Presbyterian Boys' Secondary
Encyclopedia
The Presbyterian Boys' Secondary School (popularly referred to as PRESEC) is a prestigious all-male academic institution founded in 1938. It was originally located at Odumase - Krobo in the Eastern Region of Ghana
. It was started as a secondary school
for boys by the Presbyterian Church of Ghana
.
The school's crest has a shield with the Presbyterian Symbol (the St Andrew Cross-Scottish flag with the Swiss Flag embedded and a burning torch in the middle) with the motto of the school 'In Lumine Tuo Videbimus Lumen' meaning 'In Thy Light We Shall See Light' scrolled beneath.
The school's anthem is 'Happy Are We' written by J.L. Anang
ian educationist with the Presbyterian Church of Ghana
, Rev. (then Mr.) E. A. W. Engmann lobbied for a boys' school to be started by the church. This finally came to fruition in 1938 with the first group of 16 boys and 4 teacher
s. Rev. Engmann was the first headmaster.
The Odumase campus initially housed German
missionaries, then a primary school and then a Government Survey School before becoming the Presbyterian Boys' Secondary School.
One of the proud traditions of the school is the (baobab
tree) located on the campus. An alumnus of the school is referred to as . The baobab
tree is a Ghana
ian symbol of knowledge, resourcefulness and strength. New students were traditionally initiated at the feet of this tree clad in bedsheets and powdered faces.
PRESEC quickly gained a high reputation for the quality of its students both academically and in sports. PRESEC was located here till 1968 when it was moved to its new accommodation.
just north east of the University of Ghana
campus at 'Mile 9, received its first set of students. At the new campus it continued as a boys' boarding secondary school
until the mid 1970s when the sixth form was upgraded to the National Science College. Female students were admitted into the sixth form in small numbers to begin with from September 1975. They continued to be part of the student body till June 1996 when the last batch left.
The Legon Campus started with four student boarding houses. Three were named after notable Presbyterians. These are Kwansa House (Rev. A.L. Kwansa), Clerk House (Rev. N. T. Clerk), Engmann House (Rev. E.A.W. Engamann). The fourth was named Akro House after the people of Krobo at Odumase. The next two houses to be built were Riis House (Rev. Andreas Riis) and Labone House. With the completion of the National Science College buildings, more houses were added such Ako Adjei House and Owusu-Parry House (Named for the First Senior Prefect). Currently a new house is being built which is the ninth house in the School
in Ghana
. It regularly had one of the best GCE
O - level and A - level results prior to the change of the national examination system to BECE and SSSCE. The graduates of its institutions regularly gain admission to the most competitive courses in the various universities.
Ghana
Ghana , officially the Republic of Ghana, is a country located in West Africa. It is bordered by Côte d'Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south...
. It was started as a secondary school
Secondary school
Secondary school is a term used to describe an educational institution where the final stage of schooling, known as secondary education and usually compulsory up to a specified age, takes place...
for boys by the Presbyterian Church of Ghana
Presbyterian Church of Ghana
The Presbyterian Church of Ghana is a Protestant church in Ghana. The church was started by the Basel missionaries in 1828. The missionaries had been trained in Germany and arrived on the Gold Coast to spread Christianity. The work of the mission became stronger when missionaries from the West...
.
The school's crest has a shield with the Presbyterian Symbol (the St Andrew Cross-Scottish flag with the Swiss Flag embedded and a burning torch in the middle) with the motto of the school 'In Lumine Tuo Videbimus Lumen' meaning 'In Thy Light We Shall See Light' scrolled beneath.
The school's anthem is 'Happy Are We' written by J.L. Anang
Odumase Campus (1938 - 1968)
The school was started in Odumase after a GhanaGhana
Ghana , officially the Republic of Ghana, is a country located in West Africa. It is bordered by Côte d'Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south...
ian educationist with the Presbyterian Church of Ghana
Presbyterian Church of Ghana
The Presbyterian Church of Ghana is a Protestant church in Ghana. The church was started by the Basel missionaries in 1828. The missionaries had been trained in Germany and arrived on the Gold Coast to spread Christianity. The work of the mission became stronger when missionaries from the West...
, Rev. (then Mr.) E. A. W. Engmann lobbied for a boys' school to be started by the church. This finally came to fruition in 1938 with the first group of 16 boys and 4 teacher
Teacher
A teacher or schoolteacher is a person who provides education for pupils and students . The role of teacher is often formal and ongoing, carried out at a school or other place of formal education. In many countries, a person who wishes to become a teacher must first obtain specified professional...
s. Rev. Engmann was the first headmaster.
The Odumase campus initially housed German
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
missionaries, then a primary school and then a Government Survey School before becoming the Presbyterian Boys' Secondary School.
One of the proud traditions of the school is the (baobab
Baobab
Adansonia is a genus of eight species of tree, six native to Madagascar, one native to mainland Africa and the Arabian Peninsula and one to Australia. The mainland African species also occurs on Madagascar, but it is not a native of that island....
tree) located on the campus. An alumnus of the school is referred to as . The baobab
Baobab
Adansonia is a genus of eight species of tree, six native to Madagascar, one native to mainland Africa and the Arabian Peninsula and one to Australia. The mainland African species also occurs on Madagascar, but it is not a native of that island....
tree is a Ghana
Ghana
Ghana , officially the Republic of Ghana, is a country located in West Africa. It is bordered by Côte d'Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south...
ian symbol of knowledge, resourcefulness and strength. New students were traditionally initiated at the feet of this tree clad in bedsheets and powdered faces.
PRESEC quickly gained a high reputation for the quality of its students both academically and in sports. PRESEC was located here till 1968 when it was moved to its new accommodation.
Legon Campus (1968 to date)
In September 1968, the new campus at LegonLegon
Legon, a suburb of the Ghanaian capital city Accra, is situated about twelve kilometres north-east of the city center. Legon is home to the main campus of the University of Ghana. The word "Legon" is derived from the indigenous Ga language of the people of Greater Accra; NI-LEY GON therefore "Hill...
just north east of the University of Ghana
University of Ghana
The University of Ghana is the oldest and largest of the thirteen Ghanaian universities and tertiary institutions. It is one of the best universities in Africa and by far the most prestigious in West Africa...
campus at 'Mile 9, received its first set of students. At the new campus it continued as a boys' boarding secondary school
Secondary school
Secondary school is a term used to describe an educational institution where the final stage of schooling, known as secondary education and usually compulsory up to a specified age, takes place...
until the mid 1970s when the sixth form was upgraded to the National Science College. Female students were admitted into the sixth form in small numbers to begin with from September 1975. They continued to be part of the student body till June 1996 when the last batch left.
The Legon Campus started with four student boarding houses. Three were named after notable Presbyterians. These are Kwansa House (Rev. A.L. Kwansa), Clerk House (Rev. N. T. Clerk), Engmann House (Rev. E.A.W. Engamann). The fourth was named Akro House after the people of Krobo at Odumase. The next two houses to be built were Riis House (Rev. Andreas Riis) and Labone House. With the completion of the National Science College buildings, more houses were added such Ako Adjei House and Owusu-Parry House (Named for the First Senior Prefect). Currently a new house is being built which is the ninth house in the School
A TipToe Through PRESEC History (1938 to Date)
From Odumase to LegonAchievements
PRESEC is the leading secondary schoolSecondary school
Secondary school is a term used to describe an educational institution where the final stage of schooling, known as secondary education and usually compulsory up to a specified age, takes place...
in Ghana
Ghana
Ghana , officially the Republic of Ghana, is a country located in West Africa. It is bordered by Côte d'Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south...
