Members of the Prempeh Old Students’ Association have held their third Founder Fathers’ and Pioneer Students’ Day in Kumasi.
The ceremony was organised in memory of the laudable undertakings of Otumfuo Sir Osei Agyemang Prempeh II, a past King of Asanteman and particularly Major Charles Owen Butler, former Chief Commissioner of Ashanti between the years 1948-1950 for starting the college on a sound footing for a perfect take-off.
Ashanti Regional Minister, Kofi Opoku Maanu
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon Kofi Opoku Manu, described the ceremony as a befitting one which does not only immortalizes the stewardship of the former commissioner, but also serves as a source of encouragement and motivation to those at the helm of affairs today in various capacities in the region, to emulate his good example.
Major Butler, he recalled, was instrumental in several development projects that took place in the region during the colonial era, adding that his two years stay of office marked a significant time in the development of the region.
Hon Kofi Opoku Manu described the establishment of Prempeh College as the greatest legacy bequeathed to Asanteman and the nation by the two personalities, pointing to the production of outstanding and high caliber professionals in law, academia, medicine, politics, engineering, administration and all manner of professionals who are manning various strategic institutions in the country.
With this, he thundered that the current generation of the academic staff and students of the college can offer no greater honour than a continuous observance of the time tested principles, traditions and values of the college to help maintain its leadership position among senior high schools in the country.
He therefore implored students in particular to give due respect to the headmaster and teachers and avoid tendencies that would counter the dreams of the founding fathers and the pioneer students.
Nana Adu Gyamfi Ampem, Acherensuahene, representing the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, made known that King Prempeh II was motivated by the love for the growth of society to conceive and execute a plan that established the most distinguished schools in the country.
“The man who deserves honour is one who exhibits love and patriotism that lays upon the altar the dearest and the best and without eyes to a financial reward,” he said.
The headmaster of the school, Mr Emmanuel Kwabena Yeboah, applauded the monarch and others for their dreams and visions which have become a reality.
The school, he said, looks into the future with hope and will continue to make the sky the limit.
Announcing at the celebration, the National President of the association, Dr E.O. Kuffour, said the tremendous will-power, great sacrifice and unparalleled discipline which were exhibited by the above personalities laid a solid foundation upon which stands an enviable superstructure.
However born on the 4th of February 1896, Major Butler joined the colonial service from the United Kingdom on 12th January, 1921, and appointed the same day to the Gold Coast.
He assumed duty for the first time on 25th January, 1924. He rose through the administrative ranks to become the chief commissioner for the Central Province with Winneba as his station and also for the Northern Territories with Tamale as his base.
STORY: FROM ENOCK AKONNOR, KUMASI