Adisadel College Marks 116th Speech and Prize-Giving Day with Legacy Project

One of Ghana’s most historic second-cycle institutions, Adisadel College has celebrated its 116th Speech and Prize-Giving Day and Founders’ Day with a series of activities that brought together students, staff, alumni and distinguished guests on the school’s historic campus in Cape Coast.

The milestone celebration was hosted by the 2001 year group, popularly known as “2G1”, in keeping with the college’s long-standing tradition where an alumni year group returns 25 years after graduation to organize the anniversary events and undertake a legacy development project for the school.

As part of their contribution to the school’s development, the 2001 year group undertook the remodeling of the school’s old gymnasium. The facility was officially unveiled during the celebrations and renamed the Drury Gymnasium in honour of Father Drury, one of the clergy figures credited with shaping the school’s physical culture and strong sporting tradition.

The renovated facility has been transformed into a modern sports and recreation centre to serve current and future generations of students while preserving an important aspect of the school’s heritage. The anniversary celebrations at Adisco traditionally span an entire week, featuring a variety of academic, social and alumni engagement activities that bring together the Santaclausian community from across Ghana and beyond.

The week began with an official opening ceremony accompanied by career engagement sessions where Old Boys interacted with students through mentorship discussions, career guidance and leadership talks aimed at preparing students for life after school.

Sporting activities also formed a central part of the celebrations, with inter-house competitions and friendly matches between Old Boys, students and teachers. These games helped promote sportsmanship while reinforcing the famous Adisco spirit that has become synonymous with the institution.

The week also featured strong community and alumni engagement. Members of the hosting year group visited dormitories, interacted with students and presented their legacy project to the school community, while networking and mentorship sessions further strengthened the bond between past and present Santaclausians.

Entertainment and social events added colour to the celebrations, including music nights, theatre performances, cultural displays and bonfire gatherings where alumni reconnected with their alma mater and shared memories of their time on the Adisadel hills.

The climax of the celebrations was the Speech and Prize-Giving Ceremony, where outstanding students and staff members were honoured for their academic excellence, leadership and contributions to the school community. The ceremony also featured speeches from school authorities and invited dignitaries, as well as the official unveiling of the year group’s legacy project — the Drury Gymnasium.

The event was attended by several dignitaries and distinguished Old Boys of the college, including the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, and Deputy Managing Director Thomas Hughes Amissah among other high profiles. 

The celebrations concluded with the Founders’ Day Thanksgiving Service, a solemn church gathering held to honour the founders of the institution and reflect on the legacy they established more than a century ago. Beyond the festivities, the anniversary celebration emphasised the school’s enduring philosophy captured in the well-known Santaclausian line:

“Others have laboured, and we share their glory; ours is to do exploits and add to their gains.”

Through legacy projects such as the Drury Gymnasium, each returning year group contributes to the continued growth and development of Adisadel College, ensuring that future generations inherit an even stronger institution. The 116th anniversary celebration once again strengthened the enduring spirit of the Santaclausian fraternity and its unwavering commitment to preserving the proud traditions of the school while investing in its future.