Nana Oye Bampoe Addo speaking at the launch of the 95th Anniversary celebrations of Accra Academy
Accra Academy officially launched its 95th Anniversary celebrations on Friday, May 29, 2026, at the Ridge Church Hall in Accra, with a stirring address delivered by the Special Guest of Honour, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration) at the Office of the President.
Speaking on the theme, “Accra Academy at 95 Years: A Legacy of Pride, Purpose and Achievement,” Nana Oye Bampoe Addo paid tribute to the school’s rich history and immense contributions to Ghana’s national development.
In an address that blended personal reflections with government policy interventions in education, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo described herself as “more Bleoo than most,” recounting her deep family ties to the school spanning four generations from 1946 to 2009. “I know those gates. I know those walls. Growing up, this school was practically my playground,” she remarked.
She praised the founding fathers of Accra Academy, namely Dr. Kofi George Konuah and Messrs Samuel Niels Awuletey, Gottfried Narku Alema, and James Akwei Halm-Addo, for their vision, courage, and sacrifice in establishing the school in 1931 to provide educational opportunities for brilliant but underprivileged youth in their society.
Highlighting the school’s remarkable legacy, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo noted that Accra Academy has produced some of Ghana’s most distinguished leaders and professionals, including a Head of State, Chief Justices, Speakers of Parliament, renowned sports personalities, scientists, entrepreneurs, and public servants, but to name a few.
Linking the school’s legacy to the government’s current national agenda, she stated that the values embodied by Accra Academy, i.e. discipline, service, integrity, and purpose, align strongly with the Government’s ongoing “Reset Agenda” under President John Dramani Mahama.
She outlined major educational reforms and investments currently underway, including the No-Fee Stress Policy, increased funding for Free SHS and TVET education, expansion of the Student Loan Trust Fund, infrastructure development in secondary and tertiary institutions, and the One Million Coders Programme.
According to her, these interventions represent a deliberate effort by the government to build an equitable, modern, and accessible education system capable of preparing the youth for national development and global competitiveness.
As part of the anniversary launch, the school unveiled its official 95th Anniversary logo and announced a series of commemorative activities, including Founders’ Day Memorial Lectures, Career Guidance and Mentorship Sessions, the Bleoo Connect Durbar, a Float and Homecoming, and a Grand Anniversary Dinner Dance and Awards Night.
The event also served as the official launch of a GHS50 million special fundraising campaign for the renovation of the Konuah Assembly Hall and the construction of new staff flats ahead of the school’s centenary celebrations in 2031.
Nana Oye Bampoe Addo called on alumni, parents, corporate institutions, and other stakeholders to support the anniversary projects and help preserve the school’s legacy for future generations.
She also urged the youth to embrace patriotism and nation-building in the spirit of the school’s founding fathers, emphasising that Accra Academy’s story demonstrates the transformative power of purposeful leadership and investment in education.
The ceremony was chaired by Rt. Hon. Edward Doe Adjaho, Chairman of the Council of State and an alumnus of Accra Academy. The keynote address on behalf of the Minister for Education was delivered by Nana Baffour Awuah, Director for Pre-Tertiary Education at the Ministry of Education.
The event also featured addresses by Mr Rodger Allotey, Chairman of the Joint 95th Anniversary Planning Committee (JAPC); Mr Eric Ebo Sey, Headmaster of Accra Academy; Amb. Nii Amon Kotei, Member of the Accra Academy Board of Governors; and Mr Joseph Kofi Amoa-Awuah, President of the Accra Academy Old Boys Association.
Solidarity messages were delivered by representatives of the Parent-Teachers Association, the St Mary’s Old Girls Association, the Mfantsipim Old Boys’ Association, the Old Girls’ Association of Wesley Girls’ High School, and the Old Achimotan Association. The event also featured musical performances by the Clossag Band and the school choir.
In concluding her address, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo challenged the current generation of students and alumni to embody the school’s Latin motto, “Esse Quam Videri”, to wit, “To Be Rather Than To Seem.”
She noted that the driving force and spirit that led to the founding of Accra Academy were “purposeful, humble in origin but fearless in vision”, noting that this reflects the kind of national mindset required for Ghana’s transformation. “The national reset and the Accra Academy at 95 reset are both asking the same question: will you be rather than merely seem?” she questioned.
The Deputy Chief of Staff congratulated the school on 95 extraordinary years of excellence, service, and impact.
About Accra Academy
Founded in 1931, Accra Academy is one of Ghana’s most distinguished secondary schools and holds the historic distinction of being the first private secondary school established by Ghanaians.
For 95 years, the school has maintained a proud tradition of academic excellence, discipline, leadership, and selfless service. Accra Academy has produced generations of accomplished alumni who continue to make significant contributions to national development and global progress.
BAI
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