Belinda Beeko becomes first woman elected OPSA–Nananom president

Engineer Belinda Beeko has become the first woman to be elected President of the Oda Senior High School Past Students Association (OPSA–Nananom) through a formal democratic electoral process.

Her election marks a historic milestone for the association, ushering in a new chapter focused on inclusive leadership, unity and renewed commitment to the development of Oda Senior High School, popularly known as ODASCO.

The election coincided with the climax of the school's 66th anniversary homecoming celebrations over the weekend in Akim Oda, which brought together generations of past students to celebrate their shared heritage and discuss the institution's future.

Although Engineer Beeko is the first woman to be formally elected to the substantive position of president, OPSA–Nananom has previously benefited from female leadership. Professor Grace Lartey, for instance, led the Interim Management Committee (IMC), where she and her team contributed to the association's progress.

Engineer Beeko's election therefore represents both a historic breakthrough and a continuation of women's contributions to the leadership and advancement of the alumni body.

A chartered civil and structural engineer, she has extensive experience in infrastructure, sustainability, systems management, and project and programme management. Her professional career in the built environment reflects a commitment to strategic leadership, professional excellence and sustainable development.

Beyond her technical expertise, Engineer Beeko is passionate about mentorship, empowering others and creating opportunities for people to develop their leadership potential. These values are expected to inform her engagement with the executive team and the wider alumni community as she works to strengthen the association's impact.

OPSA–Nananom serves as the umbrella body for past students of Oda Senior High School, a co-educational boarding institution located approximately five kilometres outside Akim Oda, along the Oda Nkwanta–Ayirebi road.

The school was officially opened on September 30, 1960, under the Ghana Education Trust, chaired by Nana Ayirebi Acquah of Winneba. Reverend J. W. DeGraft served as its first headmaster.

From its initial enrolment of 95 students, ODASCO has grown into a prominent second-cycle institution in the Birim Central Municipality. The land on which its current campus stands was donated in 1957 by the late Omanhene of Akyem Kotoku, Nana Frempong Manso III.

As the school celebrates 66 years of academic achievement and institutional heritage, Engineer Beeko's election presents an opportunity for the association to build on the contributions of previous generations and pursue new development priorities.

Her background in engineering and programme management is expected to be valuable in efforts to support infrastructure development, improve alumni welfare, promote student mentorship and mobilise resources for key school projects.

Her leadership is also expected to strengthen collaboration among alumni groups, deepen ties between past and current students, and encourage greater participation in initiatives aimed at advancing the school's interests.

With Mr Eric Amoah serving as headmaster since October 31, 2024, cooperation between the school administration and the newly elected OPSA leadership could create opportunities to address the institution's evolving needs and advance its educational mission.

Engineer Beeko's election is not only a personal achievement but also a significant moment for the association, highlighting the importance of inclusive leadership, service and collective responsibility.

As OPSA–Nananom begins this new chapter, the focus will be on preserving the association's heritage, strengthening unity and building a more connected and impactful alumni network for the benefit of future generations of ODASCO students.

For Engineer Beeko, the task ahead is to build on the foundations laid by previous leaders and work with members and other stakeholders to secure a stronger future for the association and its alma mater.