Prempeh College Alumni (Amanfoo) North America Reunion And Fundraising Towards Endowment Fund

On Saturday September 3, Prempeh College old boys from all over North America converged at the Waterford in Springfield, Virginia for their inaugural dinner dance and fundraising towards an endowment fund for the school.

Amanfoo, as they are called, arrived in the Washington Metro Area on Friday September 2nd. Festivities began with a meet and greet session which turned out to be a reunion of classmates most of whom had not met since completing high school. They spanned across generations with alumni from the 1960’s though the 1990’s.

On Saturday September 4, the day commenced with a business meeting. Talks on financial stability and sleep apnea were given by experts. Also discussed were modalities of the endowment fund. The business meeting concluded with the nomination and election of a nine member board to steer the affairs of the North America Association.

By evening the red carpet was rolled for all Amanfoo and their guests at the Waterford. The Keynote address was given by Dr. Ohene-Frempong, emeritus professor of Pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and president of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Ghana.

Dr. Ohene Frimpong belongs to the Class of 1964/66. In his address he told the gathering about his humble beginnings and his journey from being senior prefect of Prempeh College in 1965 to his current position. He intimated that he looks forward to retiring and plans to go back to Ghana.

Senior Dr. Lewis Roberts, a professor of medicine and gastroenterologist at the Mayo Clinic set the ball rolling with his donation. This was followed by Dr Michael K. Obeng, an eminent plastic surgeon who carried on with the donation drive. Dr Obeng brought Hollywood to the event and made a $5000 donation.

This was followed by another $5000 donation from Dr. Samuel Borquaye (Alooma). His mate Dr. Kofi Nuako (Zee Pascal) topped it with his own donation of $7600. The excitement grew as various year groups including the '79 year group who pledged $16,000 added their contributions. At the end of the night, over $63,000.00 (63%) of a target of $100,000.00 was raised.

On Sunday September 4, Amanfoo worshipped at the Gateway International Christian Center in Alexandria with one of their own, Apostle Dr. Elvis Acheampong(1981), Head Pastor and Founder of the Alexandria based Church.

The curtain of the 3-day event was drawn with an outdoor barbecue at the Courtyard Marriot hotel In Springfield. Amanfoo participated in various activities including table tennis, scrabble and cards.

As usual, they were treated to various Ghanaian dishes including omotuo, Tuo Zaafi, roasted turkey and tilapia . There was plenty to drink with music from one of the top Ghanaian DJs, Rek One.

The Inauguration of Amanfoo North America was a success and it also served for great networking and rekindling friendships. Funds are still being sought for the endowment fund.

Prempeh College was founded in 1949 and was the first government assisted secondary school in Ashanti and Northern Sector of the Ghana.