Glory in His holy name; of resting on your laurels at a time when you still have

Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. a lot to do by way of providing quality education. This is

(Psalm 105:1-3) the only way you can continue to impact society.

At this point, I implore the students, old students,

On the occasion of the 75th anniversary staff and the Board to always see yourselves as good
celebration of the Aburi Girls’ Senior High ambassadors of this School. Do not allow your personal
School, I extend my warmest felicitation and interests to tarnish the reputation and the good image
salutation to the School on behalf of the of the School. Let us all join hands as one big family in
General Assembly Council (GAC) of the Presbyterian building a world-class school.

Church of Ghana. We continue to render thanks and On this memorable occasion, I wish you the very best

praises to the Almighty God for the blessings He has in your anniversary.

bestowed on the School for the past 75 years. “Ebenezer,

this is how far the LORD has brought us” (1 Samuel

5:24). I therefore seize this opportunity to congratulate REV. DR. GODWIN NII NOI ODONKOR

the Board and staff, both past and present, for your CLERK OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

invaluable contributions towards the enviable successes PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF GHANA

of the School. KUKU HILL, OSU

I am pleased to say, we are proud of the School’s sterling ACCRA

achievements over the years. Indeed, the great efforts

of the founders have not been in vain.

30

75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

Goodwill Message

REV. I. D. ASARE

AKUAPEM PRESBYTERY CHAIRPERSON OF
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF GHANA AND
CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS
OF ABURI GIRLS’ SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL ON THE
OCCASION OF THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
ABURI GIRLS’ SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

teaching and learning by all human standards, is a long period
of existence enough to have impact on a society. You have
chosen the theme for this celebration: “75 Years of Educating
the Girl Child to Impact Society”. Certainly, it is very appropriate
to discuss and celebrate the education of the Girl Child and its

On an auspicious occasion such as this, when you the contributions of women in the socio economic sectors of
celebrate the 75th anniversary of your existence, I our society, it is obvious that Girl Child education has brought a
wish on behalf of the Akuapem Presbytery Session positive impact on the society. Because of Girl Child education,
Council of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, the today women are found in leadership positions in government,
Board of Governors of the Aburi Girls’ Senior High School and judiciary, medicine, technology, engineering, education and
on my own behalf, bring you my warmest felicitations and many other sectors in the country. As you celebrate this
congratulate you for the great achievements as you mark important anniversary I wish to encourage you to continue
this milestone. with the good work of educating the Girl Child because it has
It is a privilege and joy to be associated with your success story, a great ultimate value for human endeavours. I also wish to
call on all stakeholders of education especially of Aburi Girls’
Senior High School to join resources together to expand the
facilities in the school so that more girls could be educated. It
has been said “knowledge is power” and so it important for our
country to continue to empower the Girl Child who are in the
majority when they are compared to their boys counterparts.
Once again, I congratulate the Headmistress and Management,
the teaching and non-teaching staff and the entire Aburi Girls’
Senior High School community for the 75th Anniversary and
AYEKOO for making us proud by keeping the school in the

LONG LIVE ABURI GIRLS’ SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
LONG LIVE THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF GHANA
LONG LIVE THE GHANA EDUCATION SERVICE

events. Anniversary celebration offer us the opportunity to
give thanks to God Almighty for bringing us through all the
changing scenes of life to where we have reached and to learn
lessons from our performance, achievements, challenges and
to plan for the future.
We will ever remain grateful to the past generation of leaders,
the stakeholders and the entire membership of the school.

Basel and Scottish Missionaries showed much dedication,

31

75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

Goodwill Message

BY MRS. MARGARET NSIAH-ASAMOAH,
THE EASTERN REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF ED-
UCATION, ON THE OCCASION OF THE 75TH
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF ABURI GIRLS’
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL (ABUGISS).

Ghanaian girls for decades, it comes as no surprise to me
that many of Ghana’s women who have risen to various
leadership roles at the national and international levels
have come from ABUGISS. This, indeed, is an enviable
legacy which the Ghana Education Service (GES) is proud
of and would continue to support the school to preserve
and strengthen for generations to come.

