Author: Peter Martey Agbeko
On Saturday, September 20, the Event Centre of the Ghana Police Headquarters hosted a very special celebration as the APSU 1974 Year Group gathered for their Anniversary Thanksgiving Dinner.
This distinguished cohort were already in Upper Six when my own 1980 Year Group entered Form One in September 1975. If we, their juniors, are now in our early sixties, then our seniors are fast approaching the three-score-and-ten mark – and what a graceful journey it has been.
Distinguished Faces and Fond Memories
Among the many illustrious faces in attendance were some unforgettable names from our days at Augusco. Senior HenryMensah-Brown (aka Saviour), the school prefect back in the day, was as well known for his leadership as for his athletic prowess. A fantastic hurdler with speed and elegance, he commanded admiration on the track as much as he did in school life.
There was also Kwabena Adu, the quintessential all-round sportsman. Whether on the football pitch, the hockey field, or the athletics track, he was a delight to watch – a defender of calm assurance and a 100, 200-metre sprinter with style and power.
Another celebrated sportsman present was Prof. George Armah, affectionately called Joe B. A rock between the posts for the school hockey team, he inspired confidence in all who played before him. Joe B, who served as Assistant St. Stephen’s House Prefect, also holds a personal place in my story. He once shielded me from the wrath of a notorious senior in a timely moment of rescue – a memory we still share and laugh about decades later.
Vincent Brew, a fantastic high jumper in his day, was present, and he and Dr DCOP Godfried Asiamah kept the dance floor lively. Eddie Brako could also be seen moving to the music and enjoying every moment of the occasion.
Etrew Sam-Appiah (Sam Pee), our dining hall prefect was also a very formidable footballer. A cool calm but super efficientdefender. He also like Thick Jonah, joined his colleagues in the sixth form from another school. He was from Adisadel College (Adisco). He also fit in seamlessly and really enjoyed his stay at Augusco.
Senior Adams (APSU ’75) and Senior Larry Adiobo (APSU ’76) were also in attendance. At one point, Senior Adiobo hit the dance floor to display his dance moves.
When Amandzeba’s Wogbe Jeke was played, the seniors were at their best, with Prof. Armah recalling his days with the cultural troupe back at Augusco.
The roll call of distinguished gentlemen continued with Dr Amakye, fondly remembered as Thick Jonah, the charismatic Entertainment Prefect. Having transferred to Augusco from St Peter’s, Nkwatia, he blended into our culture effortlessly – as naturally as a duck takes to water.
Nostalgia and Humour
As part of the evening’s programme, the Master of Ceremonies, Thick Jonah himself, invited classmates to share light-hearted recollections of their Augusco days. He set the tone by revealing that, on arrival at the school, he gave his name as “Jonahson” instead of “Amakye,” fearing his true name might mark him out as a “rural lad.”
Nicknaming and playful teasing were the order of the day, and soon “Thick Jonah” became the name by which he was universally known – to the point that even his mother struggled to locate him when she once visited the school asking after “Jonathan Amakye.”
“Boys and nicknames! Even my mother couldn’t find me until someone said, Are you looking for Thick Jonah?” — Dr Jonathan Amakye
Senior Kwabena Adu then reminded everyone of a Talents Night competition during Thick Jonah’s time as Entertainment Prefect. Adu had won the contest performing as Mohammed Ali, but the prize money promised on stage was never paid.
“After all these years, and with inflation added, Thick Jonah owes me a fortune!” — Kwabena Adu
The gathering erupted in laughter, proof that Augusco debts are never forgotten – especially when they come with interest.
Music and Memories
Senior Samuel Thompson (popularly known as Tommy), a former hockey star and founding member of the Bishop Candle Sticks Band, recalled the unforgettable day when a Presec band edged out his group in a fiercely contested dance band competition in Accra. Their rendition of the hit As Solid As A Rock was so compelling that even Kwabena Adu, present that day, admitted he could not help but cheer for the Presec boys.
“Please don’t play that song when I’m around … it brings back memories I’d rather forget!” — Samuel Thompson (Tommy)
Senior Samuel Mills of APSU ’73 also praised the celebrating cohort for their excellent organisation, urging other year groups to emulate their example. He presented a beautifully customised APSU tissue container as a keepsake – simple, elegant, and proudly carrying the alumni brand.
Family and Fellowship
In true Augusco fashion, the programme was punctuated with humour, laughter, and camaraderie. The buffet was excellent, the drinks flowed, and the music had everyone on their feet. Some wives and close friends of the ’74 year group also joined the celebration, adding warmth and elegance to the evening. It was a reminder that while the bonds of brotherhood are strong, they shine brightest when shared with family and loved ones.
At one point, when Thick Jonah attempted to say a prayer midway into the programme, the seniors mischievously broke into the playful chant of “aw shiet … aw shiet … aw shiet,” and also “all you are saying, don’t waste our time”, traditional chorus signalling resistance – in this case to prevent his intervention from sending the wrong signal that the party was winding down.
With good humour, the MC abandoned his mission, handed the microphone to the DJ, and retreated to his table, only to bounce back moments later to continue his duties with renewed energy and wit.
Roll Call of Honour
Notable members of the APSU ’74 group present at the celebration included:
| LIST |
| DCOP Rtd Asiamah |
| Kwabena Adu |
| Dr Jonah Amakye-Anim |
| Prof George Armah |
| Etrew Sam-Appiah |
| Ako Brew |
| Dr McDamien Dedzoe |
| Julius Asare-Nyadu |
| Impoh Ghunney |
| Charles Sithole Nartey |
| Ignatius Baidoo |
| Kwame Barko |
| Albert Owusu-Ansah (Albino) |
| Sammy Thompson (Tommy) |
| Michael Sorsy |
| Nana Prof Henry Mensah-Brown |
| Raymond Yeboah |
| Francis Dzata (PERSCOBA ’73) |
| Raymond Frimpong (PERSCOBA’73) |
| Samuel Mills ’73 |
| George Adams ’75 |
| Peter Agbeko (Hon. ’74) |
| L. Addo-Yobo ’76 |
Their presence, alongside many other stalwarts, added glamour to the evening.
Generosity and Legacy
The APSU ’74 group has always carried itself with generosity and warmth. I recall vividly how, when they celebrated their 50th Anniversary of entering Augusco, they graciously invited my wife and me to Cape Coast. They went further to sponsor our weekend there, giving us the opportunity to share in their milestone. At that gathering, I was deeply honoured with a framed citation – a gift from my seniors that I continue to treasure to this day.That Saturday night’s Thanksgiving Dinner was therefore not just an anniversary; it was a celebration of enduring bonds, of gentlemanly character, of legacies in sports, academics, leadership, and entertainment. Above all, it was proof once again that the true spirit of Omnia Vincit Labor – Perseverance Conquers All – continues to shine through these Golden Seniors of Augusco.
