The Volta Regional capital of Ho was awash in green and yellow over the weekend as Mawuli School, one of Ghana’s premier second-cycle institutions, celebrated its 75th anniversary with grandeur, pride, and purpose.
Themed “Empowering the Head, Heart, and Hand into the Future,” the milestone drew together dignitaries, alumni, students, and residents in a powerful display of heritage and unity.
The three-day celebration was more than a commemorative event — it was a living testimony to the enduring values of discipline, academic excellence, and service that have defined Mawuli School since its establishment in 1950.
From the bustling anniversary float through the streets of Ho to the artistic and symbolic grand durbar, the school’s spirit was on full display, painting the city in the colours of achievement and hope.
A festival of colours and pride
The “Oxygen City” of Ho transformed into a sea of green and yellow as the school’s flag, crests, and anniversary banners fluttered across major streets and public buildings.
The festive atmosphere was heightened by the arrival of hundreds of old students — affectionately called Haviwo — from across Ghana and abroad, who returned home to relive memories and renew their commitment to the ideals of their alma mater.
The celebration was marked by a symbolic blend of art, music, culture, and reflection.
The anniversary logo — an elegant interweaving of green and yellow crowned with the iconic torch of enlightenment — became a visual metaphor for Mawuli’s continuing mission to illuminate minds and shape lives.
The stage design, traditional drapery, and careful aesthetic coordination reflected the school’s long-held values of creativity, order, and progress.
Ho residents joined in the excitement, describing the city’s transformation as “a festival of colours and pride,” as hotels, restaurants, and local vendors experienced an economic boost from the influx of visitors.
A legacy of vision and transformation
At the grand durbar, Mr. James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, commended the school’s leadership and alumni for sustaining a legacy of integrity and innovation.
He described the anniversary as “a celebration of vision and transformation,” noting that Mawuli’s consistent record of academic excellence and moral discipline had made it a beacon of education in the Volta Region and beyond.
“For 75 years, Mawuli has produced citizens of integrity, intellect, and impact,” Mr. Gunu said.
“The school’s legacy is one of empowerment — nurturing minds, shaping hearts, and building character.”
Earlier in the day, Mr. Gunu joined school authorities and alumni to cut the sod for the construction of a 650-capacity dormitory block for both male and female students.
The project, funded through alumni contributions and government support, is expected to ease accommodation pressure and improve learning conditions on campus.
Govt support and educational expansion
Representing the Vice-President, the Minister for Education announced a government initiative to invest GH₵300 million in infrastructure across selected Category A, B, and C schools nationwide, with Mawuli School listed among the beneficiaries.
In addition, the Vice-President made a personal donation of GH₵50,000 to support ongoing development projects in the school.
He also disclosed broader plans to expand educational opportunities in the Volta Region, including the establishment of a School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Engineering in Keta, a new university in Jasikan, and a Centre of Excellence Special School in Ho.
“These interventions are part of our vision to ensure that education becomes the foundation for innovation, equity, and growth in every region,” he said, adding that Mawuli School’s success story remains an inspiration for national educational reform.
The Spirit of the Haviwo
For many alumni, the 75th anniversary was not just a celebration of history but a renewal of purpose. Mr. Richard Nyarko, President of the Old Mawuli Students Union (OMSU), described the occasion as “a celebration of legacy and vision.”
He paid tribute to generations of teachers, students, and administrators whose dedication had shaped the institution’s reputation for excellence. “The spirit of Mawuli is alive,” Mr. Nyarko said.
“This anniversary is not just about looking back — it’s about recommitting ourselves to the ideals of service, leadership, and nation-building.”
Old students from across the world rallied together in a vibrant atmosphere of camaraderie. Some described the homecoming as a spiritual return, symbolising the unbreakable bond of shared identity.
“Whether by rain or fire, we are all home to celebrate this milestone,” said one excited alumnus, echoing the collective sentiment of pride and gratitude.
75 years of shaping minds and hearts
The anniversary celebration culminated in a series of activities, including a thanksgiving service, cultural performances, exhibitions, and the unveiling of legacy projects.
Dignitaries from the education sector, traditional authorities, clergy, and alumni from sister institutions such as Ola Girls, Mawuko Girls, Sonrise Christian High School, and Awudome Senior High graced the event, offering tributes to Mawuli’s enduring contribution to education in the Volta Region and Ghana as a whole.
For many observers, the 75th anniversary captured the essence of Mawuli School’s founding vision — to empower the head, heart, and hand in service to God and country.
As the final notes of the school anthem echoed through the Ho skyline, it was clear that the institution’s light of knowledge continues to burn brightly — illuminating paths for generations yet to come.
