Opoku Ware School (OWASS), a venerable institution in Ghana’s Ashanti region, has received a transformative gift from its alumni. The 2000-year group, known as the AY Group, has invested over GH₵1 million to address pressing infrastructural and environmental concerns. This significant contribution focuses on a comprehensive landscaping project designed to combat land erosion and improve drainage, directly benefiting the school’s approximately four thousand students. The project underscores the alumni’s commitment to providing a safer, more conducive learning environment for current and future generations of students at OWASS. The investment highlights how alumni support of OWASS ensures its continued excellence.

For years, OWASS has grappled with environmental challenges that impacted the daily lives of its students. Untarred routes became muddy quagmires during the rainy season, hindering accessibility to dormitories, playgrounds, and teacher bungalows. Open drainage systems posed health risks, serving as breeding grounds for mosquitoes and contributing to the spread of diseases. Moreover, land erosion threatened the stability of critical school areas, exacerbating the already challenging conditions.

The GH₵1 million landscaping project, funded by the AY Group, represents a comprehensive solution to these problems. The project includes the laying of ground pipes to improve water management and the installation of paving systems that incorporate grass growth, utilizing open-cell pavers. These improvements connect key areas, including the St Mark, St. Luke, and St Andrew dormitories, ensuring easier and safer passage for students. In recognition of the AY Group’s generosity, the landscaped area has been named ‘AY ARENA.’

“This legacy project has been done through thick and thin to make the dream of our dear Headmaster and his management come through by landscaping the area covering St Mark, St. Luke and St Andrew,” said Katakyie Owusu Boateng John (AY 203), Vice President of the AY Group. “Now there would be no open drainage to breed mosquitoes and cause students to fall sick.” The alumni support of OWASS aims to create a better environment for its students.

The landscaping project promises a multitude of benefits for the OWASS community. By eliminating open drainage systems, the project significantly reduces health risks associated with mosquito breeding and waterborne diseases. The improved water storage and pipeline system ensures a more reliable water supply for the school. Furthermore, the measures taken to address land erosion will help preserve the school’s grounds and infrastructure for years to come.

The unveiling of the landscaped area coincided with the school’s 25th-anniversary celebration, an event attended by management, staff, old students, and current students. The theme of the event, “Developing 21st Century Talent; Integrating Digital and Social Skills,” highlighted the school’s commitment to preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the modern world. The event also served as an opportunity to recognize teachers and students who have made exceptional contributions to the school community.

Katakyie Kenneth Adjei (AQ203), Minister for Works and Housing, lauded the initiative, stating, “The active support of all stakeholders is indispensable…I also commend the strong Alumni body whose investment has contributed to our alma mater.” Katakyie Prof. Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi (AY174), Dean, Office of International Relations at UCC, echoed this sentiment, urging students to “not take these actions for granted but rather take good care of these projects.” He emphasized the importance of consistent maintenance to ensure the long-term sustainability of the improvements.

As the AY Group prepares to hand over responsibility for the area’s upkeep to the AZ Group during the 74th Anniversary Celebrations in 2027, the call for continued maintenance resonates strongly. The alumni support of OWASS depends on the students care of this work. The success of this landscaping project hinges on the collective effort of the entire school community to ensure its longevity.

The GH₵1 million investment by the OWASS alumni demonstrates a profound commitment to enhancing the school environment and fostering a more conducive learning atmosphere. This transformative project not only addresses critical infrastructure needs but also serves as a powerful example of the enduring bond between alumni and their alma mater. As the AZ Group steps forward to carry the torch, the legacy of the AY Group’s dedication to OWASS will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of students. It underscores the role of alumni support of OWASS in helping the school remain a nurturing environment that empowers students to thrive.