Many things impress me about Aburi Talking about enviable legacies and what they can do to
Girls’ Senior High School (ABUGISS). Director-Generals of GES, I must hasten to disclose, on
Apart from the very obvious, her a lighter note however, that ABUGISS has been one of
outstanding academic credential, which the schools in Ghana today which gives me the severest
every Ghanaian bears testimony to, the school’s vision headache. Why? Because, for one funny reason or the
statement has constantly reminded me about the other, some friends and acquaintances I have made as
charge I keep as Director-General (DG) of no mean an a Director-General (DG) appear to think I have some
institution as the Ghana Education Service (GES). I hold automatic powers which make it possible to secure
that, if for nothing at all, the inspiration behind the admissions for their wards at ABUGISS. By the grace
vision of ABUGISS – “to be an academic institution of of God, the Computer Selection & School Placement
excellence for the holistic education of girls” – should System (CSSPS) at the Free SHS Secretariat has never
be same for every Ghanaian educational institution, understood my automatic powers and, so, comes to
so that Ghana would be assured that her children in my rescue at each turn! Nonetheless, I pledge my
school are receiving a much meaningful training that continuous support to the administration of ABUGISS
goes beyond “book knowledge.” I am always happy in bettering the age-long legacy.
to note, at least from the school’s vision statement,
that ABUGISS has not only been focusing on building On behalf of the GES Council, the GES Management,
the intellectual capacities of Ghana’s children, but the Girls’ Education Unit (GEU) and all staff at GES
has also been giving them – our daughters and sisters Headquarters, I wish to congratulate ABUGISS on
– the needed holistic training, from which the very the occasion of her platinum celebration. Indeed, 75
important virtues required for nation-building, such as remarkable years in the service of Ghana and girls’
discipline, integrity and responsibility, comes. With this secondary education is no mean a milestone and we,
kind of training, which the school has been providing at GES Headquarters, join the Board, Management,
teaching and non-teaching staff, and all students of
ABUGISS in this joyous celebration.
While we join voices in singing Halleluiah to the glory
of God, I say Happy 75th Anniversary to ABUGISS, the
light on the mountain!

32

75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

Goodwill Message

HON. FRANK AIDOO
THE MUNICIPAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOR AKUA-
PEM SOUTH MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY

though your tireless efforts helped in carving an enviable
niche for the school and I congratulate you on your excellent
achievements.

I wish to admonish you to continue to be effective agents of
change in society as you use integrity and technology as tools
of transformation in the 21st century and beyond.

We on our part as a Municipal Assembly will continue to
explore ways of strengthening the already existing cordial
relationship between the School and the Municipality. We
will in this direction continue to support the school in any
way possible to enhance the image of the school and the
Municipality. It is my hope that despite all the seemingly
unbeatable challenges that impinge on the development

hann” inspire.

In view of this, I wish to congratulate both past and present
Board of governors, past and present School Heads, Parents,
Teachers, Staff and past and present students for such
glorious achievement at your 75th anniversary celebration.

On the occasion of your 75th anniversary celebration, AYIKOO!!!
I deem it a great pleasure as the Municipal Chief LONG LIVE ABURI GIRLS’ SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Executive of the Akuapem South Municipal LONG LIVE MOTHER GHANA!
Assembly to be associated with achievements of
this great school which has produced human resources in
various capacities who ensure the development of Mother
Ghana.

Education they say is an integral part of human lives which
nurtures an individual and supplies them with the ability to
think, act and grow in life. Education is not only essential
for personal development but also required for development
of the economy. I must commend Aburi Girls’ Senior High
School for doing marvelously well in impacting knowledge
to the girl child since its establishment in 1946.

The well-known scholar Dr. James Emmanuel Kwegyir-
Aggrey once said ‘when you educate a man, you educate an
individual but when you educate a woman, you educate a
nation.’ Hence educating the girl child cannot be overlooked
in our society.

