The Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central, Isaac Adongo, has recounted how Zamse Senior High/Technical School (ZAMSTECH) was once looked down upon by students of other schools but has grown into an institution whose former students proudly identify with it.
Speaking at the school’s 50th anniversary celebration in Bolgatanga, Mr Adongo said students of ZAMSTECH were once ridiculed for attending the institution, which was sometimes described as an “advanced middle school.”
The MP, who is an old student of ZAMSTECH, recalled that wearing the school’s green and white uniform in public was particularly uncomfortable because of the negative perception surrounding the institution at the time.
He said the stigma extended to sporting competitions, where students from other schools sometimes considered it embarrassing to lose to ZAMSTECH.
“I enjoyed when I was a footballer. And in fact, as a footballer, one of the most difficult challenges I faced as a student was the indignity of wearing these green and white into the town. In fact, I remember when we beat Big Boss, the headmaster called the students and told them, and how you allow advanced middle school to beat you?” he recounted.
According to Mr Adongo, the perception of the school has changed significantly over the years, with students and alumni now taking pride in their association with the institution.
“Today, you are very proud owners of the green and white. And I want to thank you for making this school a very proud school,” he said.
Reflecting on the school’s academic progress, Mr Adongo recalled that during his time at the University of Ghana, it was uncommon to encounter other students who had attended ZAMSTECH.
He said he could sometimes go between five and seven years before meeting another former student of the school at the university.
Today, however, he said ZAMSTECH graduates could be found in universities and various professional fields, reflecting what he described as the institution’s growth over the past five decades.
Mr Adongo noted that former students were increasingly identifying with ZAMSTECH in professional and public spaces, including airports, while some had risen to become professors and other accomplished professionals.
He attributed the school’s changing reputation to its development over the years and the achievements of successive generations of students.
The MP urged the school’s current leadership, students and alumni to build on that progress and work towards further improving the institution.
“What is left for us is the current generation of leaders to continue the forward march to make the school even better,” he urged.
Established in 1976, ZAMSTECH marked its Golden Jubilee with a celebration that brought together old students, traditional leaders, education stakeholders, staff and students.
The anniversary provided an opportunity for alumni to reflect on the school’s development and its contribution to education in the Upper East Region.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | David Azure | Bolgatanga
