A Legacy of Purpose and Service
Rev. Opoku’s vision was clear: to create a technical institution that bridges the gap between classroom knowledge and hands-on skills. His aim was to prepare students not only for higher education but also for immediate entry into the workforce. Since its inception, the school has served as a pillar of opportunity for youth who may not have had access to more traditional academic pathways.
In 2017, recognizing the growing challenges of managing and sustaining the institution on his own, Rev. John Opoku voluntarily handed over the ownership and administration of the school to the Sekyere Traditional Authority. This significant move was motivated by his desire to ensure the long-term survival and development of the school under the stewardship of local leadership. The Traditional Authority readily accepted this responsibility, marking a new phase of stability, community ownership, and collective progress.
Introduction
Sekyere Kusi Senior High Technical School (SKSHTS) is a community-founded second-cycle institution located in Sekyere, within the Sekyere-Kumawu District of Ghana’s Ashanti Region. The school was established in 2014 by the late Rev. John Opoku, a visionary native of Sekyere, with the full support of his wife, Rev. Edith Dela Opoku. SKSHTS was founded with a strong mission to provide quality secondary education with an emphasis on technical and vocational training, targeting young people in Sekyere and nearby communities who required both academic and practical skills to thrive.
The Role of the Interim Board of Governors
After the passing of the founder in 2023, his brother, Mr. Kwabena Opoku-Berchie, took a bold step to preserve and build upon his legacy. He initiated the formation of an Interim Board of Governors, whose purpose was to lead the development of the school, attract stakeholder support, and push for government recognition. This board quickly became instrumental in rallying the community, coordinating development projects, and providing strategic direction for SKSHTS.
Sekyere Traditional Authority’s Land Commitment
A turning point in the school’s growth came when the Sekyere Traditional Authority, led by Nana Osei Kwabena Onin Pobi II, demonstrated its commitment to education by allocating and registering a 50-acre parcel of land along the Sekyere–Akrofoso road. This land was designated as the permanent campus of Sekyere Kusi Senior High Technical School. The gesture firmly anchored the school in the future development plans of the community and offered a foundation for large-scale expansion.
Infrastructure Development and Advocacy
In 2022, a delegation led by Sekyerehene Nana Osei Kwabena Onin Pobi II and the late Hon. Philip Basoah (then Member of Parliament for the Sekyere-Kumawu Constituency) visited the then Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Adutwum and the Ghana Education Service to advocate for the school’s adoption as a government-assisted institution. During the engagement, the Minister encouraged the community to accelerate the development of classroom infrastructure.
Community Contributions to Infrastructure
Working collaboratively, the Interim Board, the Traditional Authority, and local political leadership responded with urgency and commitment, resulting in:
A 3-unit classroom block, sponsored by the Sekyere Traditional Council, now 90% complete
A 6-unit classroom block with administrative offices, donated by Ghana Gas, at 70% completion
A 6-unit classroom block, initiated by the late Hon. Philip Basoah, currently 40% complete
These tangible investments demonstrated the community’s dedication to achieving government support.
Sustaining the School Through Community Support
Beyond infrastructure, the school’s day-to-day operations and the continued dedication of voluntary teachers over the past two years have been made possible through the unwavering commitment of a Grand Committee convened by Mr. Kwabena Opoku-Berchie and the Prudent management of the funds by the Acting Headmaster, Mr. Adjei Kwasi Samuel. This committee, composed of both citizens of Sekyere and non-citizens who have devoted themselves to the advancement of the Sekyere community, has been instrumental in funding monthly payments for voluntary teachers and covering other essential operational expenses. Listed below are members of the grand committee.
Mr. Kwabena Opoku Berchie – Convener
Mr. Alex Antwi – Assemblyman
Mr. Adjei Kwasi Samuel – Acting Headmaster
Mr. Opiah Mensah
Mr. Kyekyeku Opoku-Pong
Mrs. Esther Adu-Gyimah
Dr. Paul Appiah-Konadu
Mrs. Edith Dela Opoku
Mr. Alfred Akwasi Opoku
Mr. Christian Ayesu Nsaidoo
Mrs. Ama Serwah Nerquaye-Tetteh
Mr. Prince Zoik
Madam Adwoa Frimpomaah
Mr. Emmanuel Asare
Mr. Peter Kessey
The selfless contributions of the grand committee members named above reflect a deep-seated belief in education as a catalyst for rural transformation. The Queen Mother of Sekyere, Nana Yaa Antwiwaa II has also played a leading role in mobilizing funding from Sekyere Citizens in the UK in aid of the school. Nana Oppong Kyekyeku, the Sanaahene of Sekyere, has also been instrumental in the stakeholder engagements to get the main campus of the school connected to the national grid.
Milestone Achievement: Government Adoption
In October 2024, Sekyere Kusi Senior High Technical School was officially adopted as a government-assisted school, a major milestone that marked the beginning of a new era. As part of this transition, SKSHTS was listed as a Category C school under the Free SHS programme for the 2024/2025 academic year. This inclusion ensures that students now benefit from free tuition, teaching staff supplied by the government, and essential learning materials.
The adoption process was made possible through the tireless efforts of key stakeholders. Notably, the Member of Parliament for the Sekyere-Kumawu Constituency, Hon. Ernest Yaw Anim, and Mrs. Ama Serwaa Nerquaye-Tetteh (Obaapa Ama Serwah) played leading roles in the stakeholder engagements that led to the school’s absorption by the government. Their advocacy and coordination were instrumental in securing the school’s new status.
Looking Ahead
With a 50-acre permanent site, expanding infrastructure, and official government backing, SKSHTS is poised to become a model for rural Secondary-technical education in Ghana. The school continues to honor the vision of its founder by empowering students through education that is both academic and practical.
Legacy and Impact
Through the leadership of the Interim Board led by Dr. Paul Appiah-Konadu, Local Political Leadership (Hon. Aziz Dauda, former Assemblyman, Hon. Alex Antwi, Assemblyman for the Sekyere Electoral Area), the Acting Headmaster (Mr. Adjei Kwasi Samuel), and the unwavering support of the Sekyere Traditional Authority, the contributions of local and national partners, and the spirit of community involvement, SKSHTS stands today as a living legacy of Rev. John Opoku—a testament to service, sacrifice, and sustainable development through education.