Suame Methodist Junior High School in Ghana recently celebrated its 120th anniversary, renewing calls for support to strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. The school's Head Teacher, Mr. George Tiako, noted that despite having the space and facilities for STEM, inadequate equipment, particularly computers, remains a significant gap. The school has made efforts to improve the situation, including receiving donations from old students and supporters.
The 120th anniversary celebration, held on September 25, 2026, had the theme "120 Years of Quality Education: Sustaining the Legacy Through Innovation, Excellence and Godly Values." Mr. Tiako expressed his vision to make Suame Methodist JHS "the hub of education in the municipality." He disclosed that the school had introduced a digital system allowing parents to access their wards' academic reports directly and had received GH¢10,000 from a supporter and two additional computers.
Established in 1906, Suame Methodist JHS has produced several prominent personalities who have contributed to Ghana's development. Notable alumni include Ghana's second Prime Minister, Professor Kofi Abrefa Busia; Chief of Staff Julius Debrah; Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempreh; the late highlife musician Daddy Lumba; and Dr. Sampson Antwi of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. The anniversary brought together Methodist Church leaders, education authorities, traditional leaders, parents, teachers, old students, and other stakeholders.
Bishop Jeremiah Morison of the Kumasi North Diocesan emphasized that the school's 120-year legacy could only be sustained through innovation, accompanied by strong moral values. He urged the school to focus not only on producing students with good grades but also on developing students with strong moral character. Bishop Morison also called on parents to become more involved in their children's education and participate actively in PTA meetings.
The Suame Municipal Director of Education, Mr. Clinton Henaka Budu, acknowledged the quality of education provided by the school over the years, demonstrated by the achievements of its former students. He encouraged stakeholders to aim to leave the school in a better condition than they found it and acknowledged the need for improved infrastructure, particularly STEM facilities. Mr. Budu also encouraged other stakeholders to contribute towards addressing immediate needs such as painting and renovation.
An old student of the school and Ashanti Regional NDC Organiser, Isham Alhassan, expressed concern about the physical appearance of the school and called for urgent action to improve its infrastructure. He donated GH¢5,000 towards the development of the school and announced plans to engage other prominent old students to explore additional support. Evangelist Michael Adu Poku also announced a donation of two computers to support the school's STEM agenda.
The school's 120th anniversary has become a celebration of its long history and contribution to education, as well as a renewed call for stakeholders to equip it for the demands of modern education. With support from government, the Methodist Church, old students, parents, and other stakeholders, the school hopes to strengthen its STEM facilities while preserving the academic excellence and moral values that have shaped its 120-year legacy.
Key points
- Suame Methodist JHS calls for support to strengthen STEM education.
- The school has produced several notable personalities who have contributed to Ghana's development.
- Stakeholders are urged to contribute towards addressing the school's infrastructure needs.
