ADISCO in historic centenary celebration

From David Allan Paintsil, Cape Coast

The atmosphere at the Adisadel College in Cape Coast last Saturday was one that could be described as a historic centenary celebration, which brought people from all walks of life together at the rugged school compound, with black and white attire dominating all colours.

The rain had mercy upon both the national and local organising committees, which took into consideration a possible downpour, and held the climax at the school’s large dining hall, which was full to capacity.

Giant screens were mounted outside to enable those who could not enter the hall watch proceedings.

The whole compound was covered by thousands of old students, parents and invited guests and the clergy, thus making movement very difficult.

Important personalities such as Sir Dr. Sam Jonah, former president of Anglogold Ashanti, Ebenezer Sekyi Hughes, former Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Kojo Yankah, a former Central Regional Minister, and Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, former Trade and Industry Minister, as well as Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, Omanhen of the Oguaa Traditional Area, all alumni of the school, arrived at the function in grand style.

The atmosphere was further charged, when Oheneba Edusei Poku, Akyempemhene of the Ashanti Kingdom who represented the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, entered the hall amid traditional drumming.

While at it, Egya Ko Nimo, an old student and a renowned traditional musician, blazed the trail with some of his melodious songs.
The school cadet treated the large crowd to impressive military drills, and the thrill was heightened when the Special Guest of Honour for the occasion, President John Evans Atta Mills, arrived.

President Mills inspected a Guard of Honour mounted by the school cadet.

Both the school choir and the band were very impressive, as they portrayed what is termed as quality education and training.

Speaking at the colourful celebration, President Evans Atta Mills commended the founders of the school for their insight, adding that Adisadel College had produced prominent personalities who had contributed immensely to the development of the country.

He mentioned the late Chief Justices Philip Archer, Owiredu and Acquah, as great sons of the school, who served in high offices of the country.
President Mills again, commended Sir Dr. Sam Jonah for his immense contributions to the infrastructural development of the school, for building a dormitory to house the students, and further appealed to him for more support.

President Mills, who expressed gratitude to the school for inviting him, also praised the Ebiradze Clan of Cape Coast for releasing land for the construction of the school.

He advised the students to strive for excellence, as since the successful and colourful story of Adisadel College was being told today, it was incumbent on the present students to commit themselves to making sure that another hundred years from today, an even better story would be told.

He said the government would continue to address the issue of inadequate infrastructure in the schools to ensure quality education, while more emphasis would be placed on science, with the government ready to give scholarships to needy, but brilliant students.

Dr. Sam Jonah, on his part, reminded the students to write a better story for the next hundred years, and called for private sector participation for the provision of infrastructure, to solve the poor infrastructure in the various schools, adding that present economies are technological driven ones, where students must be equipped to face the challenges posed by the 21st Century global market.

Earlier, the Board Chairman of the school, Mr. Solomon Abam Quartey, incurred the wrath of the students, when he suggested, in his welcome address, that the school should be turned into a mixed one.

The Adisadel College was established in 1910 by the Right Reverend Nathaniel Temple Hamlyn, and the school has since become one of the best second cycle institutions in the country.

Short URL: http://ghanaian-chronicle.com/?p=2462