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SATURDAY 13th June 2009 promises to be an epoch making day in the annals of Abuakwa State College, Kibi. It is on this day that former students from within and outside the country will congregate at the Great Hall of the school. It will be some sort of a pilgrimage but one with a difference. Unlike Chaucer's pilgrims who went to Canterbury with different tales the pilgrims this time are united and resolved in one thing - To give out part of what the school has imparted to them.
It is on this day that the students will re-enact some of the great events which made Abuakwa State College a household name in the fifties, sixties, seventies, and eighties.
Talk about Founders Day and Abuscodians clad in their white bed sheets would trek to the old site which presently houses Kibi Training College. It was formerly the site of Kibi Presby Women's Training College.
Saturday's entertainment was an area where some students were at their best elements. There were variety entertainment, film shows and records dance/night. We all remember good old Oduro Antwi, Assistant Headmaster 'digging it out' with his female partner during one of such nights. His intricate steps on the dancing floor mesmerized everybody. There was the History master, Mr. Timothy Sola Akinola and his 'Aboa nua' utterance during one inter-house sports competition. What about old Sam and his Latin? Mr. Gaba, the French tutor, nko?
Then, there was Homos Night. On this particular day, all new students referred to as Homos and Homowaas would put on their white bed sheets and use the pillow case as turban. Some funny antics reminiscent of good old Bob Cole was exhibited on such occasions, example, using “tapoli” as bow tie. It was on that day that new students were initiated into the student body. No one was officially recognized as a student unless he had gone through such ritual.
And what about Abusco gods? A night was set aside as a day when all the many gods in and around the school would descend on the entire campus to cause havoc and woe betide any stubborn student who dare go out after light out. The most fearsome of them all was the 'antontam sea god'. We cannot talk about the kitchen without making reference to Maame Akoto and Shimboloo and Onipa Nua. The last two were pantry boys. Those were some of the people who made students feel a sense of belonging in those days. There was also Miss Agatha Harrison, Domestic Bursar. 'Agatha, ma me me kosua, matua forty-four' (Please, Agatha, give me my egg for I have paid forty four cedis) School fees during out time was forty-four cedis.
When it came to sports, Abusco's name could be found among the best six schools in the country. The school was once the National Hockey Champion. That was the year we held Ghana Police Hockey Team to a one-one draw. Players who distinguished themselves in that game were Kani Twumasi (Goalkeeper) Antony Ayim and Douglas Owardie. Fredua Agyemang Kwadwo also represented the country in the pole vault event for many years. The current Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin II became the Eastern Region Table Tennis Champion when he beat reigning champion, Bartels of Sutesco.
A funny incident involving a student, Daniel Danquah Damptey and the Physics master, Mr. Avotri, patron of the Scripture Union is worth recounting. The topic being treated in class was Evaporation. Damptey decided to be a little bit mischievous. “Sir, you said if you put water on fire, it reduces in quantity. Okay. If you prepare your soup and put it on fire, it also reduces in quantity. Does it mean that God had drunk the soup?”
He had touched on a raw nerve. “Damptey, stand up! Have we mentioned the Headmaster's name?” No! answered Damptey timidly. Then more questions. “Have we mentioned the Prime Minister's name? What about the President? We have not mentioned any of the above names. How much more that of God? You must talk sense. A blasphemer, a non-entity and an atheist! Bow down your head in shame and pray to God for forgiveness”. With that he collected his books and stormed out of the class
All these and many other events would be re-enacted when the old students and many distinguished personalities congregate at Abuakwa State College come, this Saturday.
Activities lined up for the day include:
1. Formation and inauguration of active year Groups and Regional Branches.
2. Induction of council of Distinguished Alumni (CODA) members
3. Election of new National Executive Council
4. Appeal for funds in aid of Assembly Hall Project
5. Inter-Year Group football Gala
6. Special Cocktail and Luncheon.
Former tutors of the school including the current Minister of Agriculture Mr. Kwesi Ahwoi will grace the occasion.
