SWESCO marks 66th anniversary and homecoming

The Swedru Secondary School (SWESCO), at Agona Swedru in the Central Region, is celebrating the 66th anniversary and homecoming of all firstborns (Piesies).

Being the first to be established by Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, under the Ghana Education Trust (GET) which was meant to promote the establishment of secondary schools across the country and bring quality education to the doorsteps of Ghanaians.

The old students then derived their nickname ‘Piesie’ from this, as products of the first GET secondary school.

The mission of GET was to help establish more second-cycle institutions to absorb the large numbers of school pupils who had benefited from Dr Nkrumah’s free Universal Primary Education programme launched in 1951.

The foundation stone for SWESCO was laid on June 28, 1958, by the then Minister of Trade and Industry, Kojo Botsio.

Speaking with the Ghana News Agency in an interview, the headmistress who is also an old student of the school, Ms Golda Esi Andam said, “Homecomings are often nostalgic, bringing you fond memories of a place you used to be. It creates room for socializing and networking, comes with more benefits.”

She noted that the staff and students, were happy to welcome the old students adding, “when old students visit, we are happy, the teachers feel excited to see students they have nurtured come back, the students feel inspired, motivated and wish to be like or even more than the person’s they see now.”

Giving the history of the school, Ms Andam said the school was opened on January 30, 1959, and was officially inaugurated on August 15, 1959, with 187 students in two batches of form one and two students.

The current population of the school stands at 4,208.

The Chairman of the Board of Governors, Dr Elizabeth Wyns-Dogbe, said the board and management would work towards excellence, moral integrity, and discipline among its products to make a lasting impact wherever they found themselves.

She expressed profound gratitude to the SWESCO community for the goodwill and the unfettered support and efforts in ensuring they continuously provided holistic and quality education to learners for all the 66 years of the school’s existence.

“May we see more years of productivity, fruitfulness and unity in hoisting the flag of our dear SWESCO high,” she added.

Led by the dynamic Global President of the Old Students Association, Piesie Samuel Atta-Mensah, the Managing Director of Citi FM, has worked together with the board and Headmistress, Ms Andam, to promote the infrastructure development of the school.

The anniversary and homecoming would witness the handing over of a teachers’ bungalow which will accommodate 4 teachers, among others. This is to ensure teachers stay on campus, have more learning hours with students, and ensure discipline on campus.

Ironically, the blessings declared on every first born and the glory he or she carries is seen in the lives of the products of SWESCO and they are exhibiting the motto of the school, “Semper cum Optimis,” a Latin expression meaning “Always with the Best.”

The school has produced men and women of high standing in all spheres who are contributing to making the country great.

Some of its notable alumni include the Founder of International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), Dr Mensa Otabil; a former Inspector General of Police, John Kudalor, as well as entrepreneur, Executive Chairman of Tropical Cable and Conductor Limited, Dr Anthony Oteng-Gyasi and Dr Evans Aggrey Darkoh, Head of Civil Service and a former Chief Director of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.

In its 66 years of existence, SWESCO, a mixed school, has made great strides and continues to remain a shining light illuminating the paths of many Ghanaians into guided careers.

Currently the school offers General Science, Visual Arts, Home Economics, Business and General Arts programmes.

Its existence is a reminder of the endearing legacies of the first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, towards bringing quality education to the doorstep of every Ghanaian.

The weeklong celebration would be crowned with a speech and prize giving day.

Source: GNA

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