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THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

2 June 1998

Dear Mr. Savage,

Thank you for your letter of 24 April offering words of congratulations regarding my mission to Iraq.

I took heart from the many supporters who were hoping for a diplomatic solution to the crisis, and I am gratified that we were able to avert the threat of war. The diplomatic success shows what a united and determined international community can achieve through the United Nations. Knowing I have the moral support of dedicated friends like you is a great source of encouragement.

I would be grateful if you would convey my appreciation to all the members of the Mfantsipim Old Boys Association for the very kind words addressed to me in the message of 21 March.

Yours sincerely,

Kofi A. Annan

Mr. Victor T. Savage General Secretary Mfantsipim Old Boys Association North Cheam Surrey United Kingdom by

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EXFOUTiVE OFFICE ¥ THE ^C^tTrtRY-GENERAL

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U Patrons: The Earl of Listowell, PC, GCMG, Rev Leslie J. Griffiths, MA, Dr. P. John Tudor, BA, Rev John R. Pritchard BA, Rev Dr. Peter C. Graves, MTh. ( MFANTSIPIM OLD BOYS ASSOCIATION (UK & IRELAND) (A Charitable Organisation - Registered Charity No. 1042983) 86 Kingston Avenue. North Cheam, Surrey, SM3 9UF Telephone: 0181 241 4572

FK1 21 March 1997 Or n o MAY 2 ? 1998 H. E. Kofi A. Annan Secretary General EXECUTIVE OFFICE United Nations OFTHESECRETARY-fiENFRAI U. N. Headquarters New York NY 10017 U.S.A

Dear His Excellency and Distinguished Old Boy,

The Executive Committee and members of the above association would like to take this opportunity to extend to you belated congratulations on your historic appointment, with the unanimous blessing of the Security Council, as the Seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations.

It is our earnest belief that your appointment to the highest position in this august 185- member institution, of which our motherland, Ghana, has been a member for forty of its fifty two years of its existence, should be a source of bounteous joy, immense pride, great honour and inspirational leadership. It should be so not only to your alma mater (and especially your Class of '57) but also to the entire people of Ghana and Africa; as well as all people who have dedicated their lives and work to the worthy cause of world peace and security, which is the overriding objective of the United Nations.

We are grateful and appreciative of the pivotal and indispensable role played by the present and past African diplomats and statesmen which culminated in your unique and historic appointment as the first Sub-Saharan African to the Secretary- Generalship.

Whilst ever mindful of the burdensome duties and responsibilities of your high office, we particularly take pride in the commendable qualities which you have brought to your varied career with this 'International Civil Service'. These especially include exemplary and sacrificial leadership, selfless dedication to duty, capacity for hard work, integrity and empathy. No where had these admirable qualities been employed to greater measure and success than as the Under Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations and as the Special U. N. Representative in overseeing the smooth transition from the U. N. Protection Force (UNPROFOR) to the multinational Implementation Force (IFOR) in the former Yugoslavia, led by NATO under the 1995

Patrons: - The Ear! of Listowell, PC GCMG, Rev Dr. Leslie J Griffiths, MA, Rev Dr. John Tudor BA. Rev John R. Pritchard BA, Rev Dr. Peter C. Graves, MTh. Drayton Peace Agreement. And again as the U. N. Special envoy who skilfully negotiated the repatriation of 900 international staff and the release of the Western hostages in Iraq during the Kuwait Invasion in 1990.

We further believe that this ground breaking appointment has more than fulfilled the prophetic words in the address to our alma mater's first Speech Day on 23 April 1908 given by the visionary, legendary Mensah Sarbah on behalf of the pragmatic headmaster, W. T. Balmer in which he said "I want to raise in Mfantsipim School a generation of men who will be brave enough to face the problems of their own continent practically and unselfishly."

We pray to the Almighty and Merciful God, Lord of eternal love and compassion to draw near, strengthen and support you, your family and also bless you and your entire U. N. Team abundantly with wisdom, compassion and humanity.

Finally, as you proceed with your peacekeeping and diplomatic duties let these memorable words of St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) spur you through the testing times ahead, "Notice everything, turn a blind eye to something, correct a little, cherish the brethren."

Yours in the Service of Mfantsipim,

V. T. SAVAGE General Secretary

Patrons: - The Earl of Listowell. PC GCMG, Rev Dr. Leslie J Griffiths. MA. Rev Dr. John Tudor BA, Rev John R. Pritchard BA, Rev Dr. Peter C. Graves. MTh. MFANTSIPIM OLD BOYS ASSOCIATION (UK & IRELAND) (,[ I'haritfihle Orgmiisafmn - Registered('harity No. W-12W3) 86 Kingston Avenue. North Cheam. Surrey. SM3 9UF Telephone: 0181 241 4572

120T"& 1 21sr COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE OF

Dear

On behalf of the Editorial Board of the above Association, I have the pleasure in enclosing herewith a copy of the current issue of KWABOTWE NEWS for your information.

I hope you will find it interesting, informative and thought provoking.

Best wishes,

Yours sincerely,

VICTOR T. SAVAGE Honorary Editor

Patrons: Rev Dr. Leslie J. Griffiths, MA, Rev Dr. John Tudor, BA, Rev John R. Pritchard BA, Rev Dr. Peter C. Graves, MTh, Rev Dr. Norman Taggart, BA, BD The Newsletter ofMFANTSIPIM OLD BOYS ASSOCIATION (MOBA) Of UK & IRELAND Volume 3 Issue 1 NOVEMBER 1997

7H£ SECOND ANNN0&AW ISSUE HEOBJECT OF THE === EDITORIAL COLUMN ===

ASSOCIATION Welcome to the 120th and 121st Anniversaries commemo- rative issue of KWABOTWE NEWS, The year 1996/97 has been a memorable and exciting one for a number of reasons. Chief The broad objectives of amongst them are the celebrations of the 120th anniversary of the Association are to up- the founding of our alma mater by old boys and girls world-wide; hold the ideals for which the appointment of Kofi Annan, an illustrious old boy, to the Mfantsipim was founded Secretary Generalship of the United Nations; the august audi- and to promote the welfare ence of MOBA International Alliance Task Force with the Ghana of the school. These ob- Methodist Conference at which the historic document, The jectives shall be pursued Three Concerns, and its accompanying 1996 Memorandum, by the following methods: which advocates closer and stronger ties between the mother * To advance the educa- Church and the School was presented; last but not least, the tion of the pupils attending induction of the new President of the Ghana Methodist Confer- Mfantsipim School, Cape ence, the appointment of the new Headmaster of the School Coast, Ghana, by provision of and the new Patron of the Association. equipment, educational ma- terials and other amenities I hope you will find the articles on some of the key issues which would not otherwise mentioned above interesting, informative, educative and be provided. thought provoking. If you have any interesting points of * To relieve poverty view, tips, news items and anecdotes you wish to share with among former pupils and your fellow readers, in future publications, please contact tutors of the said school who the Honorary Editor at the secretariat address on the back of are resident in the United Kingdom, Ireland and else- this issue. where by means of providing financial support, mutual VICTOR SAVAGE assistance and self-help to HONORARY EDITOR former pupils who are in. necessitous circumstances. CONTENTS.- =» A TALK BY CAROLINE PICOT * To advance religion and Hie MOBA (UK) STORY => OPEN LETTER TO MOBA education by means of estab- Continues.. - THE NOMA AWARD lishing a Centre for the bene- MESSAGES of Congratulations. => MOBA DONATIONS TO fit of the members of the said BEREAVEMENTS CHARITY Association who are resident APPOINTMENTS => A 20TH CENTURY AWARD in the United Kingdom and SPEECHES By DR ANNAN; => PROFILE OF KOFI ANNAN Ireland, MRKOHESSON; MOBA PRESIDENT => MOBA'S 1998 EVENTS ABROOKS PASSES AWAY => CENTRAL HALL'S ACTIVITIES.

