Yaa Bleoo, yaa bleoo, yaa bleoo Accra Aca eeii! That was one of many hit songs that set the campus of Accra Academy alight Saturday as old students right from the fifties to 2008 commemorated the school’s Homecoming event, 2009.

The theme for the event was “Rededicating ourselves to the cause of the Accra Academy,” and the Chairman of the Board Directors of the school, Nana Akuoku Sarpong could not have given true meaning to the theme.

Ageing and ailing at the same time, the chairman, an old student and who is also the Paramount Chief of the Agogo Traditional area graced the occasion, albeit for a short period, lending his support and giving his blessings.

It was a sight to behold as E. N. Aryee from the 1951 year group together with Adjin Tettey who is credited with the famous slogan ‘bleoo’ defied nature’s most outstanding evil, amnesia, and took the ‘latter day saints’ through the trenches of what has now been acknowledged as one of the best secondary schools in Africa.

From humble beginnings in 1931 at Mantse Agbonaa, James Town, Accra, the Accra Academy has produced a Head of State, Speakers of Parliament, Ministers of State, Justices of the Supreme Court, Academics, profound lawyers, media and medical practitioners, Army officers, bankers and outstanding sportsmen whose achievements in the development of Ghana have been unrivalled, and some were present to show their solidarity and devotion to their alma mater.

Activities

The occasion provided the opportunity for old students to meet and re-live the indelible memories of the Accra Academy.

There was the roll call interspersed with the usual ‘jama’ songs and mind blowing nick names as students of the various year groups tried to outdo each other.

Dr. S. Gepi Attee, head of Urology at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, led the 1968 year group in the roll call. He is the only African among seven specialists who invented the famous viagra at the South Mead Hospital in Britain in 1996.

The latter day saints were represented by Anane Yao then Chief Debator, 1999, now with Amal Bank, Famous Atitsogbui (Metro TV), Mohammed Alhassan, (Radio Gold) and a host of others. Conspicuously missing however was Joy FM's Israel Laryea and Richardson Doe, and host of Drive Time, Bola Ray.

There was massaging, musical chairs, snookers, hugs and laughs as well as little donations to help the cause of the school.

Niyi bi Ayibonte ex Member of Parliament for Odododiodio Constituency in Accra together with his year group, donated a set of jersey to the school's football team.

Appeals

Coach E. Sarpong, aka shapiiro head of Physical Education of the school and one time coach of Accra Hearts of Oak, Great Olympics, Okwawu Utd, and several other teams in the country's league, appealed to the sports men who have benefited from the school, to help develop the sporting facilities.

The only woman to have headed a boys school in Ghana, Mrs Beatrice Lokko, was also present and called for continued support of the old students in the development of the school's infrastructure.

The event was also used to inaugurate the 83 and 85 year groups of the Old Student’s Association.


Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana