St. Charles Minor Seminary SHS Celebrates 70th Anniversary

St. Charles Minor Seminary Senior High School, Tamale, recently celebrated its Patron Feast Day and 70th anniversary at the school's premises on the theme: St. Charles @ 70: Past, Present and Future. Most Rev. Philip Naameh, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Tamale and other members of the St. Charles Minor Seminary SHS (SCOBA) including Mr. Samuel Abu Jinapor, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Prof. Raymond Atuguba, Dean of the University of Ghana School of Law, were among the dignitaries who graced the ceremony. In a welcome address, the Headmaster, Mr. Thomas Gbolo Toma, lauded the decision by the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers) to establish a second cycle boys' school in the then Northern Territory as a far- sighted one as the school has become a stalwart in the provision of holistic education for boys in the country. He also commended his predecessors for their untiring efforts that have contributed to bringing the school this far. Touching on their challenges, he appealed for a bus, new pickup, adequate furniture, security personnel, as well as the tarring of the main road leading to the school. He further appealed to government to expedite work on their stalled GETFUND Boy's Dormitory and Assembly Hall projects. Mr. Mark Ofori-Amanfo, the Global President of SCOBA, recounted that past students have individually or as year groups, offered support in various forms such as the provision of text books, computers, logistics and reference materials to the National Science and Mathematics Quiz team, renovation and construction of dormitories, science laboratories, classroom blocks, among others. He thanked members in Ghana and abroad for their continued support to their Alma Mater. Mr. Jinapor who was the Special Guest of Honour, said as the school celebrates 70 years of its existence, there was need to take stock of what has been achieved and forge ahead to shape the future of students and the country. He said the St. Charles Minor Seminary SHS has contributed much to society and Ghana as a whole, having helped to mold many young lives into strong, responsible and resourceful individuals through its well-rounded training. Mr. Jinapor speaking at the ceremony Addressing his fellow alumini, the Minister said apart from supporting their Alma Mater with infrastructure and other items, they can also serve as role models through interactions with current students. He, therefore, suggested to management to design an online forum where students can openly interact with old students to offer them advice and guidance on their carrier paths. Hajia Katumi Natogmah Atta, the Northern Regional Director of Education, commended the Catholic Church for its unwavering commitment to character formation and said the values they instill show in the accomplishments of their students. “As we reflect on the past, we should recognize the pivotal role played by the Church in shaping the minds and hearts of young men”, she stated. She described the current students as the living embodiment of the future and urged them to cherish the Church's traditions, embrace its teachings and aspire to contribute meaningfully to the world, guided by the principles instilled in them by the school. Archbishop Naameh thanked management, staff and all stakeholders including SCOBA, for their efforts and contributions aimed at repositioning the school to regain its former glory. Many individuals offered donations in cash and pledges towards the school's fence hall project. Among them was Mr. Jinapor and his wife Nadia, who donated GH¢50,000.00 while a Chinese businessman who accompanied the Minister also donated the same amount. Prof. Atuguba donated a bull and announced that together with his family, they will donate an undisclosed amount to support the project. Two teachers and three students were awarded cash prizes as the best teachers and students, respectively In his closing remarks, Prof. Atuguba who chaired the ceremony, said St. Charles Minor Seminary/SHS has since its inception produced many people of diverse professional backgrounds such as lecturers, engineers, politicians, priests, doctors, lawyers, among others, which he said must be leveraged on to turn the school into a model SHS for the whole country. Among the other dignitaries present were Mahamadu Abdulai, Boting-Naa of Savelugu who represented his Paramount Chief (Yoo-Naa) Abdulai Yakubu Andani, Mr. Sule Salifu, the Mayor of Tamale, District Directors of Education, members of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools and other invited guests. Also present were students of the school. St. Charles Minor Seminary SHS, the second oldest secondary school in the then northern territories, was established in 1953 at Wiaga in the Builsa North Municipality by the Missionaries of Africa with only 12 students before it was relocated to Tamale in 1955. The school has a current enrolment of 761 students with 59 teaching and 27 non-teaching staff and it has produced four Prelates for the Tamale Ecclesiastical Province namely, Most Revs. Lucas Abadamloora of Navrongo Bolgatanga Diocese of blessed memory, Paul Bemile, Bishop Emeritus of Wa Diocese, Philip Naameh and Peter Paul Angkyier of Damongo Diocese, as well as many Priests.