Oppon Memorial Senior High School (OMESS) in Kokofu, Bekwai Municipality, Ashanti Region, marked its 50th Golden Jubilee Anniversary on Thursday. The event, themed "Changing the Narrative: 50 Years of Nurturing Greatness for a Brighter Future," brought together past and present students, faculty, traditional leaders, clergy, alumni from the OMESS Old Students Association, and officials from the Ghana Education Service.
Headmaster Richard Ahenkorah opened the ceremony with a tribute to the founding fathers, former heads, pioneer staff and resilient alumni whose sacrifices laid the school’s foundation. He also highlighted critical infrastructural deficits that are crippling the institution and urged government and private partners to intervene urgently to safeguard an effective teaching environment.
Bekwai Municipal Director of Education Leticia Obeng cautioned teachers against compromising ethical boundaries, stressing that professional discipline and student safeguarding must remain paramount. Member of Parliament Ralph Opoku‑Adusei reaffirmed his commitment to youth empowerment through strategic investments in educational infrastructure across the constituency, while Municipal Chief Executive Salia Salifu urged students to prioritise studies and abstain from substance abuse.
The OMESS Old Students Association presented a newly constructed, fully furnished two‑bedroom residence for the Assistant Headmaster, a gift presented by Senior Old Boy Akwasi Amofa Agyemang. He said, "The old students have consistently spearheaded interventions to bolster developmental initiatives here, and we remain unflinchingly dedicated to driving the school's structural development for generations to come."
The jubilee culminated with an awards ceremony honouring distinguished current and former teaching staff, non‑teaching personnel, illustrious alumni and high‑achieving students for their self‑less service and academic excellence.
Officials say the celebration will serve as a platform to advocate for the school’s urgent needs, with plans to lobby for further support from the Ministry of Education and private donors in the coming months.