This special meeting of the Old Students Association tagged “Homecoming 2009” promises to be “egg citing”
Daniel Danquah Damptey
Source: Daniel Danquah Damptey
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sch Boards Urged To Co-operate With Headteachers
Sch Boards Urged To Co-operate With Headteachers E-mail
By Castro Zangina Tong, Kyebi
Friday, 20 April 2007
The East Akim District Chief Executive, Mr. Emmanuel Victor Asihene, has called on board members to cooperate with school authorities to ensure smooth administration.
He also urged both board members and school authorities to jointly lobby for more development projects for their schools.
Mr Asihene said these during the inauguration of the new Board of Governors of the Abuakwa State College (ABUSCO) at Kyebi, in the Eastern Region.
He told the board members to live up to their responsibilities even though their role was sacrificial.
"Take up the challenge and do better than your predecessors," he said.
He also appealed to the school authorities to ensure proper security at the school as reports indicated that students could leave campus anytime they wanted and returned late.
Wing Commander Charles Osafo Addo, chairman of the board, thanked the members for the confidence reposed in him and plromised a transparent administration.
The Headmaster of Abusco, Mr. Fredrick Opoku, said that, the school had been able to settle a ¢250 million debt it inherited as at September 2001.
"It is our hope that the incoming board will also lend much more support in diverse ways to the school.
By Castro Zangina Tong, Kyebi
Friday, 20 April 2007
The East Akim District Chief Executive, Mr. Emmanuel Victor Asihene, has called on board members to cooperate with school authorities to ensure smooth administration.
He also urged both board members and school authorities to jointly lobby for more development projects for their schools.
Mr Asihene said these during the inauguration of the new Board of Governors of the Abuakwa State College (ABUSCO) at Kyebi, in the Eastern Region.
He told the board members to live up to their responsibilities even though their role was sacrificial.
"Take up the challenge and do better than your predecessors," he said.
He also appealed to the school authorities to ensure proper security at the school as reports indicated that students could leave campus anytime they wanted and returned late.
Wing Commander Charles Osafo Addo, chairman of the board, thanked the members for the confidence reposed in him and plromised a transparent administration.
The Headmaster of Abusco, Mr. Fredrick Opoku, said that, the school had been able to settle a ¢250 million debt it inherited as at September 2001.
"It is our hope that the incoming board will also lend much more support in diverse ways to the school.
Tribute by abuakwa state college
TRIBUTE BY ABUAKWA STATE COLLEGE (ABUSCO) AND OLD ABUSCODIANS IN MEMORY OF THE LATE LAWYER APENTENG APPIAH MENKAH, AN ABUSCODIAN.
As virtuous men pass mildly away,
And whisper to their souls to go,
Whilst some of their sad friends do say,
"Now his breath goes," and some say, "No."
It is with heavy heart and deep sorrow that we are gathered here today to eulogise you and to bid you farewell in recognition of your immeasurable contributions towards the upliftment of Abuakwa State College, a school you cherished so much.
You have been an indispensable active member and part of ABUSCO’s success story for the past decades. Indeed, you are a pivot so far as the development of the school is concerned. Your name has become synonymous with Abuakwa State College and the relics of your achievements can never be eroded with the passage of time. It is in recognition of your astute and selfless performance in the advancement of mother ABUSCO that the school honoured you during its 80th Anniversary celebration held in November, last year.
It is important that we underscore some of your indelible achievements as a true patriot for posterity to learn from you.
It could be recalled that in 1983, when the nation was hit and engulfed with a drought; and when our students starved and were virtually at the verge of death, you single-handedly came to the rescue of the school by loading trucks full of food items and donated them to the school. This singular achievement has gone into the annals of the school’s history as one of the most memorable interventions that an individual could do to save his almar mater.
Again, the school owes you debt of gratitude for providing a statue which has become an embodiment of the spirit of the school in front of the school’s Administration Block. This is so visible that any visitor who enters the school praises the originator of this brilliant concept.
To crown it all, in recognition of your hard work and material support the school, a house named APPIAH MENKAH has been dedicated to you as a result of the indelible footprint that you have left on the soils of ABSUCO.
