The 1985 and 2000 year groups of Akosombo International School Old Students Association (AISOSA) have handed over a refurbished ICT Laboratory, and an Archway and Gatehouse as their legacy projects to their alma mater in commemoration of the school’s 50th anniversary celebration at Akosombo in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region.

The school was established in 1975 at Akosombo and its Golden Jubilee anniversary, which was on the theme: ‘’Vision, leadership and the way forward’’, was hosted by the 2000 year group.

The event also coincided with the Ruby Jubilee (40 years) and Silver Jubilee of the 1985 and 2000 year groups, respectively.

While the 1985 year group constructed the Archway and Gatehouse, the 2000 year group refurbished the ICT Laboratory.

The 1985 year group described their project as, ‘’The Archway and Gatehouse, our Legacy in Brick. Purpose in Stone, Light for Generation’’.

At the handover ceremony, the leader of the 2000 year group, Laila Heward-Mills, said the project was a token of their appreciation to AIS’ academic and moral foundation, adding, ‘’we chose to give back by transforming the school’s laboratory’’.

She said their goal was to provide tools, spare parts and inspiration that would allow future generations to learn, create and lead confidently in the digital age.      

The guest speaker at the 50th anniversary, Prof. Divine Kumah, an old student of the 2000 year group, told the continuing students that though the world was opening before them, that freedom came with responsibility.

‘’You have inherited powerful tools --- technology more advanced than we ever dreamt of, but what matters most is how to use them to your advantage’’.

Creation of apps

Prof. Kumah advised the students to use their knowledge not only to make a living, but to make a difference.

He challenged the continuing students to create apps that would help farmers see their produce, as well as systems that would make healthcare and mental health resources accessible to the Ghanaian society.    

The Managing Director of Volta River Authority Schools Limited (VSL), Eric Mensah Bonsu, in his speech congratulated the two year groups for their respective Ruby and Silver jubilees, which reflected the strength of the alumni network and the profound impact that the school had had on all its students, both past and present. 

Beacon of excellence

Mr Bonsu stated that AIS had long been a beacon of excellence in education, helping to shape the minds and lives of those who pass through the doors of the school and would continue to produce meaningful products to help in reshaping the development of the country. 

‘’The contributions of past and present staff and management has created an ecosystem conducive to nurturing great talents, equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed,’’ Mr Bonsu stressed.

The Director of VSL stated that the values of discipline, hard work, passion for excellence, integrity  and empathy that had been embedded in the past students during their time had not only made them outstanding individuals but also invaluable assets to society, adding, ‘’the school takes pride in its role in shaping you into exemplary individuals who contribute meaningfully to communities and the world at large’’.   

He said AIS remained committed to creating world-class graduates, and that their success stories would continue to inspire the school to push the boundaries of excellence.

‘’We are eternally grateful to you for refurbishing and refitting the ICT lqaboratory and building an Archway and Gatehouse for your alma mater,’’ Mr. Bonsu said.  

He said the lessons learnt, the friendships forged and the challenges they overcame at AIS had shaped them into the remarkable individuals they are today and reminded them that the celebration signified how far they had come and how far they would go in their lives’ journey.

The Headmistress of the school, Sarah Adei, said AIS continued to shine through the remarkable accomplishments of her alumni across diverse fields around the world.

Furthermore, she said the global impact and success stories of the graduates of AIS served as a testament to the enduring quality and spirit of the AIS Community. 

*Deserving students later received prizes.