. It regularly had one of the best GCE
General Certificate of Education
The General Certificate of Education or GCE is an academic qualification that examination boards in the United Kingdom and a few of the Commonwealth countries, notably Sri Lanka, confer to students. The GCE traditionally comprised two levels: the Ordinary Level and the Advanced Level...
O - level and A - level results prior to the change of the national examination system to BECE and SSSCE. The graduates of its institutions regularly gain admission to the most competitive courses in the various universities.
- In 1995, PRESEC, won the 2nd edition of the National Science and Math Quiz competition. PRESEC, Southern Sector Champions, defeated Opoku Ware Secondary School , Northern Sector Champion in the Final of Finals.
- In 1999, PRESEC scooped 4 out of the 7 WAEC (West African Examinations Council) awards for the very best individual performances in the final examinations for over 500 Secondary Schools. This was also an unprecedented feat that has still not been equaled to this date.
- In 2003, PRESEC repeated the feat of 1995 by defeating Opoku Ware Secondary School in the National Science and Math Quiz competition. The gentlemen who represented the school were Michael Gbipki, Reza Abdullah and Elorm Sekyi. Michael Gbikpi went on to chalk the overall best performance in the WAEC (West African Examinations Council) SSSCE examinations that year.
- On July 1, 2006,PRESEC won the prestigious National Science and Math Quiz for an unprecedented third time. The school was given the competition trophy for keeps. The lads that made history for PRESEC and the competition were Timothy Kotin, Roland Ribeiro and Kofi Seffah. PRESEC defeated St. Peters' Secondary School, then defending champions, in the final.
- On June 16, 2008,NIIT Ghana successfully organised the Inter-school ICT Quiz contest at The Great Hall, Kumasi which showcased the best talent from five Regions of Ghana. A total of 78 schools participated from these regions in various regional qualifying rounds to make it to the mega-finals. One winner from every region, contested for the National Title of NIIT ICT Expert 2008 in Kumasi. And as expected, PRESEC, emerged the ultimate champions- NIIT ICT Expert 2008 Winners beating the regional champions: St. James Seminary SHS ,Sunyani (Brong-Ahafo), Opoku Ware School, Kumasi (Ashanti Region), St. Augustine’s College, Cape Coast (Central Region) and Baidoo Bonsoe SHS, Takoradi (Western Region}. The boys, who outdistanced the 2nd Prize winners Opoku Ware School by an astonishing 1020 points, were the first year students John Kotey Kotei and Peter O'Hara Adu.
- On July 8, 2008, PRESEC won the above mentioned quiz for an unprecedented 4th time. The lads that made history for PRESEC were William Dove, Daniel Yeboah-Kordieh, Roland Krieger and George Blankson cementing the school's status as the best secondary school in Ghana. PRESEC defeated Opoku Ware Secondary School in the final.
- On June 24, 2009, not only did PRESEC win the prestigious quiz competition for an unprecedented 5th time, but also, they became the first school ever to successfully defend their title as National Champions. PRESEC defeated Achimota Senior High School in the final.The gentlemen who made history for PRESEC were Asala Jeffrey, Adu-Poku Frank and Dzidzienyo Prosper.Achimota School was represented by Frank Prempeh Apawu,Andreas Quainoo and Alhassan Bene Yakubu.
- On May 13 2011, PRESEC won the VRA 50th Anniversary Inter-Schools Debate Competition beating Mfantsipim School in the finals of the competition.
Some Past Heads
- Rev. E. A. W. Engmann
- Rev. E. J. Klufio
- Mr. E. K. Datsa
- Rev. E.S. Mate-Kodjo
- Mr. E. Y. Attua-Afari
- Mr. Apeadu
- Mr. Akuoku
- Mr. J.J. Asare
- Rev. Cobby Annor
Notable alumni
- Lt. Gen. F.W.K. AkuffoFred AkuffoLieutenant General Frederick William Kwasi Akuffo was a soldier and politician. He is a former Chief of Defence Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces and the Head of state and chairman of the ruling Supreme Military Council in Ghana from 1978 to 1979...
