Want to know what happened Today in History Africa: 28 January? These are 3 historical events that took place today, in the continent of Africa and the African diaspora.
The continent of Africa has an immensely rich history; hidden African history is becoming more accessible as it is finally coming to light. African history, people, culture and books have influenced and inspired the world for time immemorial; it is now time for Africa to shine!
In this post you will learn about the many things that happened today in history in Africa and in the African diaspora like when the Achimota school was opened.
After reading this post you will know tons of facts about Africa in relation to: the Achimota School, Dr. James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey and the Gold Coast.
This post is all about what happened Today in History Africa 28 January.
Today in History Africa: 28 January
African Historical Events
Achimota school Established
On this day, 28 January 1927, the Achimota school was established in the West African colony of the Gold Coast. The Achimota School or Achimota College is a school found in modern-day Ghana and it was the first British mixed-gender school on the Gold Coast.
The Achimota College was founded by Dr James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey, Rev. Alec Garden Fraser and Sir Frederick Gordon Guggisberg. And it was established by the Governor of the British Gold Coast colony in line with his plan to reform the Gold Coast educational system.
The school’s motto was made Ut Omnes Unum Sint, which means “That they all may be one” in Latin. The Achimota College’s first Vice-Principle, Dr James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey, as well as the schools other founders implemented values of equality no matter the race or gender of the student or teacher.
“You can play a tune of sorts on the black keys only; and you can play a tune of sorts on the white keys only; but for perfect harmony, you must use both the black and the white keys.”
– Dr James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey on the Achimota School crest.
Without Dr. James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey’s strong and persistent campaign in favour of women’s education the Achimota College would not have had as many girls in attendance.
“The surest way to keep people down is to educate the men and neglect the women. If you educate a man you simply educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate a whole nation.”
– Dr James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey
The foundation
The Achimota School was able to develop with the effort and support of Ghanain Chiefs and statesmen such as Nene Sir Emmanuel Mate Kole, Konor of Manya Krobo, Nana Sir Ofori Atta,Omanhene of Akyem Abuakwa, Nana Amonoo V, Omanhene of Anomabo, and Hon. Dr. Benjamin W. Quartey Quaye Papafio, the Hon. F. V. Nanka-Bruce, the Hon. Thomas Hutton-Mills, Sr. of Accra, the Hon. E. J. P. Brown of Cape Coast, and the Hon. J. E. Casely-Hayford of Sekondi.
The school that was formally opened by The Governor of the British Gold Coast colony was initially named the Prince of Wales College and School, after Edward VIII who was the guest of honour at the schools open on 28 January 1927.
The Achimota College was then made into a secondary school, teachers’ training college and university equal to educational institutions found in Europe and America.
Both the University of Ghana, formerly known as the University College of the Gold Coast, and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology had their roots in the Achimota College.
Many Pan-Afrinanist and leaders of the pro-independence movement in Africa attended the prestigious Achimota School. Among the many notable African personalities the Achimota school trained were Ghana’s former Head of States: Kwame Nkrumah, Edward Akufo-Addo, Jerry John Rawlings, and John Evans Atta Mills as well as Kofi Abrefa Busia, Robert Mugabe and Sir Dawda Jawara.
The Achimota school has now been operating for 96 years. And the school has recently ranked among Africa’s top 100 High Schools.
This post was all about what happened today in history Africa 28 January.
Today in History Africa series:
Previous Day: Today in History Africa: 27 January
Next Day: Today in History Africa: 29 January
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achimota_School
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