Even at the time that you were battling with your health, you constantly paid visits to the school to familiarise with the school authorities and your house members. Your last visit to the school occurred two weeks before your call to your maker. Little did we know that you were coming to bid us farewell.
Today, as we mourn with your family on your departure, ABUSCO’s National Executive Committee (NEC) Old Abuscodians Association, the administration headed by the Headmistress, Ms. Comfort Odehe, some selected staff members and members of your house, Appiah Members clad in yellow dresses say ayekoo to you May the Almighty Lord keep your spirit well and give you a permanent place of abode until we meet again.
Yaanom Susubiribi!! Yaanom Susubiribi!! Yaanom Susubiribi!!
Previous Article Regional News of Sunday, 10 April 2005 Next Article
Abuakwa State College PTA presents bus and teachers bungalows to school
Kyebi (E/R), April 10, GNA- The Parents/Teachers Association (PTA) of Abuakwa State College at Kyebi on Saturday presented a Mercedes Benz Bus worth 220 million cedis to the school.
The PTA also handed over two semi-detached two-bedroom teachers' bungalows valued at 250 million each cedis to the school.
Presenting the keys to the bus, Mr Richard K. Akwah, chairman of the PTA explained that the PTA decided to provide the bus to help ease the transportation problems facing the school.
Mr Akwah said initially the PTA had wanted to build four semi-detached bungalows but it realized that the cost involved was too high and so it settled on the project in phases.
He expressed the appreciation of the association to the headmaster of the school for the support and contributions of the members that helped to see the project through.
Source:
GNA
Abuakwa State College PTA presents bus and teachers bungalows to school
Kyebi (E/R), April 10, GNA- The Parents/Teachers Association (PTA) of Abuakwa State College at Kyebi on Saturday presented a Mercedes Benz Bus worth 220 million cedis to the school.
The PTA also handed over two semi-detached two-bedroom teachers' bungalows valued at 250 million each cedis to the school.
Presenting the keys to the bus, Mr Richard K. Akwah, chairman of the PTA explained that the PTA decided to provide the bus to help ease the transportation problems facing the school.
Mr Akwah said initially the PTA had wanted to build four semi-detached bungalows but it realized that the cost involved was too high and so it settled on the project in phases.
He expressed the appreciation of the association to the headmaster of the school for the support and contributions of the members that helped to see the project through.
Source:
GNA
Abuakwa State College Old Students Association inducts four
By GNA
Education | Mon, 15 Jun 2009
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The age of Metusala has nothing to do with king Solomon. - By: David kyei (London UK)
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Kyebi (E/R), June, 15, GNA - The Old Students Association of the Abuakwa State College has inducted four members to the Council of Distinguished Alumni (CODA) of the association.
The induction was done on Saturday and it attracted scores of old students.
CODA is the highest body of the association and is made up of old students who have distinguished themselves in academic and social life after completing Abuakwa State College.
The four members are Mr Stanley A Twum-Barima, a journalist and a distinguished writer, Mrs Rhodaline Baafour Gyimah, a journalist, Mr Samuel Antwi Darkwa, a retired public servant and consultant and Mr Edward Osei Nsenkyire, Chairman of the Forestry Commission.
Inducting them the General Secretary of the Association, Dr Ankomah Kwakye, commended them for their contribution to socio-political and economic development of Ghana over the years.
He said the four had distinguished themselves as “true sons and daughter” of Ghana and the entire African continent, hence their inclusion in the council.
Other members of the council include the Okyehene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, Mr Akenten Appiah Menka, an industrialist, Wing Commander Charles Osafo Addo (RTD), who is the Chairman the Board of Governors of the school and Professor Kinsley Botwe Asante.
Other members are Dr Jacob K Kwakye Maafo, a private medical practitioner, Reverend (Lt. Col.) Kwasi Oteng, Dr Kwaku Osafo, Mrs Matilda Amponsah and Mr Benjamin Asonaba Dapaah.
The Headmaster of the school, Mr Vincent Aninagyei, commended members of the association for their contribution to the infrastructural development of the school over the years.
He said the school's performance in both the Senior School Certificate Examination and the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination over the past five yeas had been quite creditable and encouraging.
