Ode To Mr W N A Kpankpari, Former Headmaster Of Lawra Secondary School

Law Sec resumed, it was after a strike
Yes, after a strike, and what a strike it was
It was 1981, the history was bumpy
There I was, a participant witness in my Lower Sixth

At a school I hold so dear, at heart I do
Many were the students dismissed
For some rustication was the potion
Teachers transferred or made to transfer
Abasa-Addo included and so was Aacher, hitherto head and respective assist

Restoring order was one clarion call, of traditional brokers and education authorities

Consensus was there, a new in-charge was the imperative

And to Mr Kpankpari they beckoned, with good reason too

A veteran of the teaching profession, no one would argue

At Wa Secondary School he carved his niche
And if you ask, it was in the Queen’s language

Teaching of which he dazzled in syntax
An ode like this would fail his test
But most would add, discipline was his ethos
He never made diplomacy of where he stood
And arrived in Law Sec with trademark in tow
To students and staff, he flagged it alike
And made no exception to whom it applied
With English impeccable, his vision was daylight
Get Law Sec working again, no cliché implied

Even knowing collision was rife, he cracked his whip

On all defaulters he did, and gave his reasons
Discipline was no bargain and that was telling
Good was never enough, he wanted the best
But collision came with students in arms
Albeit peacefully, they walked out on him
Mr Kpankpari beat his retreat and watched from within

Before retiring into precincts of GES Administration

Then followed the moans and also the groans
So typical of the ‘had I known’ that makes us human

Come today, I hear he is gone, gone for good beyond earthly reach

Leaving us twice anguished with hearts contrite
But before our goodbye, please accept our thank you

Our recognition is profound and adds to your validation

You paid your dues, and Law Sec is working
The knowledge of which, I know
Shall put you to rest in peace, you richly deserve it

May mother earth be gentle on you
May the Ancestors celebrate our loss, and
May the angels sing their best!
Rest in peace Mr Kpankpari, rest in peace our Headmaster!

The writer is a former student and tutor of Lawra Secondary School in the Upper West Region