Ashaiman Senior High School (SHS) has celebrated its 35th anniversary with a ceremony that combined reflection, recognition, and a clarion call for renewed investment in the institution’s future.

The milestone was commemorated under the theme: “Unlocking Potentials, Embracing 21st Century Skills for a Brighter Tomorrow.”

Speaking at the ceremony, Headmistress Mrs Jemima Quarshie paid tribute to the founding figures, describing the anniversary as “a journey shaped by sacrifice, resilience, and vision”.

She recounted how the school was established in 1990 by the PNDC government with just thirty students, five teachers, and no non-teaching staff a modest start that has grown into a thriving institution today.

Under the guidance of its first headmaster, the late Mr Cornelius Amekugee, she noted that Ashaiman SHS rose to prominence as one of Ghana’s leading agricultural schools, earning accolades at municipal, regional, and national levels.

Mrs Quarshie also recognised the contributions of pioneering staff, including Mr Peter Droefenu, Mr Alfred Sakplavi-Biko, Mr Emmanuel Ofoe Fiemawhle, Mrs Cynthia Obuo Nti, Mr Kojo Kafui Ayibor, and Mr Jerome Courage Kwadzodei, noting that they “shaped not only structures, but souls.”

Today, Ashaiman SHS has a student population of 1,246, with girls constituting 71.1% and boys 28.9%. The staff strength stands at 120, comprising 99 teaching and 21 non-teaching personnel.

Academic programmes now include General Science, General Arts, Visual Arts, Business, Home Economics, and Agricultural Science.

Mrs Quarshie acknowledged that while infrastructure remains stretched, the school continues to foster discipline, responsibility, and academic excellence.

She highlighted the role of the counselling unit and Dean of Discipline in transforming past behavioural challenges into points of pride.

The Headmistress further noted that the school has consistently qualified for the Regional and National stages of the National Science and Maths Quiz since 2014, reaching the 1/8th stage at nationals for the past four years.

In addition, Ashaiman SHS thrives in debate, drama, cultural events, and sporting competitions. WASSCE performance has steadily improved, with notable results in 2023 and 2024.

She explained that despite these successes, the school faces significant challenges. Water supply is unreliable, security provision is minimal, and there is no boarding facility for boys despite the school’s boarding status attained in 2020.

Mrs Quarshie appealed for a boys’ dormitory, improvements in water supply, and additional resources including a science laboratory, a 60-seater bus, a pickup vehicle, and completion of ongoing GETFund projects.

“These are not complaints,” she stressed, “they are calls for partnership, for support, for shared responsibility.”

Mrs Quarshie articulated a bold vision for the school’s future: digitally fluent learners, modern infrastructure, and a culture of mentorship.

“Let Ashaiman SHS be known not only for its past, but for its promise,” she declared.

Assistant Headmaster (Administration) Mr Elikplim Setsoafia-Logbavi welcomed guests and highlighted the theme of the celebration: “Unlocking Potentials, Embracing 21st Century Skills for a Brighter Tomorrow.”

He urged alumni, parents, staff, and community members to recommit to shaping the school’s future, emphasising that the anniversary was a moment for reflection and renewal.

Keynote speaker Rev. Emmanuel Mefful challenged the school community to embrace 21st-century skills.

“These are not extra skills they are survival skills,” he said, stressing creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, digital literacy, and emotional intelligence.

He urged students to look beyond grades, teachers to mentor beyond textbooks, parents to nurture curiosity, and alumni to invest in the school’s legacy.

Rev. Mefful added “Students, your future is bright. Teachers, your impact is eternal. Parents, your support is priceless. Alumni, keep the fire burning. And to the school your legacy has just begun.”

A bust was unveiled in honour of its first headmaster, Mr Cornelius Maku Amekugee, donated by alumna Ms Nyatume Yayra of the 1997 year group.