To reckon the number of students trained thus far, the stature
and eminence of such students have attained in our society
gives us a reason to celebrate. It is a fact that, Seventy-Five

several Ghanaians is no mean an achievement and together

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75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

Goodwill Message

BY PROFESSOR KWASI OPOKU-AMANKWA
DIRECTOR-GENERAL (DG) OF GHANA EDUCA-
TION SERVICE (GES), IN COMMEMORATION OF
THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF
ABURI GIRLS’ SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL (ABU-

GISS)

Ghanaian girls for decades, it comes as no surprise to me
that many of Ghana’s women who have risen to various
leadership roles at the national and international levels
have come from ABUGISS. This, indeed, is an enviable
legacy which the Ghana Education Service (GES) is proud
of and would continue to support the school to preserve
and strengthen for generations to come.

Many things impress me about Aburi Talking about enviable legacies and what they can do to
Girls’ Senior High School (ABUGISS). Director-Generals of GES, I must hasten to disclose, on
Apart from the very obvious, her a lighter note however, that ABUGISS has been one of
outstanding academic credential, which the schools in Ghana today which gives me the severest
every Ghanaian bears testimony to, the school’s vision headache. Why? Because, for one funny reason or the
statement has constantly reminded me about the other, some friends and acquaintances I have made as
charge I keep as Director-General (DG) of no mean an a Director-General (DG) appear to think I have some
institution as the Ghana Education Service (GES). I hold automatic powers which make it possible to secure
that, if for nothing at all, the inspiration behind the admissions for their wards at ABUGISS. By the grace
vision of ABUGISS – “to be an academic institution of of God, the Computer Selection & School Placement
excellence for the holistic education of girls” – should System (CSSPS) at the Free SHS Secretariat has never
be same for every Ghanaian educational institution, understood my automatic powers and, so, comes to
so that Ghana would be assured that her children in my rescue at each turn! Nonetheless, I pledge my
school are receiving a much meaningful training that continuous support to the administration of ABUGISS
goes beyond “book knowledge.” I am always happy in bettering the age-long legacy.
to note, at least from the school’s vision statement,
that ABUGISS has not only been focusing on building On behalf of the GES Council, the GES Management,
the intellectual capacities of Ghana’s children, but the Girls’ Education Unit (GEU) and all staff at GES
has also been giving them – our daughters and sisters Headquarters, I wish to congratulate ABUGISS on
– the needed holistic training, from which the very the occasion of her platinum celebration. Indeed, 75
important virtues required for nation-building, such as remarkable years in the service of Ghana and girls’
discipline, integrity and responsibility, comes. With this secondary education is no mean a milestone and we,
kind of training, which the school has been providing at GES Headquarters, join the Board, Management,
teaching and non-teaching staff, and all students of
ABUGISS in this joyous celebration.
While we join voices in singing Halleluiah to the glory
of God, I say Happy 75th Anniversary to ABUGISS, the
light on the mountain!

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75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

Goodwill Message

BY MRS. ROSE HELEN MAMLEY ANKRAH,
FORMER SENIOR HOUSEMISTRESS AND
TEACHER

We praise and give thanks to our God who
directed the Founders of our school to
create an enabling environment for its
establishment. I write this message not
as an alumna of the school but as a past teacher.

To all those young ladies, now grown and mature as useful
instruments in Ghana and the Global Village, I send this
message.

Before going to Legon, I taught some of you. After graduation
I came back to teach some of you again and others as well
from 1967 to 1974. Others also passed through my hands
when I was Housemistress and later Senior Housemistress.

I am sure your impression of me was that of a no-nonsense
disciplinarian who always cracked the whip and never bent
the rules. The fact was I had a duty to perform and no shade
of distraction would make me forget about my remit. As I
write this message, I am highly pleased that I have achieved
my aim. By the immeasurable grace of God, you have grown
into useful citizens of Mother Ghana and the Global village.

Look at you occupying responsible and enviable positions.
See how tall you stand in church, the world of work and your
nuclear and extended families.

As I meet some of you, read about the achievements of those
I do not meet; as I witness the tremendous contributions
you are making towards national development through the
various levels at which you operate, I BECOME FULFILLED
as a part Teacher of Aburi Girls’.

Thank you for not disappointing me. As we celebrate, Aburi
at 75, let us all raise our voices to sing HALLELUJAH to
our God who began something at Aburi Girls’ and who will
accomplish it.

Long live Aburi Girls

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75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

Goodwill Message

FROM ROSEMOND BAMPO, Iam full of joy as I congratulate our cherished
school, Aburi Girls’ Senior High School, on the
FORMER HEADMISTRESS ON THE OCCASION celebration of its 75th Anniversary. On this historic
OF THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF occasion, as we give due thanks to God for His
abundant grace and favour on our school, we must also
ABURI GIRLS’ SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL salute the founders, the Basel Mission, now Presbyterian
Church of Ghana, successive generations of illustrious
headmistresses, staff, students and all stakeholders
through whose efforts Aburi Girls’ Senior High School
has come this far.
Right from the onset, the vision of the founders was
to equip and empower the girl child to provide light
wherever she found herself. During the past 75 years, the
school has lived up to its motto of being the light on a
hill. Through its holistic education comprising academic,
co-curricular, religious and good moral training, the
typical Aburi Girls’ student or alumna upholds the
highest standards in all her endeavours and is able

the large number of alumnae who occupy responsible
positions both at home and abroad in all sectors of
national economy and development. The stature and
eminence they have attained in our society is worthy of
celebration. There is no doubt that Aburi Girls’ Senior
High School is a leader within the grade one schools
and, also, an inspiration to many single-sex as well as
co-educational institutions in the country.
I feel extremely proud to be associated with this great
school both as a past student and former headmistress.

shaping me and as a headmistress, I had the privilege
of nurturing students and giving back to the school.
I am convinced that Aburi Girls’ Senior High School
has the potential to achieve unimaginable higher
heights. My fervent hope is that the current generation
of management, staff, students and stakeholders will
raise their sights and work hard to set new records of

the school’s fame and enviable image.
On the occasion of our school’s 75th Anniversary, let
us pledge to bring all hands on deck to ensure that the
bright light on the hill will shine even brighter.
I wish the school the very best in the years ahead, as it
marches towards its centenary year.
Floreat Aburi Girls’! Happy 75th Anniversary!

BEPOW SO HANN! NYAME NE HENE!

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75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

Goodwill Message

GOODWILL MESSAGE FROM MRS. SYLVIA
ASEMPA
(FORMER HEADMISTRESS)

They have always been supportive but in recent times, they
have been superb.
On the 28th January 2007 when the Annual Thanksgiving

It is with great pleasure that I extend this goodwill calendar, little did my team know that it was going to be
message to my alma mater, a school that I cherish the rallying point for teaming year groups of Old Girls to
so much, on the occasion of its 75th anniversary harness resources, to always keep the school in shape. They
celebration. have made various provisions that have equipped the school
It is a milestone of great achievement of a holistic education for academic progress. They deserve tremendous felicitation.
of the girl-child in her teen formative years that has impacted The core attainment of the school has been the churning out
positively, the adult life of all who have passed within its walls. of its walls, educated women, who become highly placed in
all sectors of society, playing various roles admiringly towards
on this occasion. the development of our nation and elsewhere.
I am however quick to admit that it is not an easy milestone The theme for this celebration, “75 years of educating the
of attainments but gained through challenges, hurdles and girl-child to impact society” is prompting us to look back and
stumbling blocks that all stakeholders have had to confront assess what we have done within this span of time. I dare say
and battle with. Therefore to heap praises on them, on this the impact has been positive, and the effect speaks for itself
occasion will not be out of place: Founding fathers-the Basel nationally and globally!
Mission, the Presbyterian Church of Ghana; trail-blazers of Nonetheless, development as we know is not an event,
successive headmistresses; counsellors of Board Members; neither is society static. Hence, the need for an even greater
supportive PTA; anchor of Old Girls; engine drivers of Staff; impact in these “abnormal” times for generations to come.
ambitious students and Good friends, have all been tenacious, Our school is being tasked, albeit covertly to re-ignite our
in keeping the Light on the Hill burning and deserve to be goodwill and energizing sense of shared responsibility to
profusely congratulated. To them I doff off my hat!! do what we know how best to do - work harder towards
May I crave your indulgence at this point, to single out for establishing a legacy of greater impact, so that come next
commendation, AOGA, for when the going gets tough, they, anniversary, an even more exhilarating story will be told.
HURRAY!! Congratulations for fruitful 75 years. Praise God,
‘our help in ages past, our hope for years to come’.
BEPOW SO HANN -- NYAME NE HENE

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75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

Goodwill Message

eminence they have attained in our society is worthy of
celebration. There is no doubt that Aburi Girls’ Senior
High School is a leader within the grade one schools
and, also, an inspiration to many single-sex as well as
co-educational institutions in the country.

I feel extremely proud to be associated with this great
school both as a past student and former headmistress.

shaping me and as a headmistress, I had the privilege
of nurturing students and giving back to the school.

I am convinced that Aburi Girls’ Senior High School
has the potential to achieve unimaginable higher
heights. My fervent hope is that the current generation
of management, staff, students and stakeholders will
raise their sights and work hard to set new records of

the school’s fame and enviable image.

Iam full of joy as I congratulate our cherished On the occasion of our school’s 75th Anniversary, let
school, Aburi Girls’ Senior High School, on the us pledge to bring all hands on deck to ensure that the
celebration of its 75th Anniversary. On this historic bright light on the hill will shine even brighter.
occasion, as we give due thanks to God for His I wish the school the very best in the years ahead, as it
abundant grace and favour on our school, we must also marches towards its centenary year.
salute the founders, the Basel Mission, now Presbyterian Floreat Aburi Girls’! Happy 75th Anniversary!
Church of Ghana, successive generations of illustrious
headmistresses, staff, students and all stakeholders BEPOW SO HANN! NYAME NE HENE!
through whose efforts Aburi Girls’ Senior High School
has come this far.

Right from the onset, the vision of the founders was
to equip and empower the girl child to provide light
wherever she found herself. During the past 75 years, the
school has lived up to its motto of being the light on a
hill. Through its holistic education comprising academic,
co-curricular, religious and good moral training, the
typical Aburi Girls’ student or alumna upholds the
highest standards in all her endeavours and is able

the large number of alumnae who occupy responsible
positions both at home and abroad in all sectors of
national economy and development. The stature and

38

75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

Goodwill Message

From Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong,
Odadee Global President To Aburi Girls
High School On Your 75th Anniversary
Celebrations.

On behalf of Presec Old Boys Association, I
extend fraternal greetings on your epoch and
momentous 75th anniversary celebrations.

Your motto Bepow So Hann, Nyame Ne Hene resonates with
us. Yours is a Light set on a hill that directs humanity and
encapsulates your implicit faith and dependency on God.

As our sister school, we acknowledge with pride the
success and exploits of your alumni. They are all over the
national stage doing a yeoman’s job in the socio-economic
development of Ghana. On our part, we have taken our places
in the future of our country and church and together we
can collaborate to conquer new frontiers for our schools
and Ghana.

To whom much is given, much is expected so says the good
book. After Seventy Five years, you have so much to show.
As premier institutions of the Presbyterian Church, much
was expected from us. We have not disappointed. We have
blazed the trail for other institutions. Our alumni fraternities
remain vibrant. We note, recognize and place on record
the contributions of your year groups in the provision of
amenities for your school to create a conducive environment
for studying. This is exemplary.

May the next 75 years see Aburi Girls high on the world
pedestal. May your Light shine and may your faith in God
remain steadfast and unwavering. Yes, Nyame Ne Hene.

