By Enock Akonnor (Managing Editor) enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
Martyrs of Uganda Jubilee School in Kumasi has celebrated its 25th anniversary with a grand and spirited event that brought together clergy, government officials, educational leaders, past and present students, and members of the Catholic community to mark a milestone in the school’s remarkable journey.
The colourful ceremony, held on the school’s premises, was graced by several high-profile dignitaries including His Grace Most Rev. Gabriel Justice Yaw Anokye, Metropolitan Archbishop of Kumasi; His Grace Most Rev. Peter Kwasi Sarpong, Archbishop Emeritus of Kumasi and founder of the school; Very Rev. Fr. John Amankwah, the Guest Speaker and Regional Manager of the Catholic Education Unit, Ashanti, among others.
In her keynote speech, the Headmistress of the school, Sr. Cecilia Ankomah, paid glowing tribute to the visionaries who established the institution, particularly Archbishop Emeritus Sarpong, who she described as the “seed sower” whose dream has blossomed into a beacon of academic and moral excellence.
“This milestone is not just a testament to the passage of time, but to countless lives touched, dreams nurtured, and futures shaped within these walls,” Sr. Cecilia stated, as she highlighted the school’s humble beginnings and impressive growth.
Founded on October 10, 2000, with just 19 pupils at the Great Hall of St. Hubert Seminary, the school now boasts a population of 902 students, a dedicated team of 71 staff, and an infrastructure that rivals many well-established institutions in the region.
Sr. Cecilia noted that the choice of the name “Martyrs of Uganda Jubilee School” was intentional; a continuation of the strong brand of excellence established by its sister school, Martyrs of Uganda Preparatory School.
The word “Jubilee” was added to reflect the Jubilee Year 2000 in the Catholic Church calendar, when the new school was founded.
Academic and Co-Curricular Excellence
Over the years, the school has built a solid reputation for academic performance, winning national awards such as the 2022 National Spelling Bee Championship, and securing top placements in subsequent years. Pupils consistently transition successfully into reputable secondary and tertiary institutions across Ghana.
The school is also known for holistic development, with outstanding achievements in cadet corps, cultural displays, sports, and music. The school choir, which performed during the anniversary event, was praised for its professionalism and maturity.
One highlight of the anniversary activities was the return of notable alumni, including a former student now serving in the Ghana Police Service, and acclaimed musician Yaw Tog, who participated in the school’s Homecoming event earlier in the year.
Infrastructure Growth and Future Plans
From its single-block origin, the school now comprises multiple classroom blocks, modern sanitation facilities, a computer lab, library, sick bay, intercom system, CCTV surveillance, and a fleet of six school buses, including one donated by Archbishop Emeritus Sarpong.
A new three-storey classroom block with 42 classrooms is currently under construction and will pave the way for the school to admit boarding students in the near future.
Other ambitious plans include expanding the institution to include a Junior High School, Senior High School, and eventually a Tertiary institution in line with the founder’s long-term vision.
Sr. Cecilia emphasized that beyond academics, the school remains anchored in Catholic faith and moral values, offering regular Masses, devotions, and adoration sessions for both staff and students.
“To educate a child without religious and moral basis is to produce a clever devil,” she quoted Archbishop Sarpong, reinforcing the school’s commitment to shaping not just minds, but hearts and souls.
Challenges and Appeals
Despite its successes, the school faces significant challenges. Chief among them are:
An understocked library in urgent need of books.
A poor road network leading to the school, worsened during rainy seasons.
The absence of a dining hall, forcing pupils to eat in classrooms.
An inadequate number of computers relative to the growing student population.
Sr. Cecilia made passionate appeals to stakeholders, including government officials, alumni, philanthropists, and the Catholic community to support the school in addressing these needs.
Source; www.leakyghana.com
Enock Akonnor is an experienced Ghanaian journalist, based in Kumasi and currently serves as the CEO and Managing Editor of www.leakyghana.com.
With a wealth of expertise built over many years in the media industry, he has earned a solid reputation as one of Ghana’s most sought-after journalists.
Contact:
📞 +233 541 921 562
✉️ enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