PAGE - 1 THE MOBA (UK & IRELAND) STORY Continues. "Sui multum datum" (To whom much is given, much is expected) - Anon. MESSAGES OF CONGRATULATIONS @ NOVEMBER 24 1996 120th FOUNDER'S DAY SERVICE The Association held at the Methodist Church, Westminster Central Han felt highly honoured and officated by Rev. Dr. Peter C Graves, Superintendent Minis- and privileged to send ter. Lessons read by Mr FLAK. Ward-Brew and Mr J. B. Apea. And is followed by reception attended by old boys, ex tutors. Mends BEREAVEMENTS messages of congratu- and well-wishers of the School and the Methodist Church. lations to the follow- (MOBA UK & ing: with the dates sent @ MARCH 17 1997 IRELAND) shown in brackets. MESSAGE OF CONDOI£NCE AND SYMPATHY sent on behalf of the Association to Pamela, The Countess of "One short sleep Ustowel and her family, on the occasion of the death of our H.E. Mr Kofi Annan valued patron, the Earl of Listowel, on 12 March 1997. past, we wake eter- (Class of '57) on the oc- nally, and death casion of his appointment @ MARCH 25 1997 as the seventh Secretary- MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE AND SYMPATHY shall be no more, sent on behalf of the Association to Rev Dr Peter Graves and General of the United Na- his family on the occasion of the death of his mother, Mrs Eileen death thou shall tions in its 52 year history Frances Graves on 7 March 1997. die." (Cannon John (21 March 1997). @JULY 12 1997 Donne) MIDSUMMER FUNDRAIS1NG DISCO DANCE Rt Rev. Dr. Samuel in aid of Mfantsipim Millennium Fund sponsored by RAH Ship- ping Ltd held at Tooting Leisure Centre, Tooting Broadway, Lon- Mr K. A. K. WARD- Asante Antwi on the oc- don, SW17. It was a huge success. casion of his induction as BREW (Class of '49) the President of Methodist ©SEPTEMBER 9 1997 lost his sister Miss Conference, Ghana, MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE AND SYMPATHY sent to West London Mission (Methodist) on the occasion of the Adjuah Buabema August 1997 and his death of Madam Caroline Picot (aged 93), a founding honorary automatic appointment as member and daughter of the late Rev. James Picot, the first Ward-Brew on 17 headmaster of Mfantsipim (see tribute of appreciation to her the Chairman of Mfant- memory published at Page 7 in this issue). April 1997. sipim Governing Body (9 September 1997). @AUGUST 22 1997 MOBA International Affiance Task Force granted audience at the Ghana Methodist Conference, in Cape Mr Elliot ABADOO Coast, to present the historic document, "The Three Concerns", Mr Crosby Kofi a follow-up to the 1996 Memorandum. (Full report and the text (Class of '70) lost his Ashun (Class of '66) on of the accompanying document "The Three Concerns" is father Mr Joseph Kwame the occasion of his ap- appended to this issue) Abadoo on 10 July pointment as the 35th @ SEPTEMBER 10 1997 Headmaster in Mfant- THE REV. DRNQRMAN W.TAGGART. President, 1997. sipim's 121-year his- Methodist Church in Ireland and the representative of the Brit- tory. (9 Sep 97). ish Methodist Church to the 1997 Ghana Methodist Conference, appointed a patron of the Association. Mr ). B. APEA @ OCTOBER 6 1997 (Class of '51) H. E. Mr James E. ADVANCE PRESS RELEASE FROM NOMA lost his daughter K. Aggrey-Orleans (Class AWARD MANAGING COMMITTEE of 55) on the occasion announcing the School's centenary history book, "Mfantsipim Nana Pommah Apea and the making of Ghana", as the winner of the 1997 Noma on 29 August 1997. of his appointment as Award for publishing in Africa. Ghana High Commis- sioner to the Court of St @ NOVEMBER 23 1997 Our sympathy and James's London (1 Nov 121st FOUNDERS' DAY SERVICE AND CELE- 97). BRATIONS held at die Meihodist Church, Westminster condolence to all our Central Hall and officiated by Rev. Dr. Peter C Graves, Superin- bereaved members. tendent Minister. Lessons read by Mr ICA. Gyebi and Mr G.J. Blankson. His Excellency, Mr James E.K. Aggrey-Orleans, the High Commissioner for the Republic of Ghana, was the Special Guest of Honour. Followed by a reception attended by old boys, ex-tutors, friends and well-wishers of the School and the Methodist Church.