Your Odadee Brothers wishes you happy anniversary and

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75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

Goodwill Message

from the Old Achimotan Association

As our colleagues from Aburi Girls celebrate this
landmark event of 75 years of successful secondary
education for girls, the OAA congratulates the School
and its Old Students. There is no doubt that Aburi
Girls Senior High School has carved out a place
for itself in the history of Ghana, producing many
notable Ghanaians who have gone on to contribute

continues to be one of the best in the country.

The challenges that we face as old students seeking
the best for our former schools are very similar.
Currently, the alumni of both schools are working
closely with the alumni of 40 of the best-known
schools in Ghana to bring back the glory days of
secondary education. The old students of these

On the occasion of the 75th anniversary capital developments and maintenance, would like
celebration of Aburi Girls Senior High School, to have a more structured approach to supporting
the Old Achimotan Association (OAA) senior high schools in relation to the governance of
deems it proper to send a congratulatory those schools. The Old Students of Aburi Girls have
message and wish the School and its alumnae well. been very supportive of this process and have shown
considerable determination in building the alliance
Aburi Girls Senior High School and Achimota School of old students of the schools. We appreciate the
have had a long history of collaboration over many efforts, determination and commitment of the Old
decades. Collaboration took the form of teachers Students of Aburi Girls Senior High School to support
working together to develop material for their the future transformation of their School.
students in the 1950s and 1960s. This continued
into the 1970s. There were organized visits to either The OAA pledges its commitment to working with
school for such events as debating and sports its counterparts from Aburi Girls to grow our old
throughout the 1970s. It was not uncommon for schools. We believe that working together, the next
students completing their O-levels in one school 75 years at our respective old schools will be even
to opt for their Sixth-Form education at the other. more positive than the last 75 years. We pray for
Indeed, the relationship between the two schools has the steady growth and transformation of Aburi Girls
always been one of mutual respect and admiration. Senior High School, maintaining its position as one
of the foremost institutions of secondary education
in Ghana. We congratulate Aburi Girls on its past
and present achievements and look forward to even
greater collaboration and success in the years ahead.

Over the years also, there have been several Ernest Aryeetey
experiences of ladies from Aburi Girls marrying men OAA President
from Achimota School. These relationships have
generally helped to strengthen the ties of friendship
between the schools.

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75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

Goodwill Message

ADONTEN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

school; the richness of your culture at which you train
females; the scholarly contributions of your school in Science,
Humanities, talents building, values and skill development
to unearth upright female citizens for our Nation, together
has established a name in the Eastern Region and Ghana on
a whole for yourself.

On behalf of the Board of Governors, Staff, Students and the
Adonten School community:
I say congratulations to all (Past and Present) administration,
stakeholders and individuals whose contributions has
immensely chalked the successes for your Noble institution.

institution a challenge-free one,
But I urge you to always focus on the vision and mission of
the founders and Achievements so far made, to guide and
challenge you to always strive harder irrespective of the odds
to attain even greater successes for the institution.

On this great occasion of your “75th Anniversary I humbly express my gratitude to the Almighty God for such
Celebration”, it gives me the greatest delight steadily growth, my colleague Headmistress, Mrs. Alice
Prempeh-Fordjour, the hardworking staff, students and the
foremost the Headmaster of a sister school, entire school community to continue contributing their
secondly as a Presbyterian and also a Native of Aburiman quota.
of which Aburi Girls’ Senior High School has always been
one of the Remarkable institutions in our community since Mr. Samuel Obeng-Asamoah
I became of age. Headmaster

Your institution has come very far owing to the vision,
steadfastness and perseverance of founders individuals and
all stakeholders in shaping lives of females who in turn train
society as propounded by Dr. Kwagyir Aggrey “Train a man
and you train an individual, but train a woman and you train
a Society/Nation” which indeed links-up with your apt chosen
Theme: “75 Years of Educating the Girl Child to Impact
Society”.