Mr Aninagyei said in spite of all those achievements; the school was faced with myriads of problems including lack of dormitories to accommodate the over increasing student population and accommodations for staff.
GNA
Source: GNA
By GNA
Education | Mon, 15 Jun 2009
TEXT ONLY | PRINT | E-MAIL | PDF | NEWS ALERTS
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The age of Metusala has nothing to do with king Solomon. - By: David kyei (London UK)
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Kyebi (E/R), June, 15, GNA - The Old Students Association of the Abuakwa State College has inducted four members to the Council of Distinguished Alumni (CODA) of the association.
The induction was done on Saturday and it attracted scores of old students.
CODA is the highest body of the association and is made up of old students who have distinguished themselves in academic and social life after completing Abuakwa State College.
The four members are Mr Stanley A Twum-Barima, a journalist and a distinguished writer, Mrs Rhodaline Baafour Gyimah, a journalist, Mr Samuel Antwi Darkwa, a retired public servant and consultant and Mr Edward Osei Nsenkyire, Chairman of the Forestry Commission.
Inducting them the General Secretary of the Association, Dr Ankomah Kwakye, commended them for their contribution to socio-political and economic development of Ghana over the years.
He said the four had distinguished themselves as “true sons and daughter” of Ghana and the entire African continent, hence their inclusion in the council.
Other members of the council include the Okyehene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, Mr Akenten Appiah Menka, an industrialist, Wing Commander Charles Osafo Addo (RTD), who is the Chairman the Board of Governors of the school and Professor Kinsley Botwe Asante.
Other members are Dr Jacob K Kwakye Maafo, a private medical practitioner, Reverend (Lt. Col.) Kwasi Oteng, Dr Kwaku Osafo, Mrs Matilda Amponsah and Mr Benjamin Asonaba Dapaah.
The Headmaster of the school, Mr Vincent Aninagyei, commended members of the association for their contribution to the infrastructural development of the school over the years.
He said the school's performance in both the Senior School Certificate Examination and the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination over the past five yeas had been quite creditable and encouraging.
Mr Aninagyei said in spite of all those achievements; the school was faced with myriads of problems including lack of dormitories to accommodate the over increasing student population and accommodations for staff.
GNA
Source: GNA
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Abusco celebrates 70th anniversary tomorrow
Abusco celebrates 70th anniversary tomorrow
. , 26/10/2007
Abukwa State College, the first secondary school in Ghana to be established and funded by a traditional authority is 70 years. The school was founded by Nana Ofori Atta I, the Okyehene in 1937. An elaborate programme is planned to mark the occasion tomorrow.
The Founder, Nana Ofori Atta I, had the vision that, "Education is the fundamental basis for the creation of human capital for national development, and that traditional authorities must have a role to play in promoting education for national development.”
Saturday, “Yaanom” (old students of the school) will congregate at the ancient capital of Kyebi. Events to commemorate the 70th Anniversary will include the School's 55th Speech and Prize Giving Day.
The occasion will also be used to generate funds for the construction of an assembly hall in memory of the illustrious and visionary founder, Nana Ofori Atta I.
The school started in 1937 at Asafo-Akyem before it was finally moved to its present site in Kyebi. This was the period the colonial Government and the missionaries were also establishing schools and colleges in various parts of the country.
The occasion will bring back sweet memories of the time when Abuakwa State Collage held sway as National Hockey Champions, the time when an Abuscodian, Kwadwo Fredua Agyeman was the national pole vault champion and represented the country in many international competitions, the period when the present occupant of the Ofori Panin stool, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, forced the then regional table tennis champion, Bartels (Sutesco) who later became the national table tennis coach to surrender the title to him (Osagyefuo Amoatia).
Yaanom will also have the opportunity to hear a first hand account from an industrialist, politician and chairman of the Old Abuscodian Association on how he "compelled" the then Headmaster of the school, Mr William Ofori Atta to admit him into the school.
Among those old students expected to grace the occasion are the Okyehene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, Akenteng Appiah Menka (Chairman of the Old Students Association), Rev Lt Col Kwasi Oteng (rtd), Dr K Ankoma Kwakye, Dr Aaron Offei, Dr J K Kwakye Maafo, Wing Commander (rtd) Charles Addo, Rt Rev Emmanuel Arongo, Nana Amo Adjepong, Kwasi Amoako Atta, Dr SKB Asante and a host of others.
By Daniel Danquah Damptey
. , 26/10/2007
Abukwa State College, the first secondary school in Ghana to be established and funded by a traditional authority is 70 years. The school was founded by Nana Ofori Atta I, the Okyehene in 1937. An elaborate programme is planned to mark the occasion tomorrow.
The Founder, Nana Ofori Atta I, had the vision that, "Education is the fundamental basis for the creation of human capital for national development, and that traditional authorities must have a role to play in promoting education for national development.”
Saturday, “Yaanom” (old students of the school) will congregate at the ancient capital of Kyebi. Events to commemorate the 70th Anniversary will include the School's 55th Speech and Prize Giving Day.
The occasion will also be used to generate funds for the construction of an assembly hall in memory of the illustrious and visionary founder, Nana Ofori Atta I.
The school started in 1937 at Asafo-Akyem before it was finally moved to its present site in Kyebi. This was the period the colonial Government and the missionaries were also establishing schools and colleges in various parts of the country.
The occasion will bring back sweet memories of the time when Abuakwa State Collage held sway as National Hockey Champions, the time when an Abuscodian, Kwadwo Fredua Agyeman was the national pole vault champion and represented the country in many international competitions, the period when the present occupant of the Ofori Panin stool, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, forced the then regional table tennis champion, Bartels (Sutesco) who later became the national table tennis coach to surrender the title to him (Osagyefuo Amoatia).
Yaanom will also have the opportunity to hear a first hand account from an industrialist, politician and chairman of the Old Abuscodian Association on how he "compelled" the then Headmaster of the school, Mr William Ofori Atta to admit him into the school.
Among those old students expected to grace the occasion are the Okyehene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, Akenteng Appiah Menka (Chairman of the Old Students Association), Rev Lt Col Kwasi Oteng (rtd), Dr K Ankoma Kwakye, Dr Aaron Offei, Dr J K Kwakye Maafo, Wing Commander (rtd) Charles Addo, Rt Rev Emmanuel Arongo, Nana Amo Adjepong, Kwasi Amoako Atta, Dr SKB Asante and a host of others.
By Daniel Danquah Damptey
Happy 70th Birthday Mother Abusco
Happy 70th Birthday Mother Abusco
By: Ohemeng, Frank, (2007-11-03)
More from this columnist
Abuakwa State College, Kibi is 70 years old this year. The occasion is being marked at Kyebi tomorrow, 27th October 2007. It is a pity that I am not in Ghana to take part in the celebrations. Reading about it this morning on the ?africaonline? website has sent a chill down my spine.
Abuakwa State College, ?Abusco?, as it is called was the first of its kind to be founded by a traditional council due to the vision of Nana Ofori Attah I. This noble achievement should be viewed in the context of the time: colonial times when educational policies were fashioned by colonial powers and missionaries. The school has grown to produce a lot of illustrious products who have and continue to serve our nation and the world very well. Such illustrious products include none other than the current Okyenhene, Nana Amoatia Ofori Panin. Others are Mr Apenteng Appiah-Menka, Dr Kwakye Marfo, Dr Kwaku Osafo and Col (rtd) Oteng, Asare Konadu (the writer) and a host of others.
I attended Abuakwa State College from September 1974 to June 1979. I must say that, even then the school was steeped in tradition and one could not help being awestruck as a form one student. The annual Founder?s day celebration and the procession to the Kibi Women?s Training College, clad in white bedsheets, to visit the foundation stone, was quite a spectacle to behold. The singing of ?Susubiribi?, the school anthem was always a solemn occasion. Sunday worship was really enjoyable with Agyei Peprah behind the piano.
The school blazer capped it all. I remember one evening in my village with my school blazer on and a man approaching me and asking whether I attended ?Abuakwaman?. I can recall the astonishment in his eyes when I replied in the affirmative. For among the Akyems, Abusco was held in high esteem and there was my pride. On another occasion, the school choir led by Mr Kwame Ampene had appeared on television. You can imagine my pride the next day when walking the streets of 37 Military Hospital and the plaudits I was receiving. That was Abusco for you then.