PAGE - 2 ANEW PATRON A NEW HEADMASTER Mr Crosby Kofi Ashun (Class of '66/68) was appointed the Rev. Dr. Norman Taggart, President of Methodist Church Headmaster of Mfantsipim on 1 September 1997. in Ireland (1997-98), leader of the British delegation to the Ghana Born on 7 November 1947, he was educated at Methodist Methodist Conference in 1997, was appointed a patron of the Primary (1954-59), Methodist Middle School (196O61), at association on 10 September 1997. Senchi-Feny; Mfantsipim (1961-68) and was the Library Prefect during his final year at the School Born on 31 October 1935 in Belfast, he was educated After studying Zoology, Botany and Education at the Uni- versity of Cape Coast (1968-72) he gamed B.Sc (Ed) and com- at Woodvale Public Elementary School, Springfield Public pleted his M. Ed. Part 1 Examination (1976-77). Elementary School; Royal Belfast Academical Institution He first taught in General Science and Biology at 'O* and 'A' (194-8-54), Queen's University, Belfast (1954-60); Edgehill level at Mfantsipim (1972-80) culminating in his appointment Theological College, Belfast (1956-60) and Selly Oak Col- as House master of Lockhart-Schweitzer and also Master in charge of Internal Examinations (1977-80). leges (1960-61). He gained his BA. BD. and PhD. at He left for Nigeria and was employed by the Central Queen's University, Belfast. Schools Board, pyo State, Nigeria to teach Biology, Chemistry and Physics at Olode Grammar School (1980-81). He was fur- He has held various ministerial appointments. ther employed by Ondo State College of Art and Science, These included Primitive Street (Sandy Row) (1961-62); Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State as lecturer in Biology (1981-85). Medak Diocese, Church of South India (1962-66); Sligp Since his return to Mfantsipim in 1985 and until his ap- pointment as Headmaster, Mr Ashun taught Biology at 'O1 and (1966-68), Green Island Co. Antrim (1968-72); Methodist 'A' Levels, and progressively became Housemaster of Bartels- Missionary Society, London (1972-77); Post-graduate re- Sneath House (1985-89), Senior Housemaster (1989-91) and search (1977-79), Belfast Central Mission (Grosvenor Assistant Headmaster (1991-97). Hall) (1979-87), Cavehill (Belfast) (1987-89); Methodist Prior to his landmark appointment, he had been promoted Church, Sri Lanka (1989-94) and Coleraine (1994). to Senior Superintendent of Education (1977), Principal Super- intendent of Education (1991) and Assistant Director of Edu- His published works include; The Irish in World cation (1994). Methodism 1760-1900, (London 1986) and William Arthur, He is married with four children and his main hobby is First Among Methodists (London 1993). poultry farming. We cannot help but conclude this profile by quoting a He knew Rev. and Mrs. Lockhart after they returned to poignant passage from our new Headmaster's communication Ireland fron Ghana and Kenya. to us dated 7 October 1997 which sets out broadly his vision of the future for the School. He is a part-time lecturer at Edgehill and Union ".. to prepare for the 21st Century, we have history to {aide us Theological Colleges, former Secretary, Irish Council of and this Is where I am strengthened by your assurance that I can count on the support, goodwill and co-operation of your dedicated Churches and Founder-Sponsor, Columbanus Community members and patrons. I do not expect anything less. of Reconciliation in Belfast. Dr Taggart is married to Mar- I am also praying that the Almighty God will give me garet (nee Adams) and they have four children (two and the entire staff strength, wisdom and courage to do daughters and two sons) and three grandchildren. what is right and also to work to the glory of His Name."

a number of Districts; it was while his Chairmanship of the THE NEW PRESIDENT OF THE Kumasi District was coming to an end that he was elected Presi- GHANA METHODIST CONFERENCE dent Designate at the 35th Annual Conference. His latest posting (since August 1996) is as minister in charge at St John Methodist The Rt. Rev. Dr Samuel Asante Antwi, inducted as the Church, in the North Accra Circuit, Accra District. President of The Methodist Conference, Ghana, at the He has had varied experiences: as far as theological educa- 36th Annual Conference held in Cape Coast (from 20th- tion is concerned, he was Principal of Trinity College, his alma 26th August 1997), under the theme "Keeping the Vision mater; his ecumenical experience includes serving on some key Alive" became the Chairman of Mfantsipim Governing Committees of the Christian Council, and being a member of the Body by virtue of his position. Committee of Co-operation which brings together the Christian * Samuel Kwame Asante Antwi was born on 22nd Council and the National Catholic Secretariat May, 1937 at Moseaso, Akim Abuakwa, of Opanyin John His special interest in Social Anthropology and has issued in Amponsah Antwi (of blessed memory) and Maame Mary a number of publications in both local and foreign journals. Serwaa. He is married with four children. Ten years after training as a teacher, at Komenda College, he (The above profile* has been reproduced from the entered Trinity College as a ministerial student He was there- 1997 Conference's Order of Service for the Induction after to receive further training at Ashbury Theological Seminary, Yale Divinity School and University of Aberdeen where he and we express our grateful thanks to The Methodist obtained the BA, MA and PhD. degrees, respectively. Church, Ghana, for making it readily available for Since his ordination in 1972, he has served congregations in publication.) 9£ ae ae 9fi

PAGE - 3 vvvv^v•.v..vv.;.-...^...v^,- ...^^.vv• .^^.^. .^^.~ o^>:^v'.^^y^r•"?X-^:-g^>V^g - f .j^xszmtiijjJ? i ^> A ^ im Henry (affectionately called "Paa Henry") is of the Class of '63. Both his grandfather and father, the late Dr D.N. An- nan, were old boys. Educated at Cambridge University, he SPEECHES is a distinguished Consultant Gynaecologist. He combines r both academic and professional work, which is a rarity. Author of numerous medical books, journals and papers.

