The Executive and Members of Yaa Asantewaa Past Students Association, popularly known as the Adehye3(Royals), rallied support for their alma mater last Saturday, July 22, 2023, at the Sheraton Lisle Hotel Grand Ballroom. The event was their annual reunion and fundraising dinner themed “Alumnae Making an Impact in the next generation.” This year’s fundraising is geared toward building a new Sickbay.
The event which started with an opening prayer by the association’s chaplain; Odehye3 Christiana Osei Owusu, brought together members from various states in the USA and Canada.
Executive members present are:
• President, Eugenia Nketia-Nyankson ( USA)
• Secretary Gifty Amoateng (USA)
• Assistant Secretary Esther Bamile (Canada)
• Treasurer, Janet Kaledzi (USA)
• Financial Secretary, Gifty Mensah (USA)
• Chaplain Christiana Konada Darko Osei Owusu.(USA)
The trustees who made it are Margaretta Poku Agyei and Vivian Dickens Doku.
Past students at immediate area high schools in Kumasi came to support their sisters. Prominent and most enthusiastic during the presentation are:
• Opoku Ware Senior High School ( Akatakyie)
• Prempeh College Senior High School ( Amanfo )
• St. Louis Senior High School ( Slopsa)
• St. Monica’s Senior High School ( Smopsa)
Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ Senior High School (YAGSHS) was established in 1961 as part of the rapid educational expansion project pioneered by Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the first Ghanaian President after the country’s independence. It was named after Yaa Asantewaa, the great historical revolutionary heroine and Queenmother of Ejisu, in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. She boldly led the Ashanti Kings in a war against the British colonialists in 1900.
Over the years, YAGSHS has attained success in Science, Mathematics, Debate, Sports, etc. Among them is an Excellence Award presented by the West African Examinations Council to Miss Sarpong Afrifa Brago, who was adjudged the overall 2nd Best Candidate in Ghana and the 3rd Best in West Africa in 2018. The school has also produced scholars and astute leaders in various high-profile positions around the globe.
Like many other schools built in the first Republic of Ghana, most have not seen any meaningful upgrades, while others are dilapidated state. Activities like the annual fundraisings by former students in the diasporas and Ghana have led to profound infrastructure and other development projects at the various Alma Matersnationwide. It is therefore not surprising that the Adehye3 in North America have prioritized the development of Yaa Asantewaa Senior High School as they meet to celebrate each other, camaraderie, and raise funds towards the development of their former school.
Last year they were able to paint the administrative block, Business block, Arts block, Art Shed, Science Resource Center, and Assembly Hall with funds raised that year.
While welcoming the audience to the function, Odehyee Sally Owusu asked attendees to help raise enough funds to meet the objectives of this year’s fundraising.
The Association’s President, Mrs. Eugenia Nketia Yankson, noted that for the current students to excel and succeed, they need better equipment, supplies, and mentoring. “These annual events enable us to reconnect, renew and revitalize old relationships,” the President reminded her peers. She ended by asking all past students and others to donate generously.
The 2024 fundraising will take place on August 3rd in Atlanta.
