Accra Academy marks 95 years with historic float, homecoming and major campus upgrades

Accra Academy is marking a significant milestone this August as the Old Boys Association organises a grand celebration of the institution's 95th anniversary. On Saturday, August 15, alumni and supporters will participate in a special float procession that traces the school's historical roots through Accra's streets, culminating in a homecoming event on campus that will also showcase new infrastructure projects.

A journey through history

The anniversary float, a new addition to the celebration, begins at 7 am from the Accra Academy campus and will traverse several key areas of Accra including Kaneshie, Mamprobi Post Office, James Town, Atta Mills Street, Adabraka Circle and Obetsebi before returning to school. A significant stop on the route is Ellen House in James Town—the very location where Accra Academy was founded. This deliberate pilgrimage back to the school's origins honours not only the institution's heritage but also Ellen Barker, who provided Ellen House for the school's establishment nearly a century ago.

Alfred Mills, Organising Secretary of the Accra Academy Old Boys Association, explained that the float was specifically designed to honour the school's four founders. "Because it's our 95th anniversary, we introduced the float to honour the four founders of Accra Academy," Mills told Joy FM's Super Morning Show.

New facilities and giving back

Beyond nostalgia and celebration, the homecoming event reflects a commitment to the school's future. The Old Boys Association will commission several new facilities during the festivities, demonstrating that the anniversary is as much about institutional development as it is about reunion.

• An Echo Park—a 12-unit ultra-modern washroom facility designed to improve student welfare and sanitation
• A six-unit classroom block to address educational infrastructure needs
• Various other developmental projects initiated by alumni contributions

Belo Cida Haruna, Chairman of the Float and Homecoming Committee, emphasised that the event embodies the principle of alumni responsibility. "It's not just about going back to school, having fun, and taking part in all these activities. It's also about giving back to the school and making a positive impact," Haruna stated.

Why it matters for Ghana

Accra Academy holds a special place in Ghana's educational history. As one of the country's oldest secondary institutions, it has shaped generations of leaders, professionals and citizens who have contributed to Ghana's development across sectors including politics, business, law, medicine and the public service. The school's 95th anniversary is not merely a nostalgic exercise but a reflection of institutional longevity and the enduring value of Ghana's traditional educational foundations.

The homecoming model demonstrated here—where alumni actively invest in their alma mater's infrastructure and development—represents an important pattern for Ghanaian educational institutions. In a context where government funding for education faces constraints, alumni-driven initiatives become critical for maintaining standards and expanding facilities. Accra Academy's example shows how old boys' associations can bridge infrastructure gaps and ensure their schools remain competitive and functional.

The celebration also serves as a reminder of Ghana's pre-independence educational legacy and the role these institutions played in nation-building. With the float passing through historic areas of Accra including James Town, the event reconnects current and future generations to the city's educational heritage.

The August 15 homecoming event is expected to draw alumni from multiple decades, creating an intergenerational gathering that celebrates shared identity whilst mobilising resources for the school's continued excellence.