Mr President, distinguished ladies and gentlemen and some were good organisers and run the various schools societies. dear MOBS. Mfantsipim is 120 years old. We thank GOD. The Prefects were not Policemen but rather Diplomats and We congratulate the school, and we salute the dedication Counsellors. Not everything about the school was perfect! The of past and present Principals and Headmasters, Masters, food was never enough and it was usually abominable. We had to rely on reserves in our tuck boxes. We also had to buy snacks from Administrators, Prefects and the Students. One must never various hawkers passing through the school forget the FAITHFUL FJGHT. Wednesday afternoon house inspection always caused anxi- To me MFANTSIPIM is an acronym for MODESTY. FELLOW- ety and panic Failure to show a clean handkerchief or the pres- SHIP, ACADEMIC NURTURE, TRUST, SINCERITY, INTERDE- ence of a cobweb in an insignificant comer resulted in a severe PENDENCE, PRINCIPLES, INTREPID and MUNIFICENCE! reprimand and punishment! My wife will vouch that I always The last time I spoke at such a gathering was on 8th July 1989 carry two handkerchiefs and of course there are no cobwebs in our at the Inauguration Ceremony of MOBA The Principal Guest house! Speaker was our esteemed past Headmaster Francis Barrels. A There was great humour! We saw the funny side of most momentous and memorable occasion. The occasion was also situations and learnt not to take ourselves too seriously! Nick- graced by the presence of Miss Caroline Picot - daughter of the first names were plentiful and some still apply today! What about headmaster Rev. Picot UMSLOPOGAS, YO-KWESI, KOOLAAWANI, SENIOR BO, The Association has achieved a great deal since 1989. For this SHANCO-RAY, NICODEMUS, YEU YE II and many others. we must thank the executive, particularly the President and Our community had its own vocabulary and phraseology. Secretary for their infectious energy and enthusiasm. Who does not remember COMPE, SOAKING, ABLU, OLD SKIN We must also thank Patrons, the past Masters and the orDEBUandAKG! Methodist Church for their magnanimous support. Recently I have experienced many examples of this The most significant achievement of MOBA was its special MOB fellowship. FLB sent me a signed copy of his recognition by the Charity Commission as a registered book ; "ROOTS OF GHANA METHODISM" Education Charity in December 1994. in May this year I went to GHANA to attend my Other achievements are as follows: 3 May 1994 joint mother's funeral I received enormous support and suc- WGHS & MOBA fund-raising dinner dance at Battersea f cour from the MOB in Ghana. Many of them, I had not seen Town HalL A large sum of money was raised for the benefit of since we left school over 30 years ago! various projects at both schools. I had never seen so many hi Jury, my family was invited for a weeks holiday hi Holland "DEBUS" under one roof! by TRAVIS -Science Master at the School during 1962-65. Happily 23 September 1995 MOBA Dinner & Dance at the Cafe Royal he has accepted our invitation to come and spend some time with in aid of the MILLENNIUM FUND. Another great Success! us over XMAS and the NEW YEAR! 1J.,. I understand that 1 am here as a mouth-piece of the MOB My allotted time must.be up. LET US REMEMBER ABSENT (Mfantsipim Old Boys)- not the MAFIA One can onry do this BRETHREN who cannot be with us for whatever reason! through personal reflections. I am a 3rd generation MOB. My Let us resolve to continue net-working for the benefit of connection with the school goes back to 1895/97. MOBA & MFANTSIPIM! My grandfather the late H.G. Annan Snr., started his secon- DWTNHWEKAN! dary education aged 12 years at the CMS Grammar School in Sierra Leone in 1892. At 15 he went to MFANTSIPIM, then called the Cape Coast Collegiate School to complete his education. I have in my possession a certificate dated 5 Feb 1897 HR KOFI ESSON speaks.. awarded to my grandfather stating "attained 1st place in the FIRST Mr Chairman, MOBA UK & Ireland, Distinguished CLASS and the 1 st place in the School" signed: A Edwards Somer - Ladies and Gentlemen. It is indeed an honour for PRINCIPAL me to be here with you this Autumn morning, more My father the late Dr. Daniel Nee Annan was at the school during 1920 -25. He became School Prefect in 1925. We have at especially having assumed my responsibilities in home: "Poetical Works of KEATS" inscribed awarded to D. Annan the UK fifteen months ago. for top position signed R.A. LockharL Speech Day 1925. I was graciously offered five minutes of speech time to talk to I went up to the school in 1959. My father was particularly men whose knowledge covers all spheres of human activity. pleased when at Speech Day 1965 I was awarded a prize for being My agony was however terminated when my attention cap- 1st in U 6 TH. tured a statement attributed to a well treasured former Headmas- I mention the above not to be boastful or immodest but to ter of the School, W.T. Balmer, from among reading materials illustrate continuity and commitment to the school There are which accompanied the invitation, I would like us to share a few many here who have more illustrious connections with the school thoughts on it And I quote "I want to raise in Mfantsipim School and Kwabotwe HilL a generation of men who will be brave enough to face the prob- On arrival at school one lost one's first name. One was always lems of their own continent practically and unselfishly" referred to by surname and the name of his house - hence ANNAN Mr Chairman, the import of this statement surety cannot be - PARKER- SAVAGE - FREEMAN. explored within five minutes discourse. However, looking back at What did we do at school? The school was a microcosm of the records of the products of Mfantsipim School, this statement appears to suggest the true summary of the dreams and vision of Society! We worked very hard and played with great vigour. We the Founders. This being the case one is then tempted to ask "Why learnt to be self reliant but were selfless. We learnt respect — has Mfantsipim produced a generation of men brave enough to respect for authority, respect for wisdom of those older than us face the problems of their continent practically and imselfishly, and respect for the views and beliefs of others and respect for their and yet all the television and print media portray pathetic scenes property. We learnt about caring and sharing. We learnt fair-play of suffering, deprivation of basic ingredients of life, stark poverty and justice. To sum it up, we leamt CHRISTIAN VALUES! and the threat of it, famine and the threat of it, epidemic and the The students most admired and emulated were those who threat of it etc etc". through personal endeavour brought honour and glory to the The answer cannot be simple. But I am convinced that if school Some were academic, some had great sporting talents and Africa, and for that matter, Ghana, (Continued OH Page 5)

PAGE - 4 (Continued from Page 4) MISSION STATEMENT. The purpose of Mfant- had not been blessed with founders of Mfantsipim School, to pro- sipim School is to provide comprehensive opportunity duce men brave enough to face the problems of then- own conti- nent practically and unselfishly, the situation could have been far for educational and personal development through a worse. supportive learning environment and a com- Mr Chairman, it represents to my mind that this vision is an mitment to the creation and transmission of injunction placed on all Mfantsipim School prodncst and its tenets ideas and knowledge. then must be lived, living the visions of the school's founders confers leadership roles and responsibilities, and the future of our VISION STATEMENT. All students continent depends on the decisions we make today. are provided with an experience which en- Essentially, to my mind, there are two choices open to us. The il ables them to develop their full potential in first is to live for today (without the vision of our School's founders) an open, honest, supportive and stimulating and hope tomorrow will be better. environment where people are accepted and valued, The second choice is to live for today (in the vision of School's founders) and initiate actions and take the necessary measures where ideas are discussed freely and there is a sense of which could bring about a better tomorrow. sharing in a continuing process of discovery and self- The former is the obvious choice of the coward, but for the fulfilment. brave, the latter. The latter provokes risks. Sometimes even at the VALUES STATEMENT. Commitment to the peril of our lives. It may offend friends, family relations, business principle of life-long learning and hence the provision associates, colleagues, Political leaders etc, etc. Mfantsipim has prepared you for all these. Continue to knock hard and long until of opportunities for personal development for all stu- you are able to wake up somebody, and it is your ability to rise dents to enable them to achieve their maximum poten- above all these and other adversities that make you unique from tial as individuals. products of other Schools. Finally, Russell Lowell, who lived in the 19th Century has Attainment of the highest standards of teach- these words of encouragement for us, and I quote: ing and the pursuit of the excellence in all aspects "Once to every man and nation comes the moment to decide, In of the School's activities. the strife of truth with falsehood, For the good or evil side, Then to side with truth is noble, When we share her wretched Protection of and respect for freedom of belief, crust, Ere her cause bring fame and profit, And 'tis prosperous to be expression and debate and hence the encourage- just; ment of the acquisition of knowledge and the free Then it is the brave man chooses. While the coward stand aside. Till the multitude make virtue Of the faith they had denied. expression of ideas without fear or hindrance. Though the cause of evil prosper, Yet 'tis truth alone is strong; Provision of educational opportunities for all Though her portion be the scaffold, And upon the throne be wrong - Yet that scaffold sways the future. And, behind the dim unknown, those who are capable of taking advantage of its Standeth God within the shadow, Keeping watch above His own. academic programme. The verdict on living the vision will be pronounced by our Mfantsipim does not teach morality in a prosperity. But we would be thrice blessed, if in the residue of our days we could look back and say "We have thought and looked ahead formal sense but the whole School environ- indeed." ment is of such quality that every stu- GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND HAPPY 121ST ANNIVERSARY dent is "caught" rather than "taught" Kofi Esson is a valued and dedicated friend of by the sense of social awareness and re- Mfantsipim. He is the General Manager of Ghana Airways sponsibility that all of us need to experi- (UK and Ireland), former Commercial Manager at the London Office (1986 - 91) and ex-Chairman of the Board of Airline ence if we are to become responsible Representatives (Ghana). adults. Students leave Mfantsipim with confidence in THE PRESIDENT at 120TH their own abilities and with a firm belief in moral values and religious tolerance. FOUNDERS' DAY SERVICE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. The Mfantsipim Train a child in the way he or she should go and when he or School Old Boys' Association for former students and she is old, he or she will not turn from it. (Proverb 22 v 6). staff is in contact with more than 200 people in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The Association helps Training implies preparation for a specific people stay in touch with one another and remains ac- task or role by ordered instruction. This takes tive in the life of the School. Regular meetings, reun- place both in the home and at school. The latter ions and social events are hosted and the Association's has more lasting impact on the child. newsletter "Kwabotwe News" is published annually. Mfantsipim School, Cape Coast, Ghana was Currently the School needs extra financial support founded in 1876 by the Methodist Missionary Society in to supplement Central Funding as a result of the London with the help of a few African nationalists. The growing number of educational institutions in Ghana impact of the School is always on its students both making competing demands on the allocated education present and past. Many eminent Ghanaians during the budget which is constrained by global financial and past hundred and twenty years have been old boys of economic situations. The School has therefore this famous School. launched its MILLENNIUM APPEAL FOND which all The School's academic track record has developed old boys must contribute into. Further, parents, friends over more than a century. Today, over 1,500 students of Mfantsipim and well wishers may contribute into the study subjects from a comprehensive academic portfo- Fund. During the reception after this service, the Gen- lio - working towards the West African School Certifi- eral Secretary and other officers of the Association will cate examination before admission to Higher Education be available for further details. ££ $$ CC $$ ££ Institutions.

PAGE - 5 ABROOKS PASSES AWAY

JOSEPH WILFRED ABRUQUAH *When asked about the 'Apollo 568 AfEair1 he (Class of'40) died on 6 November 1997 aged 76. He commented that he felt at the time that it was ill- was an educationalist, author and appointed the 31st advised, saying "Why should a whole national con- Headmaster of Mfantsipim in the School's 87th year stitution be used to get rid of the Head of a Schooir history in 1963. Bom in 1921, he taught at the School *He entered the School in January or February from 1943 to 1944 as a post-secondary teacher and 1936 and left in December 1940. Rev. Lockhart was from 1949 to 1956 as a graduate teacher. During that still the Principal when he entered but the former time he progressively became a Housemaster, Senior departed within a month and Rev. W. A. Warren Housemaster and Assistant Headmaster. He served (nicknamed Awawa) was Acting Principal until Rev. briefly as an Assistant Headmaster at Konongo Odu- A. S. Fenby arrived from the West Indies to assume masi Secondary School and Keta Secondary School in the substantive post It was under the tatter's Princi- 1957 and six months later became Headmaster of the palship that he left the School in 1940. latter for seven years. The teachers and masters who taught him were When Rev. W.G.M. Brandful was relieved of the Kwesi Lamptey (Science), M.F. Dei-Annang (Latin), Headmastership of the School due to his opposition J.W. Hugh Mills (Maths), Charles Quaye (History) and to the institution of the Young Pioneers Movement CJ. Bannerman (Geography). on the campus by the then government of the Con- "Joe Appiah was the Senior Prefect (1936) and F. L vention People's Party (GPP) of Ghana's First Repub- Bartels the Senior Housemaster. lic under Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Mr Abruquah was latin was his favourite subject so his name Lati- appointed his successor in 1963 and remained in the nised from Abrokwa to Abrooks and that was what post till 1970. they called him each time he went for his Latin prize. It was rather ironic that his appointment was Asked what Abrooks means in Latin he said "It is just terminated in the latter year, having been one of the some third declension noun. Abrokwa is first de- public servants grievously affected by the Apollo 568 clension but when it is changed to third declension it (so called because of the number of public workers means you are progressing. So as I progressed they laid off under a provisional clause in the Second Re- called me Abrooks. "As I said " I was a good student publican Constitution under the Busia Government and I think that's about it which assumed office on 1 October 1969. His writings included The Catechist (1965) and During his Headmastership he provided the in- The Torrent published in 1968. frastructure and the necessary funding for Metal- The School said its final farewell to its illustrious work, Technical Drawing and Woodwork, subjects son by hosting the laying in state of his body and the for which his predecessors, Dr. F. L. Bartels and Rev. thanksgiving Service on 29 November 1997 in the Brandful had securely laid foundations for their in- Assembly Hall. troduction in the School Curriculum. This ensured that these subjects were taken seriously with the aim of making one practical subject compulsory at the 'O' Level. It subsequently earned Mfantsipim the much - coveted accolade of being the best Secondary Technical School in the country by the Ghana Edu- cation Service. Four years after leaving Mfantsipim he became the Regional Director of Education (G.E.S.) Northern Ghana (1974-76) and after his retirement in 1987 he taught at Adisadel on contract for some years. In a 'no-holds-barred' interview with the Editor of the erstwhile KWABOTWE JOURNAL and reported JOSEPH WILFRED in its Issue No.2 during his 70th birthday in 1991, the ABRUQUAH following interesting and anecdotal facts emerged about our stalwart and charismatic headmaster's life, work and times. May you rest in eternal peace, ABROOKS!

PAGE - 6 m BEGINNINGS OF MFANTSIPIM and The INAUGURATION CEREMONY ~~ ' '" T CAROLINE PICOT of the MFANTSIPIM OLD BOYS on JAMES PICOT ASSOCIATION

I am very honoured to have been asked to give to be opened in the School, to be called Picot House. this talk, which I will give in the form of a short paper The School under the Headmastership of F.L. as I am not used to public speaking! Bartels (who is with us today) had grown considera- I am going to take you back two and a half cen- bly and now numbered 475 boys mostly boarders, turies to the beginnings of my Picot family history as with two thirds African staff and more space was we know it. James Picot was descended from a needed. I was able to send copies of these original French Huguenot family who fled from France at the pictures and an enlargement picture of my father as end of the 16th century. At the beginning of the 17th first Headmaster. century this Picot family was settled in the Channel Mr Murray Haggis took the enlargement back to Islands, in Guernsey and in Alderney for three gen- Ghana to hang in the new Picot House and in 1962, I erations. From 1620-1721 this same family, son fol- received a letter of thanks from the House Prefect lowing father, were the incumbents of Anglican Attakora-Amos. The letter reads thus: Churches in Guernsey and in Alderney. After the death of a Thomas Picot in 1721 and 'Dated 19 October 1962. until the middle of the 19th century the line now In this letter the boys of Picot House and their two known as the Alderney line continued to live as Housemasters and the Staff of Mfantsipim School express farmers and fishermen. their great appreciation of the gift you've sent us. The hi the late 18th century John Wesley came to the photograph of Rev James Picot is now hanging conspicu- Channel Islands and preached in Guernsey. Many ously in Picot House which is the School House. Speeches were converted to Methodism. My grandfather, Elie were made and after the ceremony the boys of Picot House Picot, had four sons two of whom, Thomas Robert felt a sense of union in the photograph of this energetic and (later of Haiti) the eldest and James, the youngest, handsome man, who made the founding of Mfantsipim entered the Methodist Ministry. This was in the first possible. He is our symbol of what devotion and energy can half of the 19th century. do. And we the 54 boys of Picot House hope to emulate his In 1875 James Picot was 17 years of age and hav- deeds. ing finished his schooling in Jersey, he was beginning Again we all thank you a lot. Good luck and Cod bless to take up teaching in England. At this time his you for everything. brother Thomas Robert, chairman of the Cape Coast Yours truly, Methodist District, was sharing the concern of the (Signed) Yaw Attakora-Amoo, people of Ghana the then Gold Coast for a Methodist Picot House Prefect' secondary school for boys. Thomas, having gathered a nucleus of boys and two or three trained African masters, called on his young brother James to be- tte Cctetttony come head of the school, started at Cape Coast Castle ef the JUfantiipitit Old and opened officially in April 1876. You may see the original photos taken at this Now I have told you of the beginning of Mfant- time, my very young father barely 18 years old clad in sipim school as I know it and I have told you of the frock coat and with his topee on the table, ready for High Point" of the '60's under Mr Bartels. I come now Africa and the group of boys and masters with James to the climax of my talk, the High Poinf of 1989 Picot seated at the centre. If you turn back the group when Mfantsipim Old Boys of Great Britain and Ire- picture you will see the names of two or three mas- land worked hard to form this Association, with a ters inscribed in my father's beautiful handwriting. view to raising money to send to their old school, to Egyir-Assam became a Methodist minister and a help meet its present financial needs such as labo- headmaster of the school; Casely-Hayford became an ratory equipment, more staff bungalows and the important man in Ghanaian politics. James Picot was walling in of the whole school. We are asked to give Headmaster for only two and a half years, as it was in generously towards this project But I also feel that Ghana that he received his call to the Methodist by giving we not only help to meet practical needs, Ministry and returned to England to study at Rich- but we support and further an educational process mond College. which gives to Ghana a steady flow of the young men Independence for Ghana came in 1957. In 1959 I who help to make and keep Ghana a great country received a letter from a Mr Brehaut, teacher in amongst the nations of Africa. Mfantsipim School, telling me that a new House was Please do give generously.

PAGE - 7 Ghanaian OMA AWARD History Book wins

A. Adu Boahen's Mfantsipim and the Making of Ghana: evolution of modern Ghana, from its colonial inception to A Centenary History, 1876-1976, published in 1996 by independent nationhood The founding fathers were fired in Sankofa Educational Publishers Ltd, Accra, Ghana, has their determination by the rising tide of nationalism which been named as the winner of the 1997 Noma Award inspired the search for knowledge as a weapon of liberation. for Publishing in Africa. The book was cited by the jury The story is woven around this nationalist spirit, linking it as "no ordinary history book It is a fascinating story, creatively with the larger struggle for national independence elegantly told by a meticulous historian in a beauti- and sovereignty which culminated in the birth of modern fully produced volume. The author, a major historian Ghana. The story illustrates how it helped to instil in the and great political figure, skilfully presents the story of national psyche the pursuit of excellence in scholarship and the making of modern Ghana through the life history in service, patriotism, competitiveness, and pride in Ghana- of one school Through detailed and rigorous original ian culture. research, he situates the story in its historical context with an easy and magisterial professionalism. Whilst The book is published by the author's own recently combining thematic and chronological styles in such founded publishing company, Sankofa Educational Publish- an ingenious way as to excite the reader's imagination, ers Ltd. The Jury additionally commended this double achievement and the high standard of the book's production. the language and style remain simple, straightforward, and fluent" Hie $10,000 Award was presented on Friday 7 The book tells the story of the doyen of the Ghanaian November 1997, during the Uganda Book Week, in secondary school system, and how it emerged to epitomise Kampala. the rise of a nation - the history of the school is linked to the

This is an OVERVIEW OF QUEEN'S historical connection with West Africa, CENTENARY HISTORY of MFANTSIPIM - Personal and Professional links with Ghana of an Old Queenian. Dea r Honorary Ed itor, proceeded to Taunton. All, I suspect, encouraged by Thank you for the interest you showed in my Mensah-Sarbah, some I feel sure, from Mfantsipim and review of Mfgntsipim gn4 the Making of Ghgng that many, I think, financially assisted by him. The names ap- appeared in West Africa during July 1997. In answer to pear in the Register at Queen's, together with details about your questions and following our recent telephone con- the educational level they had attained before entry, and in versation, let me say that as soon as I read the book Isome cases with the addresses of guardians in the UK. wanted to share my enthusiasm for it with others. Since you may be interested in names, I have listed some I came to the 'star/ with a limited amount of of them at the end of this letter. background information, but with my curiosity already The most intriguing name on the list is that aroused. When I went to teach in the English Department of Kobina Sekyi. I would like to claim him at Legon in 1968,1 was allocated a flat in Mensah Sarbah as an Old Queenian but the evidence is Hall, and subsequently discovered I shared an "Old School" contradictory: Ray Jenkins has drawn with Mensah-Sarbah: we had both attended Queen's Col- attention to a reference in the Gold lege, Taunton. There had been Ghanaians at Queen's Coast Examiner of 10 June 1911 which when I was there (1955-62), notably A. O. Akiwumi and G. reported that'W. E. G. Sacke/ had been V. Okoh, the first a record-breaking high-jumper who went at the school for 5 months. However, his on to read law, and the second a distinguished wing name does not appear in the School Register. He must three-quarter who qualified as an accountant. But I had no have prepared for entrance to the university of London idea what a long history of contact with West Africa those somewhere - and if not Queen's then where? Any assis- two represented. Over the years I have occasionally in- tance you can give in answering this question would be dulged a research interest in the School's West African much appreciated. Perhaps a visit to the Senate House in links, and the results of some enquiries have been pub- Malet Street or another visit to the pages of The Gold Coast lished in West Africa. For example, I would refer you to Leader would provide an answer? 'Coleridge-Taylor's Ancestry/West Africa (London), 11-17 My review of Professor Boahen's book for West October 1993,1840-1841, and 'West African at Queen's Africa stressed elements that I thought would be of interest College, Taunton.' to readers of that magazine and reflected my interests in H. J. Chanon's History of Queen' College indicates Ghanaian creative writing. (And, of course, I had to pro- that Mensah-Sarbah had been followed to the school by his duce something that attracted the attention of the editor!) brother who tragically died while he was preparing for his I have written on West Africa and literature since the late matriculation. In the boy's memory, Mensah-Sarbah sixties for both international and Ghanaian publications. (I established a scholarship to enable his fellow countrymen am one of those who miss The Legon Observer greatly.) to attend the school and a steady stream of Gold Coasters r Continued on Page 91

