Old students need to appreciate and make substantial contributions towards the development of their alma mater, Nana Kobina Nketsiah V, Paramount Chief of Essikado Traditional Area, has said.

Nana Nketsiah, who made the call on Friday, said it was time alumni shift from “the government will do it” mentality to “we will do it ourselves”.

Nana Nketsiah said this during the launch of the 137th Speech & Prize-Giving week-long programme of activities of the Mfantsipim School which begins from Saturday, November 2 to Sunday November 10, 2013.

The theme for the occasion is “Necessary Education the Need for a New Mind-Set and Paradigm”.

Programmes lined-up for the week include a float through the principal streets of Cape Coast, fundraising dinner dance, career guidance and counseling for the students and a donation to the Light House children’s home.

The 1963, 1973, 1983, 1993 and 2003 year groups of the Mfantsipim Old Boys Association (MOBA) will organise and sponsor the programme.

Nana Nketsiah who underscored the immense contribution of the School towards national development, also paid tribute to the founding fathers and urged the Old Boys to see the School as their immediate family and ensure that its values and traditions are maintained.

Mr Koame Miezah Edjah, Headmaster of the School, said this is the first time the school is launching the programme on campus and thanked the year groups for their enthusiasm and support.

He described the programme as special saying it would help raise the image of the school as well as rebrand it and urged the old students to pay their dues to enable them achieve their set targets.

Mr Kow Budu Manuel, acting President of the Sponsoring year group, called on all the year groups to participate and contribute meaningfully towards the celebration of the event to make it a success.

He said Mfantsipim has made them what they are and they in turn should be able to contribute toward its sustenance.

Mfantsipim School, Ghana’s oldest boys’ secondary school was established in 1876 in Cape Coast.