Bueman SHS Celebrates 65 Years of Academic Excellence: Honouring Past and Empowering Future Leaders

Accra: The Bueman Senior High School (BUSEC) in the Oti Region celebrated its 65th anniversary with a grand speech and prize-giving day on the theme: '65 Years of Academic Excellence - Honouring Our Past, Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders'. The event, held on the school's campus, gathered alumni, dignitaries, and stakeholders who reflected on the school's past achievements and outlined new directions for its future.According to Ghana News Agency, BUSEC was founded in 1960 by the late Mr. Christopher Kweku Nayo, with the vision of bringing enlightenment and unity to the community in Buem Traditional Land. The school began with 12 students and five staff members, operating on rented premises for nearly 40 years before moving to its current location off Jasikan-Kedjebi Road in 1999. The school's history is marked by significant milestones, including the donation of land by the Otapa Family and the Basamina Clan for its permanent site. The four houses are Otapa, Adi, Nayo, and Adiya.BUSEC offers six academic prog rammes and has been led by 18 headmasters. Its alumni have excelled in fields such as law, civic services, academia, and medicine. The school's motto, 'Onward with the Times', reflects its commitment to progress and excellence. In a speech delivered by the headmaster, Mr. Frank Boamah lauded the significant contributions of the Bueman Old Students Association (BOSA), crediting them for their continuous support in mentorship and funding academic programmes.Mr. Boamah highlighted how alumni have been pivotal in BUSEC's growth from a small community school in 1953 to a thriving institution with thousands of students today. He said in the 2024/2025 academic year, the school stands strong with a total of 3,025 students. The student population is divided into three levels: 984 in Form One, 1,191 in Form Two, and 850 in Form Three. According to him, the school staff comprises 154 members, with 113 teaching and 41 non-teaching personnel who are committed to providing quality education and support.Discipline remai ns a cornerstone of the school, essential for unlocking students' full potential. On academic performance, Mr. Boamah said 643 out of 774 students qualified for tertiary education in the 2024 West Africa Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), boasting a 93.8 per cent pass rate. He explained that the school's consistent academic excellence was attributed to the dedication of teachers, parental support, and students' hard work.Beyond academics, the headmaster said BUSEC excels in co-curricular activities, including sports, debates, and creative writing. He noted that the school has won several accolades, including a sole slot to represent the region in the energy commission renewable energy challenge. The headmaster emphasised the innovation hallmark of the school, with collaborations with the National STEM Resource Unit and African Progressive Research and Innovation to design and build a smart garden and waterfall.Despite these successes, the headmaster raised concerns about the school's urgen t infrastructure needs, calling on the government, stakeholders, and other philanthropists to help address challenges. He said the list of priority needs includes staff accommodation, dormitories, classrooms, library, and information and communication technology (ICT) labs.Mr. Kofi Iddi Adams, Member of Parliament (MP) of Buem Constituency and Minister of Sports, announced plans to construct a modern sports stadium for BUSEC. The facility will support basketball, volleyball, tennis, and handball, benefiting both students and the wider community. He said the Ministry of Sports will provide learning materials and sports equipment, including textbooks, sports kits, and digital resources to enhance STEM education and academic excellence.According to the Minister, this initiative forms part of the government's broader policy to promote grassroots sports and provide pathways for young people to combine education with recreation. Additionally, the National School Sports Authority will also be established to ensu re that every school, from basic to tertiary level, has access to well-funded sporting activities.Mr. John Kwadwo Gyapong, the Oti Regional Minister, extended a warm commendation to the management, stakeholders, traditional leaders, and students of BUSEC for their unwavering dedication to excellence. By consistently ranking among the top schools in the region, he said BUSEC has demonstrated a commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders."This recognition not only reflects the school's academic prowess but also its emphasis on holistic development, shaping well-rounded individuals who will positively impact society. Well done BUSEC, for setting a high standard for others to follow," Mr. Gyapong added.Mr. Charles McCarthy, the president of the Bueman Old Students Association (BOSA), conveyed heartfelt gratitude to the public, government agencies, traditional leaders, and dignitaries who supported the school's anniversary celebration. He specifically thanked the Buem Traditional Leaders and the r evered chiefs from the Northern Region, particularly Bimbila, for gracing the occasion. Mr. McCarthy acknowledged the crucial role played by these stakeholders in making the event a success.