These would not be all of my recollections. We did excel in sports too. Abusco used to host all Eastern region schools for the annual cross-country meeting. I remember in our days cross-country used to be won by Michael Agbodo of Okuapeman Secondary School. Come and see our spirit of anticipation in 1975 when we thought we had the likes of Baffour Acheampong who would finally challenge Agbodo and Baffour did it! There was the case of Ben Kusi from Kwahu Ridge Secondary School, who was overcome with cramp and could not run the last few metres. Come and see the number of students running alongside him shouting ?slow motion?, ?slow motion?, ?slow motion?. Oh those were the days!
There was the school band (Sticky Fingers) with members like Lt. Col. George Danso (Signals, Burma Camp) and Kwasi Hiango (the music master?s son) who took part in annual pop-chain competitions. We were once crowned national champions beating the likes of Adisco and Mfantsipim.
The school was a serious place too and we were really ?afraid? of the seniors. The likes of Sonny Osei Bonsu, Owoahene Acheampong, Poakwa Otopa, Nii Bulley and Kenneth Akuffo-Bekoe were ?terrifying?! To cap it all the teaching staff were respected. The Headmaster, Mr Seth Allotey, was held in very high esteem. His command of the English language and his accent was admirable. There were Mr Alexander Tetteh (Assistant Headmaster), Mr Peprah, Mr Mamah and Mr Asem (Senior Housemaster) and Mr Amoako-Attah who were really professionals. On the lighter side there was Mr Timothy Panou (French master) who suffered no fools and Mr G O D Twum-Ampofo (Papacy) whose history classes were really entertaining. There was Mr Agyemang [owo (snake) tie], the maths master who got this nickname because his tie was so narrow and long! I remember once the whole school was lashed because students shouted ?owo tie? at morning assembly.
The school then had a mix of students from all backgrounds and tribes. There was Al-Hassan from the north; Nii Mensah, Hazel Nortey and Agatha Brown (Gas); the Kwaben folks (Asamoah Darkwa, Henry Ampomah and Asante Boadu); George Adusei, Patrick Adusei and Afiriyie - achiparago (Ashantis) as well as Oheneba Owusu Danso (yes Dr. Oheneba of Okomfo Anokye), James Addai and Dickson Boakye from Ejura; the likes of me (Ohemeng-Aboagye), Chapman Kyei, Twumasi, Gyamerah and Nti-Boateng from the Kade area; and Josephine Baah and Stephen Baah (Kwahus). Of course there was the Kyebi brigade led by Akoto Akwah, Amaning, Fella Boat and the Tottimehs. How can I forget Ampaw Darko, Bredu Boateng and Samuel Agyei (Alonzo) from Oseem-Nsutam?
Academically, the school held its own. Our days could boast of William Darko (last heard off, was the Senior Medical Officer for GBC), George Adusei (Chemical Engineer), Antwi Peasah (Building Technologist) among others. Someone would ask: what did you do yourself? Well I enjoyed my days at Abusco. My character and predisposition in life (to work honestly and hard) were influenced by my days there. I got my grades, went on to do 6th form at St. Augustine?s and Civil Engineering at UST. I have studied at the University of Manchester?s Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) and University of Salford for advance degrees. I am now working at a senior level in Britain?s nuclear reprocessing industry. So you see, Abusco laid the foundation for what I am today, as I believe it did for hundreds of others. It really deserves a pat on the back. Abusco ayekoo!!!!
To all Abuscodians, I say do not lose sight of the school motto: SUSUBIRIBI! Long live Mother Abusco! Happy birthday!
By: Ohemeng, Frank, (2007-11-03)
More from this columnist
Abuakwa State College, Kibi is 70 years old this year. The occasion is being marked at Kyebi tomorrow, 27th October 2007. It is a pity that I am not in Ghana to take part in the celebrations. Reading about it this morning on the ?africaonline? website has sent a chill down my spine.
