The chiefs and people of Yefri in the Nkoranza North District of the Bono East Region have unveiled a bust in honour of Nana Osei Mensah Bonsu Okufrobuor II, the founder of Osei Bonsu Senior High School. This monument, located at the school's heart, serves as a permanent reminder of the vision, sacrifice, and legacy that led to the institution's establishment. The event was attended by various stakeholders, including the Chief of Yefri, Nana Okoforobour Opoku Gyimah Takyi II.
Nana Okoforobour Opoku Gyimah Takyi II, speaking as Chairman of the occasion, praised his uncle, Nana Osei Mensah Bonsu Okufrobuor II, for his unwavering commitment to education. He recalled the humble beginnings of the school, which was initially known as Yefriman Secondary School, and how his uncle's living room served as a dormitory for the boys. The Chief of Yefri noted that the founder's spirit lives on through the school's academic excellence, discipline, and values of integrity and hard work instilled in every student.
The Headmaster of Osei Bonsu SHS, Joseph Louis Ubaabo Npanwin, expressed pride in the school's growth over the past 22 years. He stated that a small seed sown two decades ago has grown into a big institution that all can be proud of. The school's mission is to nurture disciplined students with a vision for high academic excellence and holistic development, anchored on core values of service, patriotism, efficiency, excellence, discipline, and speed.
Currently, the school has 1,769 students, comprising 484 Form Ones, 660 in Form Two, and 625 in Form Three. The institution is staffed by 116 teaching staff, 25 non-teaching staff, and 3 voluntary staff. The Headmaster disclosed that management has intensified monitoring of lesson delivery, encouraged independent learning, and tightened discipline to unearth students' talents.
Ongoing projects at the school include a 12-unit classroom block and a girls' dormitory block sponsored by GETFund. The Headmaster thanked the Yefrihene and his elders for their support but appealed for help to address inadequate accommodation for students, especially boys, to end the double track system, and accommodation for staff. He noted that only one bungalow exists for the headmaster, who stays with over a thousand boarding students, making night supervision difficult.
The Bono East Regional Director of Education, Rev. Fr. Kingsley Dwamena Asante, challenged stakeholders to build on the founder's legacy and push the school to Category A status. He asked, "What is your vision to improve upon what Nana Okufrobuor started?" Rev. Fr. Asante emphasized the need for stakeholders to work together to take the school to the next level.
The bust unveiled in Yefri serves as a symbol of the town's foundation and a reminder that great things begin with humble seeds. The monument will inspire current and future students to strive for academic excellence and uphold the values instilled in them. Key stakeholders, including the Chief of Yefri and the Regional Director of Education, have expressed their commitment to building on the founder's legacy.
Key points
- The bust was unveiled to honour Nana Osei Mensah Bonsu Okufrobuor II, the founder of Osei Bonsu Senior High School.
- The school has 1,769 students and is staffed by 116 teaching staff, 25 non-teaching staff, and 3 voluntary staff.
- The Regional Director of Education has challenged stakeholders to build on the founder's legacy and push the school to Category A status.