PAGE - 8 Wesley House, and the World Methodist Historical Society. I hope the presence of the book in relevant libraries will Readers of West Africa may have seen my recent articles educate British Methodists and contribute in a small way to on the National Theatre in Accra and on the passing of Efua the campaigns you and MOBA are involved in. Sutherland. (I wonder if I was correct in suggesting that Finally, you may be interested to know that fol- she was related to the Morgues who attended Mfantsipim?) lowing our conversation, I spoke to the Chairman of Ghana During June, the Africa Volume of The Encyclopaedia of School Aid and I think he will be able to put you in touch World Theatre containing an entry on Ghana that I had with some more of the British teachers who worked at prepared with my wife, Patience, was launched in Yaounde. Mfantsipim. One of these is Mrs Margaret Brehaut whom My marriage to Abiriw-born Patience Addo, better I met at a recent Ghana School Aid function and whose late known when at school and training college as, Rosina, has husband taught French at the school from the mid-fifties. A ensured constant contact with Ghana over the last thirty Guernsey man, he had been recruited for the Ghanaian years. She went to Achimota School I am afraid, but made posting from - have you guessed it? Queen's College, up for this by moving on to Wesley College, Kumasi, and by Tau nton! Mrs Breault was deeply involved in arrangements teach ing for a time at Wesley Grammar School, Accra. She for the Independence Conference of the Methodist Church has served on Methodist international committees since we in Ghana. settled in Bristol, and through them has re-established links with several British Methodists who worked in Ghana atone Names from the Register, time or another. Queen's College. 1906-25 You asked about my particular links with Mfant- sipim, and these have been largely limited to friendships 1906 K.A. Amonoo, Ahinfi, Anamabu with old students of the school. (I recall with deep pleasure 1909 EC. Ankrah the visit the late, great Joe de Graft paid to the family here 1910 A.M. Akiwumi, P.O. Box 3, Accra in Bristol.) My last extended visit to Ghana was in 1994 G.T. Anifoshe, Compos Square, Lagos when I was a Visiting Scholar at Legon, and from there was (1910 W.E.G. Sackey (Kobina Sekyi)) able to contribute to the Kwesi Brew Festival, held at the 1910 K.A. Sey beginning of May, it was attended by pupils from all the 1911 H.K. Quartey Papafio, P.O. Box 153, Cape Coast schools. Seibonso Chambers, Accra My most recent visit was in November 1996 when 1912 E. Tagoe, Colonial Hospital, Dunkwa I went to the Ghana International Book Fair. In connection 1912 A.G.H. Mills, 7 Adansey St, Jamestown, Accra with that and with an African Writers' Handbook I am 1915 E.E. Bruce co-editing, I would like to make a couple of comments. 1916 T.F.B. Mills; J.M. Cudjo, Nsawam First, let me say what a delight it was to attend the 1917 K. Ohene-Ofori, 112/3 Horse Rd. Accra launching Of The Girl Who Could ... and Other Stories by 1917 W.M. Ofbri Ama Ata Aidoo. 1918 LP. Coussey, Accra Aidoo is a major African writer and it gives me 1920 A. Akiwumi, 52/85 Chapel Square, Jame great pleasure to be able to record the affection in which stown, Accra. she clearly holds her old school, Mfantsipim's sister school 1924 J.H.I.B.P. Brown, 17 Ashanti Rd. Cape Coast Wesley Girls High. It was also a revelation to see the 1925 J.E. Taylor, Cape Coast Castle support she received at the launching from her class-mates and other old girls of WGHS. The positions of authors and With best wishes and many thanks for the information publishers in Ghana are so difficult that literary occasions about the school and MOBA such as the appearance of a new title, especially one from a local publishing house - in Aidoo's case Sub-Saharan - # JAMES GIBBS # should be savoured. And whole-hearted support for writ- ers and publishers is essential. This, Sir, brings me back to Professor Adu Boa- "Our guest contributor has taught at Universities in hen's book and its appearance from Sankofa. Among the Ghana, Malawi, Nigeria, the UK and Belgium. He papers you kindly sent me was a copy of Volume 2, Issue 2 of Kwabotwe News, in which Dr F. LBartels congratulates was a Visiting Scholar to Legon (1994). His publica- "Jimmy Phillips, who arranged the publication." The tions include a Handbook for African Writers and the handsome volume is indeed an outstanding achievement Sonyinka Volume in the Macmillan Modern Dramat- and I am sure there is a long 'story' in it. At a time when ics Series. He has written extensively on Ghanaian production values generally cause for concern,, Mfantsipim and Malawian Theatre and on censorship and jour- and the making of Ghana has set exemplary standards - nalism in Africa." standards that can only be established and maintained by painstaking care and dedicated professionalism. Although unaware of all the background, I would like to congratulate Mr Phillips too. Incidentally, I was so impressed by the book (as an example of the publishers' craft as well as of the scholar's The world is dangerous to live in, not because of art) that I made sure that some of the relevant institutions those who do evil - but because of those who within British Methodism were given copies, these insti- look on and let them do so. tutions included not only Queen's College, Taunton - of which you have read quite enough, but also Southlands — Albert Einstein 1879-1955. College, the Overseas Division Archives, Wesley College,

PAGE - 9 MOBA DONATIONS IN MEMORY WERE MADE TO THE FOLLOWING BOOK PURCHASE NOMINATED CHARITIES and DISTRIBUTION SCHEME £50 to: The Children's Society (A voluntary I Society of the Church of England and the Church of The above scheme, a joint philanthropic venture Wales) on the death of the Earl of listowel on 30 of the association with Gibbs Settlement I April 1997. Trust (UK) was set up in September 1997 with £1000 education grant from the latter with £50 to: Maidstone Hospital on the death of Mrs the stated aim of purchasing sufficient quantities I Eileen Graves the mother of Rev. Dr. Peter Graves, a of the School's centenary history book, patron of the Association, in April 1997. 'Mfantsipim and the Making of Ghana' for dis- £100 to: West London Mission (Methodist tribution to The Ghana Library Board network Church Social Work Ministry) on the death of branches, Methodist Secondary Schools and Caroline Picot in October 1997. Training Colleges and some selected educa- tional institutions in West Africa. £100 to: The Methodist Church (Westminster Central Hall) on the occasion of their 85th Arrangements are at an advanced stage for [anniversary appeal, celebrated with a special placing the order for the first consignment earry | service on 19 October 1997. in 1998. We cannot express too strongly our Our grateful thanks to members whose voluntary heart-felt appreciation to James Gibbs and his I contributions made the above donations possible. fellow trustees for making large quantities of the book accessible to the wider readership through B^H^^^H^H^HH^HHHH|||^^^H this worthy philanthropic gesture. What about visiting us on the INTERNET? MQBA UK & IRELAND WEBSITE www. mobau ki re. mcmai I. com

The General Secretary became a worthy recipient of the American Biographical Institute's 30th Anni- versary Commemorative Achievement Award on Christmas Eve 1997. The citation read: The Board of Directors of the American Biographical Institute sitting in the United States of America recognises Victor Twum Savage as most admirable and whose career achievements and social contributions have been selected for permanent documentation in FIVE HUNDRED LEADERS OF INFLUENCE designed for biographical reference and inspiration for present - day citizens of the Twentiedi Century as well as future generations." Our President, Mr E.N. Quartey, a senior member on the Association's Editorial Board, having con- gratulated our honorary editor for his salutary award, also has the pleasure in reporting his (honorary editor's) heart-felt reaction on the occasion thus. "I feel that my work with MOBA (UK & Ireland) over the past 6 years has been the main catalyst for this great honour. I therefore unreservedly share it with the dynamic MOBA team under die leadership of President Quartey in particular and other branches of MOBA, whose identical and overriding aim is die promotion of the well-being of our alma mater." (Original Volume of this biographical reference is on permanent record and display at the U.S. Library of ICongress, Washington, D.C.) 20TH CENTURY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

