History has it that the Great Mfantsipim School, Ghana’s first secondary school, faced a significant crisis around 1907, which nearly led to its collapse. This period of uncertainty began when the headmaster, Rev. J. Delaney Russell, left for the United Kingdom on his annual leave. Unfortunately, during his absence, the school encountered several challenges that threatened its existence.
One of the most critical issues was the alarming loss of teachers. During this era, malaria and other related diseases posed severe threats, particularly to the expatriate teaching staff, leading to an increase in fatalities among them. The loss of these teachers resulted in a sharp decline in the quality of education at the school. This, coupled with the already low student enrollment, created a dire situation. The failure of Rev. J. Delaney Russell to return from his leave exacerbated the problem, leaving the school without leadership or direction.
As the situation worsened, students began to abandon the school one by one. Within a few months, the once-thriving institution was nearly empty, with almost all the students having left. The school’s future seemed bleak, and its closure appeared inevitable. However, in the midst of this crisis, a small group of students decided to take matters into their own hands.
These eight students, whose names will be revealed in a future episode of GH Educate, demonstrated remarkable courage and determination. Refusing to give up on their education, they chose to stay at Mfantsipim and teach themselves, despite the absence of any formal instruction. From July to September 1907, these students persevered, keeping the spirit of the school alive.
Their resilience paid off when, on November 12, 1907, Reverend W. T. Balmer, a visiting missionary from Richmond College in Sierra Leone, arrived in Ghana. Upon hearing of the plight of the school, Reverend Balmer was deeply moved by the students’ dedication. He decided to stay and guide them, providing the much-needed support and direction that the school had been lacking.
Under Reverend Balmer’s leadership, Mfantsipim School began to recover. His presence brought a renewed sense of hope and stability to the school. Gradually, enrollment numbers started to rise again, and more teachers were recruited to join the school. The school, which had been on the brink of collapse, was revived through the collective efforts of these dedicated individuals.
Today, Mfantsipim School stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of those eight students and the leadership of Reverend W. T. Balmer. As Ghana’s first secondary school, it has produced numerous high-profile personalities who have made significant contributions to various fields both within the country and beyond.
The story of Mfantsipim’s near-collapse and subsequent revival serves as a reminder of the impact that a few committed and dedicated individuals made in the face of the adversity that struck the school.
Certainly, the impact of these eight students on Mfantsipim School cannot be forgotten.
Stay tuned to GH Educate, in our next episode, we will reveal the names of the eight students whose courage and determination played a pivotal role in shaping the Mfantsipim School that we know today.
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