Mfantsipim School's head boy delivered a remarkable speech at the school's 150th anniversary grand durbar, speaking in at least seven languages. The school's livestream of the event, held at the Kwabotwe Centre for Sports Excellence in Cape Coast on November 14, revealed the impressive linguistic skills of the head boy. According to the commentary on the livestream, the head boy spoke in Mandarin, Korean, Latin, French, and Russian, among other languages.
The head boy's speech was a highlight of the durbar, which was attended by several notable figures, including Vice-President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who represented President John Dramani Mahama as guest of honour. The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, was also present as guest speaker. The Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, announced a 66-seater bus and GETFund support for the school during the event.
The head boy's multilingual address is not an isolated incident, as Mfantsipim School has a history of showcasing linguistic talents during speech days. At the 148th anniversary in 2024, the then head boy, Ato Kwamina Essilfie, spoke in over 10 languages, including French, Portuguese, German, and Arabic, during an address that lasted about 30 minutes.
The 150th anniversary durbar was a significant event for Mfantsipim School, which was founded on April 3, 1876, by the Wesleyan Mission in Cape Coast with an initial 17 boys. The school's headmaster, Very Rev Ebenezer Kobina Aidoo, highlighted the need for a modern assembly hall, citing the current lack of a facility that can accommodate the entire student body.
The event also saw some notable donations, including GH¢100,000 from President Mahama and GH¢500,000 from the Asantehene. These donations reflect the importance of Mfantsipim School, Ghana's first secondary school, which has a rich history and a strong reputation for academic excellence.
Vice-President Opoku-Agyemang, in her address, called for quality-driven secondary education, emphasizing the need for schools to focus on producing well-rounded students. Her comments were in line with the government's efforts to improve the quality of education in Ghana.
The headmaster's speech also touched on the challenges faced by the school, including the lack of a modern assembly hall. He noted that the school's events are often disrupted by rain due to the lack of a suitable venue. The school's 150th anniversary durbar was a celebration of its history and achievements, as well as a call to action for the future.
Key points
- The head boy spoke at least seven languages, including Mandarin, Korean, and Latin, during the 150th anniversary durbar.
- Mfantsipim School was founded on April 3, 1876, by the Wesleyan Mission in Cape Coast with an initial 17 boys.
- The event saw notable donations from President Mahama and the Asantehene, highlighting the importance of the school.
