Otumfuo celebrated for protecting OKESS lands as school marks 90-year journey

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has been commended for his instrumental role in protecting the lands of Osei Kyeretwie Senior High School (OKESS) from encroachment, as the institution launches its 90th anniversary celebration with a renewed commitment to infrastructural development.

The recognition was made by the Global President of the OKESS Old Students Association, Mr. Ernest Owusu Ansah, during the official launch of the school's 90th anniversary on Wednesday at its Assembly Hall in Kumasi.

The ceremony attracted traditional leaders, old students, education stakeholders and other distinguished personalities.

Celebrated under the theme "Promoting Holistic Education Through Infrastructural Development," the anniversary activities will culminate in a grand celebration in October 2027.

In his address, Mr. Owusu Ansah expressed gratitude to God for the institution's remarkable journey since its establishment in 1937, describing its history as a testament to resilience, perseverance and transformation.

He recalled the numerous difficulties the school encountered in its early years, particularly after its relocation to its present location.

These included the lack of electricity, inadequate water supply, encroachment on school lands and the invasion of stray animals.

However, he indicated that the school had made significant progress in overcoming several of these challenges.

OTUMFUO'S SUPPORT DESCRIBED AS INVALUABLE

Mr. Owusu Ansah particularly acknowledged the Asantehene for his intervention in ending the encroachment of the school's lands.

He praised Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his continued interest in the institution's welfare, stressing that the monarch has consistently demonstrated genuine concern for its development.

According to him, the Asantehene regularly makes enquiries about the school's status, a gesture that reflects his commitment to its growth and sustainability.

He further highlighted OKESS's achievements in academics and sports, noting that the school has produced numerous distinguished personalities who are contributing to national development in different sectors.

LAWYER SEKYERE TAKES UP THE LAND RECLAMATION CHALLENGE

The Ashanti Regional President of the Ghana Bar Association, Lawyer Kwame Sekyere, also made a significant commitment towards protecting the school's property.

He pledged to deploy his legal expertise to support efforts to reclaim lands belonging to OKESS that have been encroached upon.

He observed that although the institution faced considerable difficulties during its early years, it had emerged stronger and continued to excel in education.

He nevertheless called for additional infrastructure to enable the school to accommodate more students, urging old students and well-wishers to support its development.

HEADMASTER APPEALS FOR INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION

The headmaster, Mr. Frederick Keelson-Aikins, used the occasion to appeal for increased support from stakeholders, particularly the school's old students.

He identified computers, a Home Economics Block and a Visual Arts Department Block as some of the institution's pressing infrastructural needs.

He called for a united effort to provide the necessary facilities to improve teaching and learning and maintain the school's reputation.

With the grand anniversary celebration scheduled for October 2027, OKESS is looking forward to a historic milestone that will celebrate its achievements while opening a new chapter of development.