Ashaiman Senior High School (SHS), affectionately known as Ashaisec, has commemorated its 35th anniversary with an event that blended nostalgia, celebration, and an emphatic appeal for renewed support for the institution.
The ceremony, held on the school’s campus, brought together students, former headmasters, current and past staff, parents, traditional leaders, and a vibrant assembly of alumni from multiple year groups—marking one of the most spirited gatherings in the school’s recent history.
The anniversary was observed under the theme “Unlocking Potentials, Embracing 21st Century Skills for a Brighter Tomorrow”, a theme that captured both the school’s aspirations and the realities of educating young people in an increasingly complex world.
A foundation built on sacrifice and vision
Delivering the anniversary address, Headmistress Mrs. Jemima Quarshie painted a vivid picture of the school’s humble beginnings.
She explained that Ashaiman SHS was established in 1990 by the then Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) government to meet the pressing educational needs of a rapidly expanding Ashaiman community.
“With just thirty students, five teachers, and no non-teaching staff, the school’s foundation was modest,” she recounted.
“Yet it was a beginning shaped by sacrifice, resilience, and vision.”
Under its pioneering headmaster, the late Mr. Cornelius Amekugee, Ashaisec emerged as one of Ghana’s most promising agricultural schools, distinguishing itself in national competitions and demonstrating a commitment to hands-on, practical training at a time when the model was still relatively new.
To immortalise his legacy, a bust in his honour—donated by alumna Ms. Nyatuame Yayra of the 1997 year group—was unveiled during the ceremony, drawing applause from the crowd and emotional tributes from those who worked under his leadership.
Honouring the pioneers who built the path
Mrs. Quarshie paid glowing tribute to the school’s pioneering staff, including Mr. Peter Droefenu, Mr. Alfred Sakplavi-Biko, Mr. Emmanuel Ofoe Fiemawhle, Mrs. Cynthia Obuo Nti, Mr. Kojo Kafui Ayibor, and Mr. Jerome Courage Kwadzodei.
“These individuals shaped not only structures, but souls,” she said, acknowledging how their sacrifices laid the foundation for the institution’s values of discipline, fortitude, and service.
A school growing in numbers and diversity
Today, Ashaiman SHS is a vastly different institution from the one that began three and a half decades ago.
It now boasts a total enrolment of 1,246 students, with girls representing a significant majority—71.1% compared to 28.9% boys.
The staff strength stands at 120, consisting of 99 teaching and 21 non-teaching personnel.
The school runs a wide range of academic programmes—General Science, General Arts, Visual Arts, Business, Home Economics, and Agricultural Science—reflecting its transformation into a multidisciplinary second-cycle institution committed to holistic education.
“Our learner population reflects the dynamism and diversity of our community,” the Headmistress noted.
“Ashaisec continues to be a melting pot of backgrounds and aspirations, and this diversity strengthens our mission.”
Discipline, mentorship and a culture of responsibility
One of the recurring themes in the Headmistress’s remarks was discipline—a virtue the school is steadily reclaiming as a hallmark.
She credited the transformation to the deliberate efforts of the Counselling Unit, the Dean of Discipline, and a culture of mentorship built into the school’s operational framework.
“Discipline does not happen by accident,” she emphasised.
“It is the outcome of intentional mentorship, persistent guidance, and a community committed to shaping responsible citizens.”
To further prepare students for life beyond school, Ashaisec has instituted a “Leaver’s Day” programme for final-year students, offering guidance on tertiary programmes, career pathways, and personal development.
Strong performance in academics
Over the years, Ashaiman SHS has continued to excel on multiple fronts.
Mrs. Quarshie noted that since 2014, the school has consistently qualified for both the Regional and National stages of the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ), reaching the 1/8th stage for the past four consecutive years—an achievement that continues to inspire confidence in the school’s science education.
Beyond academics, students shine in debate, drama, culture, and sports, making Ashaisec a formidable competitor in regional and national contests.
