Achimota School is preparing to mark its 100th anniversary in 2027 with a series of events aimed at celebrating the institution’s legacy and reflecting on its contribution to Ghana’s development.

Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Friday (31 July) during the programme’s weekly “Roll Call” segment, representatives of the school’s old students said the centenary would provide an opportunity to reconnect alumni, celebrate the school’s history and inspire future generations.

The school’s centenary celebrations will be held under the theme, “Achimota at 100: Celebrating the Vision, Honouring the Legacy and Inspiring the Future.”

The celebrations will include activities in Ghana and abroad, with organisers saying events have been planned throughout 2027.

Among the major activities is a road trip from Gambaga to Accra in January 2027. Organisers said the journey would commemorate the historical connection between the school’s origins and its establishment in Accra.

The school will also hold a cadets parade in February, followed by the Achimota Weekend in March, featuring a bonfire, durbar and other activities.

The centenary homecoming is scheduled for 16 to 25 July 2027, and will include a music festival, dubbed “Mochela,” and the Achimota Fan Day Games.

A thanksgiving service is scheduled for September, while an original stage production involving old students and current students is planned for November. The celebrations will culminate in a centenary black-tie ball.

The old students also outlined plans for smaller events leading up to the centenary. These include an “Achimota Party in the Park” on 15 August 2026, at the school’s cricket oval, which they described as a homecoming for Achimota alumni in Ghana and abroad.

A thanksgiving and worship service will also be held at the Agri Memorial Chapel in September 2026.

The alumni said Achimota’s enduring reputation was rooted in its founding philosophy of providing education that develops the whole person rather than focusing solely on academic achievement.

One of the alumni described the school as an “experiment” established by its founders to transform education by combining intellectual development with practical training and character formation.

“We need to train people beyond just their mind,” the alumnus said, explaining that the school’s approach sought to develop students through academics, practical work, sports and other activities.

Achimota’s facilities include a swimming pool, museum, music school and farm, with students historically taking part in farming and gardening as part of their education.

The alumni said this holistic approach helped explain the school’s long-standing record of producing people who have gone on to become leaders and professionals in politics, academia, law, business, music and other fields.

They cited former presidents and other prominent Ghanaians among those who passed through the school, saying the institution instilled confidence and a sense of responsibility in its students.

One alumnus described the Achimota experience as instilling a spirit that remains with students after graduation.

“Once you get there, it’s a kind of spirit you can’t describe. It fine-tunes you in a manner such that when you leave, you just spread your wings wherever you go,” the alumnus said.

The alumni also highlighted Achimota’s philosophy of developing the “head, heart and hands” as central to the school’s identity.

They said the philosophy encouraged students to combine intellectual ability with character, practical skills and social responsibility.

The school’s tradition of bringing students from different backgrounds together was also cited as an important part of its identity.

According to the alumni, Achimota’s founding vision was based on the belief that education should promote unity and prepare young people to contribute meaningfully to society.

They expressed concern, however, that current students may have less time to fully experience the traditional Achimota culture because of changes to the duration and organisation of secondary education, including the shift system.

They said efforts to stabilise the school’s operations would help current students better appreciate the institution’s history and the legacy on which they stand.

The alumni also pointed to Achimota’s record in sports, particularly hockey and cricket.

They said the school had a long-standing reputation in field hockey and cricket and noted that the Ghana Cricket Association has a base at the school.

The school’s sporting achievements, they said, formed part of the broader philosophy of developing students beyond academics.

The alumni argued that the model had influenced other educational institutions, with schools increasingly investing in sporting and other extracurricular facilities as part of efforts to provide holistic education.

Beyond celebrating its history, the alumni said the centenary should be used to examine how Achimota can continue contributing to national development.

As part of the 2027 programme, the school plans to hold a series of “Achimota Speaks” discussions focused on topical national issues and how the institution can continue to influence public conversations.

The alumni said the centenary was therefore not only about looking back but also about considering the school’s role in Ghana’s future.

The celebrations are expected to bring together current students, old students, staff, parents and friends of Achimota from Ghana and around the world.

Organisers urged alumni to participate in the various activities and use the centenary as an opportunity to reconnect with the institution and with one another.