Wesley Grammar School at Dansoman in Accra is 70 years old.
Hurray! Indeed, 70 years in the life of any educational institution is worth celebrating.
The school will hold its 70th anniversary Speech and Prize-giving Day on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
The theme for the celebration is: “Reminiscing 70 years of holistic Methodist education-The role of stakeholders in embracing new technology for the future.”
Background
From a humble beginning with 56 boys, the school now has a student population of nearly 1,500 (girls included).
The first batch of five girls was admitted in 1957.
Barbara J. T. Thompson, Headmistress, Wesley Grammar School
The school started on the church premises of Wharton Methodist Memorial Church, behind the Bank of Ghana.
Approval was given for the establishment of a secondary school in Accra during the 1954 synod of the Methodist Church, Ghana.
Subsequently, the Kwatei Royal Family of the Gbawe Traditional Council released a piece of land, which has been the location for the School since 1960, the Methodist University and the Accra Diocesan offices and Manses.
In June 1960, when a two-storey block was completed, the school moved to its present site.
In the same year, the first batch of students to be produced by the school graduated.
Activities
Activities lined up for the celebration include a float by Wesley Grammar (WES-G) students through selected routes in Dansoman, Wesley Grammar Old Students Association (WESGOSA) convoy from the Mamprobi Post Office to the School and a food bazaar as part of the Homecoming programme.
Newly painted classroom block
Other highlights of the anniversary celebration are an academic fair, where students will showcase their talents, Cultural Day, Volunteer Day for students and teachers, inter-departmental debate competition, gospel rock show, public lecture, Alumni Day and blood donation, sporting activities, a grand durbar, dinner night and a thanksgiving service on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
Over the past 70 years, the school has produced men and women of great valour, serving in various public and private services with distinction, particularly in the area of education, medicine, law, politics, business, science, journalism, engineering and sports, among others.
The school has also improved its academic performance in the West Africa Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Most of the graduates are currently pursuing undergraduate and post-graduate courses in both public and private universities.
Projects
Numerous projects undertaken by the alumni, the Accra Diocese of the Methodist Church, Ghana, the PTA and other stakeholders, including the school have been completed to be handed over to the school authorities ahead of the 70th anniversary celebration climax.
The school has provided a new ICT laboratary, painted some of the school blocks, renovated staff bungalow and dormitories for students, among others.
The Parent Teacher Association has aslo renovated two offices for the Senior House Staff while the Accra Diocese of the Methodist Church Ghana have painted the Administration and two Laboratory Blocks.
The Alumni have initiated several projects for the school to climax the 70th anniversay of the school.
Generally, they have refurbished some of the school blocks, provided educational materials, provided computers, machinery and construction materials to the school.
For instance, while the 1987 Year Group has painted the multipurpose Dining Hall and Kitchen, the 1994 Year Group has renovated the Entrance Gate with the 1996 Year Group renovating the Home Economics Block, aside fixing windows at the Administration Block.
The former Director of the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), Prof. Peter Quartey has constructed and provided rest room for Female Kitchen Staff.
About 30 street lights have been provided by the 2003 Year Group while the 1993 Year Group are undertaking a Sick Bay project for the school.
The 1985 Year Group has renovated and furnished the National Science and Maths Quiz Centre with the 1984 Year Group refurbishing the Robotic Centre.
Projects carried out by other year groups are nearing completion and inaugurated to climax the anniversary of the school.
Urgent needs
The school authorities are, however, appealing to the government and other stakeholders for the construction of an ultra-modern Assembly Hall to accommodate the increasing student population completion of the stalled GETFund 12-unit classroom block since 2016, the construction of an Administration Block and the provision of a school bus and a duty vehicle.
The school bus was burnt while conveying students for the zonal sports competition at Ngleshie-Amanfrom on November 29, 2025.
Other needs of the school include bungalows for staff, fixing the inner roads of the school, additional dormitory blocks and a facelift of the science laboratory and others.
Appeal
The Headmistress of the School, Barbara Thompson, has made a passionate appeal to the government to prioritise Wesley Grammar School in the provision of infrastructure and other resources through the GETFUND for Senior High Schools in the country.
The writer is a former Head Prefect of the school.
Email:
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh