Achimota Primary Alumni (’97) Celebrate Their Roots with Giving and Gratitude Walk

For members of the 1997 graduating class of Achimota Primary School, especially those who started their educational journey in the school’s boarding facility from as early as Class 1, the school remains far more than just an institution—it’s a place filled with cherished memories, enduring friendships, and foundational life lessons.

On Saturday, May 10, the APS ’97 alumni returned to their former school grounds not just to reconnect with one another, but to show appreciation to the school that helped shape them. What began as a nostalgic walk down memory lane quickly turned into a day of meaningful contribution and reflection on how they could support the next generation of students.

The group arrived with a clear purpose: to give back in a practical and lasting way. They donated ten waste bins, four handwashing stations, and several boxes of detergent to help improve the school’s sanitation and hygiene standards. These items, while modest in scale, are expected to make a significant difference in promoting cleanliness and reducing health risks among students and staff.

School authorities received the items with gratitude. During a brief ceremony, the Senior Housemistress and Housemaster commended the group’s initiative and reassured them that the donated items would be put to effective use. Their message of appreciation underscored how much even seemingly small contributions can mean in an environment with limited resources.

Beyond the donations, the day was filled with celebration and joy. The alumni relived their school days through shared memories, laughter, and traditional songs during a spirited kenkey party held on campus. Stories from their time in the dormitories flowed freely, painting vivid pictures of the school life they once knew.

One of the most heartfelt moments of the visit came when the group surprised Mr. Ahmed, a veteran teacher who has been with the school since 1990. His emotional exchange with the alumni served as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact educators have on their students’ lives. Mr. Ahmed offered candid reflections on the school’s current struggles and shared ideas for how alumni could play a greater role in its future.

The visit also highlighted some harsh realities. Despite its proud history, Achimota Primary School is grappling with significant infrastructural decay. Many of the classrooms, constructed as far back as the late 1950s, remain in use today, but they are in a visibly dilapidated state. Several rooms are without proper windows, and damaged desks hinder effective learning. Erosion has worn away much of the compound’s greenery, and the absence of a perimeter wall poses security threats, with intruders and even passing vehicles occasionally entering the school grounds during class hours.

These concerns echo warnings raised in previous reports, including a 2017 article in the Daily Graphic, where former Headmaster Mr. Frank Armah lamented the lack of government support despite repeated pleas. His appeal for old students to come to the school’s aid has now taken root in the APS ’97 group.

What began as a simple visit has now sparked the beginnings of a long-term vision. The group is considering the development of a legacy project aimed at restoring the school’s facilities and securing its future. Their hope is to rally other year groups and alumni networks to join in a larger campaign to rehabilitate Achimota Primary and return it to the proud institution it once was.

For the APS Class of ’97, the visit wasn’t just about nostalgia—it was about responsibility, remembrance, and renewal. Their bond with Achimota Primary remains strong, and as they move forward, they are determined to ensure that the legacy of the school continues for generations to come.