PAGE - 10 PROFILE OF AN OLD BOY KOFI ANNAN The historic appointment on January 1, 1997 of Kofi Annan, an illustrious son of Mfantsipim and the Under Secretary^General for the peacekeeping first Sub-Saharan African, as the Seventh Secretary- department, one of the two most important units of General of the United Nations in its 52-year history, the UN Secretariat in succession to Marrack Gould- has more than fulfilled the prophetic and poignant ing of Britain and becoming the first non-Briton to words in the address to our alma mater's first Speech hold this post since its creation in 1960. This port- Day on 23 April 1908. This was read by the visionary, folio included the successful over-seeing of the legendary Mensah-Sarbah on behalf of the prag- smooth transition from the U.N. Protections Force matic Headmaster W. T. Balmer in which the latter (UNIPROFOR) to the Multinational Implementation said, "I want to raise in Mfantsipim School a Force (IFOR) in Bosnia (former Yugoslavia) led by generation of men who will be brave enough to NATO under the 1995 Dayton Peace Agreement He face the problems of their own continent (and if also skilfully negotiated the repatriation of 900 we may add words "and the entire world") practi- international staff and the release of the Western cally and unselfishly." hostages in Iraq during the invasion of Kuwait in 1990. Kofi was born in 1938 in Bekwai, Kofi Annan is married to Nane (nee Ashanti Region of Ghana to Henry Re- Lagergren, a Swedish artist, a former ginald Annan "HR" and Madam Rose lawyer and judge. She is also the niece Eshun, They both hailed from Cape of the famous Swedish diplomat, Raoul Coast, the former capital of Ghana, the Wallenberg, one of the beacons of the then Gold Coast. Annan Senior was the 20th Century, who rescued tens of Manager of the United Africa Company thousands of Jews from the Nazis in (UAC), Ashanti Region and later became Hungary and in whose honour the its Commissioner under the Second Queen unveiled a London Statue in Republican Government of Dr Busia 1997. (1969 - 1972) and the Chief of the Fanti During a dinner with journalists at Community in KumasL the Ashanti Re- the Davos World Economic Forum gional capital recently, he impressed his guests by his Like his late twin sister, Efua Annan, openness. Let Dr Michael Irwin who most of his childhood was spent in Kumasi where he worked with him for many years at the had his first cycle education. He was further edu- U.N. in New York, have the final word. "I have cated at Mfantsipim (1954 - 57), Class of '57 and of nothing but admiration for the man... He is, above Freeman House; University of Science and Technol- all an honest man. He is cautious but very tenacious. ogy at Kumasi, Ghana and at Macalester College in And he has a mischievous sense of humour." St PauL Minnesota (B.Sc in Economics). He also at- His Excellency, your fellow Kwabotweans say, tended the Institut Universitaire de Haute Etudes "Kofi atsen hen enyim. Ye ma wo mbo na edwuma." International in Geneva, a Sloan Fellow (1971-72) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.LT.) w&Kwvttvvxwy^^ where he received a MSc in Management Macales- HIS EXCELLENCY ter College conferred on him a Trustee Distin- MR JAMES ACCREY-ORLEANS guished Service Award in 1994. Cedar Crest College (Class of '55), in Allentown, Pennsylvania awarded him an honor- ary degree of Public Service in 1996. GHANA'S HIGH COMMISSIONER Prior to his appointment as the Secretary- to the Court of St James's, London General of the 185-nation body, he had held a vari- ety of high-profile posts during his 30-year career with this international organisation. These included Secretary-General in the Office of Human Resources Management; Security Coordinator, Director of Budget, Deputy Director of Administration, Head of Personnel for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, Assistant Secretary-General for Pro- gramme Planning, Budget and Finance and Control- ler of the United Nations Organisation, hi 1993 his predecessor, Dr Boutros-Ghali appointed him as the

PAGE - 11 OCTOBER 17TH MOBA EVENTS 10th Anniversary Celebrations of the -CALENDAR FOR 1998 founding of MOBA (UK & IRELAND) with a fund-raising dance in aid of Mfantsipim Millennium Development Fund.

JUNE 28TH NOVEMBER 22ND Welcome reception in honour of the 122nd Founders' Day Service and Rt. Rev Dr Samuel Asante Antwi, Reunion at the Westminster Central Hall. the President of Ghana Methodist Conference followed by a Special Service at which the Please, check with the Secretariat President will be the guest preacher. for more details.

J OFFICERS & V and NEWS from the €> COMMITTEE <3 METHODIST CENTRAL HAUL, WESTMINSTER -^ 1996 -1998 ,-

PREMIER RADIO BROADCAST PRESIDENT - MR E.N. QUARTEY One of our patrons, Rev Dr Peter Graves, VICE-PRESIDENT - MR 3.P.B. BAFFOE Superintendent Minister of the Central Hall, Westmin- GENERAL SECRETARY & ster, is now a regular broadcaster on FYemJeT Radio. HONORARY EDITOR - MR V.T. SAVAGE You can tune in to his series every Sunday evening ASST GEN SECRETARY & from 7-7.30pm. It is called The Dynamics of Disciple- FINANCIAL SECRETARY - MR K. APPREY-ABRAHAM ship1 and is a programme of hymns, prayers, teaching TREASURER -MRA.K. GYEBI and reflection based on the worship at Central Hall. FUNDRAISING You can tune in to F¥emier throughout the greater CO-ORDINATOR MRJ.B. AWUNI WELFARE OFFICER -MRGJ. BLANKSON London region on medium wave 1305, 1332 and 1413 EX-STAFF REPRESENTATIVE - MR L. BECKETT GOOD FRIDAY EX-OFFICIO MEMBER - MR H. HAYFRON PROCESSION OF WITNESS^ EX-OFFICIO MEMBER - MR 3.B.K. APEA

THE ClRUClFIXi©H ON VICTOI5IA STREET The Editorial Board sincerely thanks A traditional procession for Good Friday on the streets of London, with meditations by Church leaders; * Cardinal Basil Hume very much for her invaluable * The Very Rev Dr Wesley Carr contribution to this newsletter. * Rev Dr Peter Graves * Sister Lavinia Byrne

An offering will be taken for charities MOBA SECRETARIAT working with the homeless and refugees. 86 KINGSTON AVENUE NORTH CHEAM, SUTTON, SURREY Gathering from 11.45 am SM3 9HF Procession Starts at 12.00 noon TEL. 0181 241 4572 Good Friday. April 10 1998 EMAIL: [email protected] outside Westminster Central Hall, then moves to Westminster Abbey and Westminster Cathedral. C:\MOBAPVBSitKNEWS 97.PPP \ More information: 0171 222 8010 Please make an effort to join this extremely worthwhile event T>ES1GNEt» & PROWCEt) BY MODA (VK1RE) - 1997 >jba

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