Mfantsipim School
Address
P.O. Box 101

Kotokuraba, Cape Coast

Central Region

Cape Coast
,
101

Ghana
Coordinates5°07′08″N 1°15′04″W / 5.119°N 1.251°W / 5.119; -1.251
Information
School typePublic secondary/high school Mission
MottoDwen Hwɛ Kan
(Think and Look Ahead)
Religious affiliation(s)Christian
DenominationMethodist
Established3 April 1876 (1876-04-03)
Sister schoolWesley Girls High School
School districtCape Coast
HeadmasterRev. Ebenezer K. Aidoo
ChaplainRev. Selali Segbefia
Staff147 teachers
GenderBoys
Age16 to 20
Enrollment2500+
Average class size55
LanguageEnglish
Houses8
Colour(s)Crimson   and black  
SloganThe School
SongFor all the Saints (MHB 832)
NicknameKwabotwe
Rivals
Yearbook“Botaepa”
AffiliationMethodist Church, Ghana
AlumniMfantsipim Old Boys Association (MOBA)
School AnthemDwen Hwɛ Kan

Overview

Mfantsipim is an all-boys boarding secondary school in Cape Coast, Ghana,[1][2] established by the Methodist Church in 1876 to foster intellectual, moral, and spiritual growth on the then Gold Coast. Its founding name was Wesleyan High School and the first headmaster was James Picot, a French scholar, who was only 18 years old on his appointment.

Mfantsipim is nicknamed "The School" because it gave birth to other prominent schools such as Prempeh College.[3]

History

The idea of establishing a collegiate school to raise educational standards in the Gold Coast was first mooted in 1865 but was not realized until 1876 when the Wesleyan High School was established in Cape Coast with donations from local businessmen and the support of the Methodist Missionary Society in London. The school was originally intended to be situated in Accra, owing to a decision by the British Government to move the capital of the Gold Coast from Cape Coast to Accra by 1870. However, due to local agitation and the urgency to implement the idea, it was finally established in Cape Coast, although there were initial plans to later move it to Accra, a relocation that never happened.

On April 3, 1876, the school was established as Wesleyan High School. Its inception was driven by a commitment to foster intellectual, moral, and spiritual growth among young men in the then Gold Coast.

Throughout its early years, Mfantsipim School faced various challenges but continued to grow and establish itself as a leading educational institution in Ghana. The school's foundation and development set the stage for a legacy of excellence in education, producing generations of leaders and professionals who have significantly contributed to Ghana and beyond

Foundation and Early Development

Mfantsipim School was established in 1876 as Wesleyan High School in Cape Coast, primarily to train teachers with an initial enrollment of 17 pupils. The idea of establishing a collegiate school in the Gold Coast dates back to 1865, but it took eleven years to realize this vision. The school's location was chosen amidst local agitation and the urgent need to start the institution, despite initial plans to establish it in Accra.[4][5]

The first headmaster was James Picot, a young French scholar, who was only 18 years old at his appointment. Despite his youth and relatively limited experience, Picot played a crucial role in the school's early days.[6]

Name Change and Evolution

In 1905 a graduate of the school, John Mensah Sarbah, founded a rival school named Mfantsipim; the name derives from "Mfantsefo-apem",[7] literally meaning "thousands of Fantes" but actually meaning "the gathering of hosts of scholars for change" originally by the Fantes. In July of the same year, the two schools were merged under the supervision of the Methodist Church, keeping the name Mfantsipim.[8]

Academic Excellence and Cultural Traditions

The school has a reputation for academic excellence and a unique culture. It celebrates annual events like the Speech and Prize Giving Day, which dates back to 1908, initiated by Rev. W.T. Balmer. This event is significant for recognizing academic and extracurricular achievements and maintaining a connection with alumni. The School Anthem, sung at various events, encapsulates the school's history, values, and aspirations[9][10]

Historical Relocation and Expansion

Originally built on the premises of the Cape Coast Castle, Mfantsipim was later moved to its current location on Kwabotwe Hill in northern Cape Coast in 1931. This move marked a significant phase in the school's expansion and development[11]

Role of The Methodist Church Ghana and Educational Ideals

The Wesleyan Society, and later The Methodist Church Ghana played a pivotal role in the founding and nurturing of Mfantsipim. The school's Christian foundation emphasized intellectual, moral, and spiritual growth. The centenary Headmaster, H.V.A. Acquaye-Baddoo, during the centenary celebration in 1976, highlighted the importance of religious education in shaping virtues like truth, humility, honesty, and devotion to duty[12]

Administration

Head Boys from 1928 to 2023

Year Head Boy Year Head Boy
1928 K. W. O. Assan 1975/76 Y. B. Yarquah
1930 C. J. Bannerman 1976/77 Fiifi Brandful
1931 L. K. Apaloo 1977/78 Kweku A. Awotwi
1932 H. K. Amu 1978/79 Arthur Hughes
1933 E. A. L. Bannerman 1979/80 Wormor K. Klu
1934 Peter Vanderpuije 1980/81 Sidney K. Koranteng
1935 E. A. Mensah 1981/82 Kodwo Ghartey-Tagoe
1936 Joe Appiah 1982/83 F. K. T. Bedu-Addo
1937 W. B. Amankwatia 1983/84 M. Adjei-Addison
1938 K. A. Amonoo 1984/85 S. Akpebu
1939 M. A. Baddoo 1985/86 Eugene B. Sangmuah
1940 M. A. Oduro 1986/87 A. Kittoe
1941 A. W. Kayper-Mensah 1987/88 D. D. K. Larbi
1942 G. S. O. Chinery 1988/89 Daniel Tweneboah
1943 J. C. de Graft 1989/90 G. Asomaning
1944 G. M. Odamtten 1990/91 Yaw Berko
1945 Alex Quaison-Sackey 1991/92 M. Y. Paintsil
1946 J. L. Duncan-Neizer 1992/93 A. O. Ankrah
1947 J. W. Mensah 1993/94 E. Opoku Serebour
1948 J. W. L. Tamakloe 1994/95 Kwesi Nsaful
1949 P. A. L. Odidja 1995/96 Michael Ofori-Koree
1950 B. T. K. Adadevoh 1996 Collins Anno
1951 J. O. Martey 1997 James Aggrey-Orleans
1998 Kwabena Anti
1999 Lawrence Ofosu
2000 Kofi Nimo Domfeh
2001 K. Obiri-Yeboah
2001/02 N. N. Lokko

Contribution to Ghana and Beyond

Mfantsipim has produced many notable alumni who have significantly contributed to various fields in Ghana and internationally. The school's history is marked by the achievements of its students and the lasting impact of its educational ethos

Notable Alumni

Awards

References

  1. ↑ "Mfantsipim Senior Secondary School" Archived 28 January 2018 at the Wayback Machine, Ghana Schools.
  2. ↑ "Tears at Mfantsipim school amidst tight security". Ghanaweb. 17 September 2019. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
  3. ↑ "Mfantsipim School" Archived 28 January 2018 at the Wayback Machine, Ghana Nation, 13 March 2017.
  4. ↑ "Mfantsipim School History | SchoolsInGh.com". schoolsInGh. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
  5. ↑ "Mfantsipim School: History, Academic Excellence, and Admission Process". Best Online Portal. 5 May 2023. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
  6. ↑ https://mfantsipim.com/school/
  7. ↑ "Meaning of 'Mfantsipim'". AfricaSchoolsOnline. 7 June 2017. Archived from the original on 15 June 2018. Retrieved 14 June 2018.
  8. ↑ Richard Bagudu (2007). Judging Annan. Bloomington, IN: AuthorHouse. ISBN 9781425960933, pp. 22–23.
  9. ↑ https://ghanadmission.com/mfantsipim-school/
  10. ↑ https://www.modernghana.com/news/738842/mfantsipim-140-years-of-senior-secondary-educati.html
  11. ↑ https://ghanadmission.com/mfantsipim-school/
  12. ↑ https://www.modernghana.com/news/738842/mfantsipim-140-years-of-senior-secondary-educati.html
  13. ↑ https://www.ug.edu.gh/docs/TheLifeofJohnMensahSarbah.pdf
  14. ↑ Appiah, Edwin, "Kofi Annan led 'demo' over food at Mfantsipim", Joy Online, 10 August 2017.
  15. ↑ https://www.wesleysoxford.org.uk/people/lay-people/kofi-abrefa-busia
  16. ↑ https://www.amazon.com/First-Vice-President-Biography-Graft-Johnson/dp/1956776001
  17. ↑ https://african-research.com/research/political-history/remembering-the-late-kow-nkensen-arkaah/
  18. ↑ https://ar.ug.edu.gh/albert-kwadwo-adu-boahen
  19. ↑ https://www.modernghana.com/news/422961/ulster-honours-famous-ghanaian-scientist.html
  20. ↑ https://www.modernghana.com/sports/575218/arthur-wharton-the-worlds-first-black-professional-footbal.html
  21. ↑ https://kwekudee-tripdownmemorylane.blogspot.com/2013/11/joseph-ephraim-casely-hayford-uncrowned.html
  22. ↑ https://theindependentghana.com/six-ghanaians-who-have-been-knighted-by-the-british-monarchy/
  23. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/advocatebuabeng/posts/kobina-sekyi-was-educated-at-mfantsipim-school-and-studied-philosophy-at-the-uni/1381750058870893/
  24. ↑ https://whoswhoghana.app/legal-practitioners/tsatsu-tsikata/
  25. ↑ https://werus.org/nana-kobena-nketsia/
  26. ↑ https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6586276-muntu
  27. ↑ "Mfantsipim 2014 National Science & Maths Quiz". 9 July 2014. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016.

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