GOLDEN JUBILEE 1999

Given the low enthusiasm with which many Amanfoo welcomed news of the construction of the new Opoku Ware House, and the lachrymose tinge that has always coloured the name "Opoku Ware," the webmaster wrote to The Jubilee Committee asking for a strong and persuasive address as to why we need the "Opoku Ware" House. This inquiry was made in order to palliate the fear of some Amanfoo (who felt that their donations might go to fund an unworthy project).

The Webmaster presented these 8 questions to the Committee in Ghana, to which their response is given below:

Arrangements for the celebration of the Golden Jubilee anniversary started about a year ago. Over the past twelve months several meetings have taken place in Accra and Kumasi to find a lasting solution to the CHRONIC CONGESTION at Prempeh College. The nagging problems of the school namely; rapid wear and tear, inadequate facilities, low morale among staff and students are traceable to chronic congestion. In your time, there were 800 students in 8 Houses. Today, there are 1600 students in the same 8 Houses. Therefore the decision to put up this additional House was not reached lightly. Amanfoo did a lot of brainstorming and considered all options based on reality. The Old Boys of Prempeh College, most of whom, due to one reason or another have not been able to assist the school have, in the Golden Jubilee anniversary, a golden opportunity to serve the school. Members of the Jubilee Committee are sincere Amanfoo who have sacrificed time, money and energy to direct affairs until the Jubilee becomes a reality. To reassure you, permit me to respond to your questions one by one:

We appreciate your interest here. Our plan is that the new library will be filled with books through the support of ROTARY, GHANA BOOK TRUST and others. These arrangements are already in place and are being sponsored by Amanfoo. Any senior may, however, donate books for the Library and he will receive due recognition. We shall give you an account of how the books are used.

Thanks for this idea. We recognise the importance and urgency of providing accommodation for masters on campus. Most of us benefited immensely from that facility which kept our subject masters closer to us. However, the priority at the moment is students' accommodation. We shall consider masters in the near future. There is however no reason why we could not do this project alongside the Jubilee House, funds permitting.

The original purpose for setting up these rooms has been temporarily modified to cope with the over population of students. The Government has intervened in this area and is putting up an additional classroom block between the Science Block and Serwah House. When this is completed, the Common Rooms will revert to their original functions. We thank you for the suggestion.

We are grateful for this idea as well. Prempeh College was made extra popular through the exploits of Ohene Frimpong, Owusu Mensa and many more. Certain year-Groups notably 1969, 1972 and 1979 are planning to assist. Seniors may offer their support in the form of sports equipment and due recognition will be given. A senior may donate cash and instruct us to use the money to provide specific sports equipment. If this happens, the Committee will acknowledge receipt and comply with his wishes and also account for the donation.

Your concern here is very valid. Renovation work has started. The Mayor of Kumasi, an Amanfoo is assisting the school through road repair and fence walling. But Amanfoo has set up an Endowment Fund of One Hundred Million Cedis. So far, we have raised fifty million cedis which is in an Investment Account. We expect to reach the target in December this year. At that point the necessary legal papers will be signed for the interest accruing to the fund to go to Prempeh College every year to finance renovation and other replacement expenditure. This will provide a more lasting solution to renovation problems. Any direct donations or contributions to the fund will be welcome.

This is another good observation. Prempeh College has a Computer Centre for academic work. Some Old Boys in Accra have promised to donate a few more to augment the existing stock which we deem inadequate. If any of you can help in this direction, it will be duly recognised.

We are aware of the impact of the high student population on facilities such as the Dinning Hall. From time to time the Committee will meet the school administration for any adaptation to be made. It is a matter of concern to us that students should dine in good surroundings. Any help you offer will be appreciated.

What a wonderful observation ! The School Bell will be repaired by Amanfoo. Discussions are already going on. The school bell is a veritable icon and we shall ensure that it lives once again.

There is a subtle competition among year-Groups to offer various forms of support to the school even though they are committed towards financing Opoku Ware House. For example, the 1969 group has renovated the bathhouses of Pearson and Aggrey. 1979 Group has renovated the Ramseyer bathhouse and also provided street lighting. The 1964 Group in May this year, paid four million, five hundred thousand cedis to repair the water supply system in the school. Many more are in the pipeline. We wish to encourage you to undertake projects along year-Group lines as they tend to yield Rapid Results.

Prempeh College was set up for many good reasons known to most of us and one of the reasons was that the school would be a place for training Ashanti royalty. This idea was borne about fifty years ago. This explains why most of the Ashanti paramount chiefs attended Prempeh College. In addition, two Houses, Osei Tutu and Serwah were so named to honour Ashanti royalty. In keeping with tradition and also as a way of honouring the present Otumfuo, we thought if fitting to name the ninth house after him. Incidentally, about fifty years ago, a surveyor took special interest in demarcating and taking possession of the large area now known as Prempeh College. This surveyor is no other person than Otumfuo Opoku Ware II the reigning Ashantehene.

These explanations are meant to show that Amanfoo are free to select any area where they feel inclined to offer assistance. Any kind of assistance will be acknowledged with receipts etc. The Ninth House is a culmination of Amanfoo efforts since 1952 when the first batch passed out. It is the focus of our activities. So far, we have raised forty million cedis which is properly invested. We hope to start the foundation around January 1999. Amanfoo, do not hestitate to dig deep and assist. May those who have collected back their monies please return them. Prempeh College needs you. The time is NOW. Help Rebuild Prempeh.

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