WASSCE performance has also continued to improve, with the 2023 and 2024 results described as “encouraging and evidence of upward progress.”
“This progress reflects the dedication of our teachers, the discipline of our students, and the collective belief that Ashaisec is capable of greatness,” she noted.
Infrastructure gaps threaten future growth
Despite the progress, the Headmistress was forthright about the challenges confronting the school—many of which threaten its ability to deliver 21st-century education.
The school’s water supply is unreliable, a situation compounded by two non-mechanised boreholes that require urgent refurbishment.
Security on campus remains weak, and while the school was granted boarding status in 2020, it still lacks a boys’ dormitory, forcing male students to commute long distances daily.
“The absence of a boys’ dormitory undermines equity and limits access to structured academic support,” she explained.
“Boarding does not only offer accommodation—it provides mentorship, pastoral care and an environment that nurtures holistic growth.”
She appealed passionately for support to construct a boys’ dormitory, mechanise the boreholes, improve security, and equip the school with essential facilities.
These include a modern science laboratory, a 60-seater bus, a pickup vehicle for administrative use, completion and furnishing of ongoing GETFund projects
“These are not complaints,” she emphasised.
“They are calls for partnership—calls for shared responsibility.”
Calls for strategic support from stakeholders
Assistant Headmaster (Administration), Mr. Elikplim Setsoafia-Logbavi, underscored the importance of aligning the school’s development with its anniversary theme.
“The 21st century demands creativity, digital fluency, and collaboration,” he said.
“This anniversary should renew our collective commitment to shaping the school’s future.”
He encouraged alumni, traditional authorities, parents, private organisations, and the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly to support the school’s long-term development plan.
MCE promises infrastructure support
Ashaiman Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Freeman Tsekpo, reassured the school that the Assembly was committed to supporting its development needs.
He disclosed that by the first quarter of 2026, the E-block of the Ashaiman Technical and Vocational Institution would be fully furnished to help ease pressure on secondary school placements in the municipality.
On the school’s immediate needs, he promised that the Assembly would collaborate with stakeholders to complete the boys’ dormitory, describing it as a project of strategic importance.
He also addressed broader municipal challenges—including bad roads, poor drainage and security issues—which, he noted, the Assembly was working to fix in order to attract investors and improve living standards.
Mr. Tsekpo further urged teachers to apply innovation, technology and student-centred methods in their teaching.
He encouraged students to remain curious, humble, and open to mentorship.
A call to embrace 21st-century skills
The keynote speaker, Rev. Emmanuel Mefful, delivered an impassioned address that resonated strongly with both students and educators.
He stressed that the skills required for success today are no longer optional.
“These are not extra skills—they are survival skills,” he declared. He emphasised creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, emotional intelligence, and digital literacy as the new pillars of education.
Rev. Mefful urged students to “look beyond grades,” teachers to “mentor beyond textbooks,” parents to “nurture curiosity” and alumni to “invest in the school’s legacy.”
“Students, your future is bright. Teachers, your impact is eternal. Parents, your support is priceless. Alumni, keep the fire burning. “And to the school—your legacy has just begun he said.”
A future built on partnership and purpose
In concluding her remarks, Headmistress Mrs. Quarshie outlined a bold vision for the next phase of Ashaiman SHS: a school powered by digital learning, strengthened by modern infrastructure, and supported by an active, united alumni.
“Let Ashaiman SHS be known not only for its past, but for its promise,” she urged. “The next chapter of our story will be written by the partnerships we forge today.”
The 35th anniversary celebration—rich in emotion, reflection and forward-looking energy—was a reminder that Ashaisec’s story is still being written.
It is a story of struggle and triumph, of committed teachers and determined students, of a community that believes in the power of education.
As the school steps into its next chapter, the message from the ceremony was unmistakable: Ashaiman SHS is poised for transformation—but it needs the collective support of its stakeholders to unlock its full potential.