Abuakwa State College, ?Abusco?, as it is called was the first of its kind to be founded by a traditional council due to the vision of Nana Ofori Attah I. This noble achievement should be viewed in the context of the time: colonial times when educational policies were fashioned by colonial powers and missionaries. The school has grown to produce a lot of illustrious products who have and continue to serve our nation and the world very well. Such illustrious products include none other than the current Okyenhene, Nana Amoatia Ofori Panin. Others are Mr Apenteng Appiah-Menka, Dr Kwakye Marfo, Dr Kwaku Osafo and Col (rtd) Oteng, Asare Konadu (the writer) and a host of others.
I attended Abuakwa State College from September 1974 to June 1979. I must say that, even then the school was steeped in tradition and one could not help being awestruck as a form one student. The annual Founder?s day celebration and the procession to the Kibi Women?s Training College, clad in white bedsheets, to visit the foundation stone, was quite a spectacle to behold. The singing of ?Susubiribi?, the school anthem was always a solemn occasion. Sunday worship was really enjoyable with Agyei Peprah behind the piano.
The school blazer capped it all. I remember one evening in my village with my school blazer on and a man approaching me and asking whether I attended ?Abuakwaman?. I can recall the astonishment in his eyes when I replied in the affirmative. For among the Akyems, Abusco was held in high esteem and there was my pride. On another occasion, the school choir led by Mr Kwame Ampene had appeared on television. You can imagine my pride the next day when walking the streets of 37 Military Hospital and the plaudits I was receiving. That was Abusco for you then.
These would not be all of my recollections. We did excel in sports too. Abusco used to host all Eastern region schools for the annual cross-country meeting. I remember in our days cross-country used to be won by Michael Agbodo of Okuapeman Secondary School. Come and see our spirit of anticipation in 1975 when we thought we had the likes of Baffour Acheampong who would finally challenge Agbodo and Baffour did it! There was the case of Ben Kusi from Kwahu Ridge Secondary School, who was overcome with cramp and could not run the last few metres. Come and see the number of students running alongside him shouting ?slow motion?, ?slow motion?, ?slow motion?. Oh those were the days!
There was the school band (Sticky Fingers) with members like Lt. Col. George Danso (Signals, Burma Camp) and Kwasi Hiango (the music master?s son) who took part in annual pop-chain competitions. We were once crowned national champions beating the likes of Adisco and Mfantsipim.
The school was a serious place too and we were really ?afraid? of the seniors. The likes of Sonny Osei Bonsu, Owoahene Acheampong, Poakwa Otopa, Nii Bulley and Kenneth Akuffo-Bekoe were ?terrifying?! To cap it all the teaching staff were respected. The Headmaster, Mr Seth Allotey, was held in very high esteem. His command of the English language and his accent was admirable. There were Mr Alexander Tetteh (Assistant Headmaster), Mr Peprah, Mr Mamah and Mr Asem (Senior Housemaster) and Mr Amoako-Attah who were really professionals. On the lighter side there was Mr Timothy Panou (French master) who suffered no fools and Mr G O D Twum-Ampofo (Papacy) whose history classes were really entertaining. There was Mr Agyemang [owo (snake) tie], the maths master who got this nickname because his tie was so narrow and long! I remember once the whole school was lashed because students shouted ?owo tie? at morning assembly.
The school then had a mix of students from all backgrounds and tribes. There was Al-Hassan from the north; Nii Mensah, Hazel Nortey and Agatha Brown (Gas); the Kwaben folks (Asamoah Darkwa, Henry Ampomah and Asante Boadu); George Adusei, Patrick Adusei and Afiriyie - achiparago (Ashantis) as well as Oheneba Owusu Danso (yes Dr. Oheneba of Okomfo Anokye), James Addai and Dickson Boakye from Ejura; the likes of me (Ohemeng-Aboagye), Chapman Kyei, Twumasi, Gyamerah and Nti-Boateng from the Kade area; and Josephine Baah and Stephen Baah (Kwahus). Of course there was the Kyebi brigade led by Akoto Akwah, Amaning, Fella Boat and the Tottimehs. How can I forget Ampaw Darko, Bredu Boateng and Samuel Agyei (Alonzo) from Oseem-Nsutam?
Academically, the school held its own. Our days could boast of William Darko (last heard off, was the Senior Medical Officer for GBC), George Adusei (Chemical Engineer), Antwi Peasah (Building Technologist) among others. Someone would ask: what did you do yourself? Well I enjoyed my days at Abusco. My character and predisposition in life (to work honestly and hard) were influenced by my days there. I got my grades, went on to do 6th form at St. Augustine?s and Civil Engineering at UST. I have studied at the University of Manchester?s Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) and University of Salford for advance degrees. I am now working at a senior level in Britain?s nuclear reprocessing industry. So you see, Abusco laid the foundation for what I am today, as I believe it did for hundreds of others. It really deserves a pat on the back. Abusco ayekoo!!!!
To all Abuscodians, I say do not lose sight of the school motto: SUSUBIRIBI! Long live Mother Abusco! Happy birthday!
MOTHER ABUSCO WELCOMES HER CHILDREN HOME
MOTHER ABUSCO WELCOMES HER CHILDREN HOME . All Old Abuscodians, young and old will converge at Abuakwa State College Kyebi for grand re-union get-together on Saturday 13th June 2009 . The programmed dubbed HOMECOMING 2009 is scheduled to take place from 7.00am to 6.00 pm . The purpose of the event is to promote the formation of active Year Groups and Regional Branches. The school was founded at Asafo Akyem in 1936. The School was re-located to Kyebi in 1937. Susubiribi is the motto of the school. The magic of this motto is that, as an Akyem word, it can evolve several interpretations: - Aim at the something worthy; Aim high and let the sky be your limit; - Think; think ahead; don't be indolent; be active; think positively; - Have regard for what is worthy and honorable; - Take measure of what you do or say. The school has produced a lot of personnel who have and continue to serve our country in all aspects of life. Some of the products from the school include current Okyenhene, Nana Amoatia Ofori Panin,Mr Apenteng Appiah-Menka, Dr Kwakye Marfo, Dr Kwaku Osafo ,Col (rtd) Oteng, Asare Konadu.Dr Eric Amaning,Mrs Matilda Amponsah,Benjamin Asonaba Dapaah, Wing Cdr. CHARLES OSAFO ADDO etc. On 27th October 2007 past students and tutors of the school met to celebrate the school 70th anniversary. The guest of honor was his Excellency The Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama. Tracing the history of the college, the Vice President said it was the first traditional and community sponsored secondary school to be established in the Eastern province of the Gold Coast, But, Alhaji Aliu Mahama said the school requires support to enable it live up to the vision of its founding fathers. At the dinner party at Bunsu. All the year groups were represented. Benjamin Wiredu and Lt Col Danso from the army,George Aboagye and Okorie Peter from the banks, Anim Kwakye and Matilda Offei from Korle bu.Daniel Danquah damptey,Kyem Morris,Biredu Boateng,Ampofo Kusi,Kwabena Akowuah,Clement Boadu(asase Emre)Peasah,Ofsohene,Kwasi Yankson,Faustina Atse,William Darko,etc were all there to grace the occasion. Fond memories of the past were recollected, The food i.e. red red,cold sweat,shot put,gas oil,physics etc.The masters i.e. Pannou,Peprah,Tetteh,Allotey,Agyare(thrash),old Garba,Mamah,Miss Gyimah,Mr Ahwoi,Twum Ampofo (Papacy)Are you sure,Coach,Ofori,Bompata,Asem etc. We also remembered Auntie Akoto,Ogyeabuor,one one,mo gu so di etc. We talked of the great school band With Snr Danso on Bass, Ametewe on Acoustic and fender Guitar, Willie Bobo on lead, Officer Toro on drums, Frankie Lee- Kwasi Hiango on synthesizer keyboards, Papa Alonzo on Maracas, Yaw Adu, Bob cat and Awuku Darlin on vocals and iron Starling on percussion and congas. All past students of this great college should endeavor to attend this grand homecoming. Home sweet Home. FRANK AYIM DAMPTEY 1978
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