Two alumni groups of Achimota Senior High School, the 1975 and 1985 year groups, have made a significant contribution to their alma mater by donating science laboratory equipment valued at approximately GH¢1.5 million.
This generous gesture is aimed at improving the quality of science education at the school and ensuring that current and future students have access to the necessary resources for hands-on learning and research.
The donated equipment includes a human anatomical model, which provides a detailed representation of human organs and body structures to enhance biology studies.
Other essential laboratory tools such as glass flasks, beakers, a surveyor’s level on a tripod, and a digital weighing scale were also part of the donation. These resources are expected to play a crucial role in enhancing practical education, fostering innovation, and encouraging critical thinking among students.
Beyond the provision of equipment, the two-year groups have also allocated an undisclosed amount of money to support the continuous supply of laboratory consumables such as reagents and chemicals. This financial commitment is intended to ensure a sustainable approach to the teaching and learning of science by making sure that students always have the necessary materials for experiments and research.
The donation coincided with Achimota School’s 98th Founder’s Day celebration, making it a momentous occasion for both the school and the alumni. Additionally, it formed part of the 50th and 40th anniversary celebrations of the 1975- and 1985-year groups, respectively. As part of their collective legacy project, the alumni saw this as an opportunity to give back to the school that played a crucial role in shaping their personal and professional journeys.
During the presentation, Dr. Kwame Ampofo, President of the 1975 Year Group, and Dr. Barbara Easmon, President of the 1985 Year Group, expressed their motivation for the initiative. They explained that their primary goal was to enhance science education by providing students with access to modern laboratory facilities, giving them an advantage in scientific research and innovation.
They noted that the school currently has about 1,000 students pursuing science, but due to the limited number of science laboratories, students have to take turns for their practical sessions. This arrangement, they said, is far from ideal as it reduces the amount of lab time students receive. They hoped that with the availability of new equipment, additional laboratories would be set up, allowing students to spend more time conducting experiments and improving their practical knowledge.
The alumni further emphasized that beyond improving laboratory facilities, their ultimate vision is to nurture a new generation of scientists, innovators, and researchers who will make meaningful contributions not just to Achimota School but to the country, the continent, and the world. They believe that by exposing students to state-of-the-art scientific tools and technology, they will be better prepared for future academic and professional opportunities in STEM-related fields.
At the event, the National President of the Old Achimotans Association (OAA), Joel Edmund Nettey, commended the two year groups for their collaborative spirit and urged other alumni to follow their example. He emphasized that while it is a tradition for each year group to embark on a legacy project, greater impact can be achieved when different year groups come together to fund and execute large-scale projects.
He pointed out that some of the critical infrastructure projects required by the school are too extensive for a single year group to complete on its own. Therefore, he encouraged more partnerships between alumni groups, the school board, and management to identify and prioritize the projects that will make the most significant impact. He explained that while one group may initiate a project, others can step in to continue and complete it, ensuring that Achimota School receives the kind of sustainable development it needs.
This donation is expected to bridge the gap in science education resources at Achimota School by ensuring that students have the tools and materials they need to engage in practical learning and scientific research. With improved laboratory facilities, students will gain better exposure to modern scientific methodologies, preparing them for future careers in STEM fields and empowering them to contribute meaningfully to society.
The initiative by the 1975- and 1985-year groups stands as a testament to the enduring bond between old students and their alma mater. Their efforts will not only leave a lasting legacy at Achimota School but also inspire future generations of alumni to continue supporting the institution in ways that promote academic excellence and innovation.
Through such collaborative contributions, Achimota School will continue to uphold its reputation as a center of academic excellence, producing well-rounded graduates who are equipped to make a difference on both national and global scales.