- Head of State of Ghana (July 5, 1978 - June 4, 1979) - Dr. Kwesi BotchweyKwesi BotchweyKwesi Botchwey is a Ghanaian former government official and Professor of Practice in Development Economics at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy of Tufts University....
- Minister for Finance in Ghana (1982–1995), now at Tufts UniversityTufts UniversityTufts University is a private research university located in Medford/Somerville, near Boston, Massachusetts. It is organized into ten schools, including two undergraduate programs and eight graduate divisions, on four campuses in Massachusetts and on the eastern border of France...
., Chairman - Ghana National Gas Development Task Force - Dr. Andrew OwusuAndrew OwusuAndrew Owusu is a Ghanaian athlete who competes in the triple jump.His personal best was 17.23 metres, achieved in August 1998 in Dakar. This is the Ghanaian record as well as the fourth best triple jump result in Africa, behind Ndabazinhle Mdhlongwa , Ajayi Agbebaku and Khotso Mokoena...
- International Triple Jump Champion - Mr. Kwaku Sintim-MisaKwaku Sintim-MisaKwaku Sintim-Misa aka "KSM" is a Ghanaian actor and comedian. He also has his own shows on radio and television.-Education:Sintim-Misa had his primary education at the UST Primary School...
- Ghanaian actor, political satirist and host of 'Thank God it's Friday'. - Dr. George Quartey - Director at F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, United Kingdom and Founder of Q-Stat Consulting Ltd.
- Mr. Kwasi Kyei Darkwah (KKD) - Ghana's foremost Master of Ceremonies.
- Mr. Kwasi Twum - CEO of Multimedia Group Limited (Joy FM etc).
- Mrs. Matilda Asante-Asiedu - Former News Editor, Joy FM Radio Station.
- Mr. Alex Tettey-EnyoAlex Tettey-EnyoAlexander Narh Tettey-Enyo is an educationist and politician. He is the Member of Parliament for Ada since 2005 and the Ghanaian Minister for Education between 2009 and 2011.-Early life and education:...
- Former Minister of Education. - Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa - Deputy Minister of Information (2009 to present).
- Hammer of the Last 2 - Sound Engineer & Beat Master.
- Dr. Victor Kofi Agawu - Professor of Music, Princeton University.
- Prof. Kwabena Boahen - Professor of Bioengineering and Neuromorphic Engineering, Stanford University.
- Dr. Joseph Etse - Director at Novartis Pharmaceuticals, NJ USA.
- Dr. Emmanuel Adom Winful - President of Ghana Medical Association (GMA).
- Prof. Ernest Aryeetey - Vice Chancellor of University of Ghana - Legon (2010 - ).
- Prof. E. Bamfo-KwakyeE. Bamfo-KwakyeProf. E. Bamfo-Kwakye Ph.D is a Ghanaian academician and the former Vice Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.-References:...
- Former Vice Chancellor of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) 1974 - 1983. - Prof. Fred Ohene Akuffo - Solar Energy Expert and Former Head, Mechanical Engineering Dept. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
- Prof. Daniel Simons - Professor of Economics, Vancouver Island University, Canada
- Prof. Dr. Henry Nii-Adziri Wellington - Professor of Architecture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
- Prof. Kwadwo A. Koram - Deputy Director, Nugouchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.
- Prof. E. V. O. Dankwa - Renowned Lawyer, Former Chair of the African Human Rights Commission and Former Lecturer - Faculty of Law, University of Ghana, Legon.
- Prof. E. Y. Danquah - Dean of International Programs and Director of West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana, Legon.
- Prof. J. N. Ayertey - Professor at the Crop Science department of the University of Ghana's College of Agric and Consumer Science.