Over the years, the authorities have put the school into a

activities for the institution.
Talk about the success of your alumni; the generosity of
your alumni towards the beauty and enlargement of your

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75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

APPRECIATING OUR ALMA MATER

BY THE 1961 YEAR GROUP

Alongside other Alumnae of our school, ABURI and Rose Sappor taught for one year when the school
GIRLS’ , we give glory to God who made it needed teachers in 1963 before going to university. Rose
possible for the Scottish Mission to envision a came back in 1967 once again when the school needed
centre of holistic, educational excellence for teachers to teach for seven years, 1967-1974. She was
girls at Aburi in 1946. This year, our school is on milestone Barradale Housemistress and then Senior House Mistress.
75 and we, the Alumnae, are so excited. Naadu Mills also taught at the school and became Senior
Housemistress. Adelaide Nyame Adu, now Adelaide
The 1961 Year Group writes this message in appreciation Benneh, who was Senior Prefect in 1962/63 served on
of the process of nurturing, grooming, moulding and the Board of Governors and so was Rose Ankrah who
training that ABURI GIRLS’ took us through to prepare later became Board Chair. Adelaide Benneh, Naadu Mills,
us for the future. We allowed the school to pass through Veronica Bekoe and Rose Ankrah currently give Awards
us with what in Ghanaian parlance is known as “the to deserving students during the Annual Speech and
Presbyterian Discipline.” Prize-Giving Day. An occasion presented itself for Prof.
Irene Odotei, an eminent historian and researcher, one
In Form two, our classrooms gained notoriety for making of us, to single-handedly mount a photo exhibition on
noise, especially at prep time and when we were on achievements of the Alumnae and Life at Aburi Girls’ to
our own during instructional periods. Whenever the add colour and visual images to the 70th Anniversary in
punishment list was read out in the Dining Hall, we out- the year 2016.
numbered all the others. Every afternoon, not less than
ten of us would be seen doing one punishment or another As a group, we presented to the school, the bust of Miss
– weeding and scrubbing mainly. Some of us even helped Irene Anderson on the occasion of our 50th Anniversary
those who were punished to do the punishment. in 2011. Furthermore, as part of giving back to the school,
we presented ten Veronica Buckets, sanitizers, paper
Our corporate character, however, was also unique. towels and liquid soap to the school at the on-set of the
Growing up in school, we became good girls. To start COVID-19 pandemic. Incidentally, the world renowned-
with, the school Athletics team was virtually a monopoly inventor of the Veronica Bucket, happens to be one of
of our class and some of us like Irene Quaye now Professor us, Veronica Bekoe. This time around, on the occasion
of our 60th Anniversary, since leaving the walls of Aburi
even national athletes while in school. When the school Girls’, we have seen to the refurbishment of the bust of
needed someone to face PRESEC, Odumase – Krobo in
debates, it was Irene Quaye who was always selected to surroundings. We have also presented books for the
face the likes of Kwesi Botchway. It was from our class School Library. Thus, indeed, the class of 1961, has “given
that Rose Sappor now Rose Ankrah, was selected to back” to our Alma Mater.
represent Aburi Girls’ on a student’s trip to Italy in July.
1961. The icing on the cake was when our class set a As we celebrate this glorious event, 75 years of existence,
record of getting 11 Distinctions and more Division 1 at we salute the school, ABUGISS for churning us out as
the 1961 edition of the G.C.E O’ Level Examination. products of value.

Out of school, we realized the enourmity of the school’s Long Live ABUGISS
positive impact on us. We decided to give back to Aburi BEPOWSO HANN! Nyame ne Hene!
Girls’ in one way or the other. Individually, Esther Aryee

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75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

Aburi Girls 1961 House Misstresses Counselling Workshop

Aburi Girls 1961 Photos Exhibition
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75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

CLASS OF 1995 KITCHEN RENOVATIONS



75TH ANNIVERSARY COOKING COMPETITION

46

75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

47

75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY

LIBRARY BEFORE REFURBISHMENT

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75TH ANNIVERSARY SPEECH AND PRIZE – GIVING DAY