Kwanyano SHS honors Nana Dr Ampim Darko with monumental effigy

It was a day of joy and pride at Kwanyano Senior High Technical School in the Central Region when Archbishop Dr Barkers Arthur, President of His Presence University of Theology and Patriarch of the International Councils for Clergy Network, unveiled a monumental effigy in honor of Nana Dr Ampim Darko, Chief of Agona Kwanyano.

The effigy, crafted by the school, celebrates the extraordinary sacrifices and vision of Nana Dr Darko, whose determination gave birth to the school more than three decades ago.

Today, Kwanyano SHS has blossomed into a vibrant institution with over 2,000 students, many of whom enjoy boarding facilities.

Archbishop Dr Barker's Arthur, after the unveiling, echoed a powerful sentiment: “Kwanyano SHS should one day be named after this illustrious chief, whose legacy will forever inspire generations of students.”

The story of the school is inseparable from the story of its founder. In 1991, Nana Dr Darko released part of his own residential land for the construction of the first three-classroom block, built through communal labor with the active participation of town folks. The school began with 300 students and quickly became a beacon of hope for the community.

Nana Dr Darko not only secured the first headmaster but also provided a pick-up vehicle and a tractor for the school. He even postponed his planned holidays abroad to ensure the school’s proper launch. Yet his journey was not without challenges.

In 1993, he returned from the United Kingdom to find the school nearly collapsing with only 15 students left. Refusing to give up, he rallied the community, pleaded with education authorities for grace, and campaigned tirelessly in churches and gatherings. His persistence paid off—the student population was restored to 300, breathing new life into the institution.

Over the years, Nana Dr Darko continued to enrich the school’s growth: building a science laboratory, establishing boarding facilities with hostels and a kitchen, and initiating a computer lab equipped with 10 computers, secured through his personal connections.

Each effort cemented his reputation as a chief who placed education at the heart of his leadership.

The unveiling of his effigy stands as a symbol of gratitude from both the school and the community.

It is more than a monument — it is a reminder of vision, resilience, and service.