- Dr. Kofi Owusu-Daaku - Dean of Students, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
- Reverend Professor Ben Abotsi Ntreh - Dean of Student Affairs of the University of Cape Coast (UCC)
- Prof. Rudolf Darko - Surgeon—Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital
- Dr. Henry Kofi Aduful - Senior Lecturer and Consultant Surgeon—Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital
- Dr. Ernest Aniteye - Consultant Anaesthetist at the National Cardiothoracic Center—Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital
- Dr. Nii Kwaku Sowah - Fellow at Centre for Policy Analysis (CEPA) and Internationally renowned Economist
- Prof. J. S. Djangmah - Former Chairman of West Africa Examinations Council (WAEC).
- Dr. J. H. Frimpong-Ansah - Former Governor of the Bank of Ghana.
- Mr. Steve Akuffo - Architect & Former President, Ghana Institute of Architects.
- Mr. Frank Adu, Jr. - Chief Executive, CAL Bank.
- Mr. Samuel Sarpong - Deputy Managing Director - Operations, Ghana Commercial Bank.
- Prof. Aaron Mike OquayeAaron Mike OquayeAaron Mike Oquaye is a Ghanaian politician who has been the Second Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana since 2009. A member of the New Patriotic Party, he was Ghana's High Commissioner to India from 2001 to 2004, then Minister of Energy from 2005 to 2006 and Minister of Communications from...
- Minister of Communication (2005 to 2009) and Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya (2005 to present). - Mr. Yeboah-Amoa - Founding CEO of The Ghana Stock Exchange.
- Mr. William Kwadwo Asiedu - Lawyer and Former Director General of Ghana Prisons Service.
- Prof. Kwabena Akurang-Parry - Professor of History, Shippensburg University, PA USA.
- Nii Adotey Barnor- Accra based Businessman, 1996 Year Group.
- Dr. Ashifi Gogo- CEO SproxilSproxilSproxil is a venture capital-backed for-profit company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts that provides a consumer SMS verification service through its Mobile Product AuthenticationTM service.-Activity:...
- A cell phone-based drug authentication service. - Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Markwei - Pastor, Living Stream Ministry International.
- Rev. Eastwood Anaba - Pharmacist, Pastor, Fountain Gate Chapel International.
- Dr. Arthur Kobina Kennedy - 2008 New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Aspirant.
- Oseeadeeyo Nana Addo Dankwa III - Okuapehene, Omanhene of the Akwapim Traditional Area.
- Mr. George Ofori Pabi - Graphic Designer & Publisher - Design Solutions Ltd., 1981 Year Group.
- Mr. Bright Simmons - Founder of mPedigree - A Counterfeit Drug Detection System and Winner of the 2011 Africa Business Awards - Innovation Prize
- Mr. Frederick Ohene - Asare - Computer System Administrator, SICLife Co. Ltd., 1999 Year Group.
- Mr. Fred Pappoe - Vice President of the Ghana Football Association.
- Mr. Kwadwo Awua-Peasah - Chief Finance Officer, Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning
- Dr. T. A. Osae - First African Headmaster, Prempeh College
- Mr. Alex Abankwa - Former Ghana Ambassador to Canada
- Mr. Joseph Awa Laryea - Former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Nii Tettey Kpobi Tsuru II - Chief of Labadi - La Mantse
- Justice F. T. Faakye - Former Appeals Court Judge
- Prof. Lade Wosornu - Renowned Surgeon and Bronsted Gold Medalist, Glasgow University
- Prof. Daniel Mireku-Gyimah - Vice Chancellor of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT)
- Mr. Benjamin KwakyeBenjamin KwakyeBenjamin Kwakye is a Ghanaian novelist. His first novel, The Clothes of Nakedness, won the 1999 Commonwealth Writers Prize, best first book, Africa. His novel The Sun by Night won the 2006 Commonwealth Writers' Prize, Best Book Africa...
- Renowned Author, Lawyer and winner of the 2006 Commonwealth Writers Prize for Best Book (Africa Region) - Mr. Francis Amponsah - Managing Director (Origin-i Consults Ltd)