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| KSM (right) with Nino (Class of 2006) after TGIF Show |
" The Case of KSM"
Introduction:
Prempeh College, a Senior High School (SHS) in the heart of Kumasi, Ghana, is by far one of the most improved academic institutions in West Africa.
The school, founded in 1949 by the then Asantehene is a boarding school for only boys from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
With Integrity and Character serving as the main core values of the school. Prempeh College from 1949 till now has defied all odds to become a force to reckon with in the field of academia and sports not only in Ghana but in Africa as a whole.
The school currently has a population of about 2000 students.
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| Prempeh College at a glance. |
Historical Background:
The school was set up in February 1949 by the then Gold Coast government in collaboration with the Methodist and Presbyterian missionaries and also the Ashanti Royal Kingdom.
In 1949, 50 boys from Mfantsipim School and their headmaster, Rev. Sydney Pearson, inaugurated the great college. The college was incorporated into the Asante Confederacy by Sir Osei Agyemang Prempeh II, the then Asantehene.
Notable Alumni:
* His Excellency Mr. J.A. Kufuor (Ex President of Ghana : 2001-2009)
* Professor Agyemang Badu Akosa (Immediate-Past President of Ghana Medical Association)
* Dr. Kwabena Dufuor (Former Governor of Bank of Ghana and Finance Minister)
* Dr. Kweku Ghartey (Retinal Surgeon at the Massachusetts General Hospital, who was ranked one of "America's 100 Best Doctors" by US News and World Report Magazine)
* Professor Kwadwo Asenso - Okyere (Former Vice-Chancellor : University of Ghana)
* Professor Stephen Addai (Ex President, CIMG and Rector of GIMPA)
* Mr. Jim Kusi (The Engineer who reconstructed the New York City subway system - the world's biggest and most complex subway system )
* Mr. Derek Appiah (British Telecom Project Manager, who was responsible for launching BT Broadband in the UK)
* Dr. Emmanuel Tuffuor (President of Ghana Care who was featured in the New York Times and whose work has been endorsed and cited by the World Bank / IMF as "one of the greatest contributors of advancement of health in developing world)
* Mr. Edward Boateng of Butler House (Ex CNN / Turner International Regional Director for Europe, a man who has been the driving force behind CNN's penetration in Africa and was awarded a special citation by Turner himself, in 1997, for the job he has done)
* Kow A. Essuman, Esq. (Barrister-at-law : England and Wales, Attorney and Counselor-at-law: New York)
* Dominic Oduro (Professional Footballer - Columbus Crew, Major League Soccer: MLS)
* Mr. Kwaku Simtim Misa (KSM) (Renowned Film-Maker, Actor, Comedian and Stage Dramatist)
Adu Acheampong Kwaku, a proud old boy of Prempeh College (Class of 2006) at the school's 63rd Speech and Prize Giving Day had this to say about the school. "...at Prempeh, you are not only taught to become an indispensable academic material but also a dependable international asset. "
With an unflinching support from the Ghana Education Service (GES), GET Fund and the Old Boys Association, "AMANFOO", Prempeh College continues to see improvement in the area of logistics and infrastructure, scientific research, teaching and learning materials and recreational centres.
"When we talk of high schools in Ghana that are avant-garde and continues to excel academically, one cannot leave out schools like Opoku Ware School, Adisadel College, Wesley Girls High, Presec - Legon, Mfansipim Boys, Holy Child and finally Prempeh College." - Mr. Benny Benson (CEO, Toplist Ghana), during the annual old students reunion on November 2012 held in Kumasi.
According to Mr Benson, most people go through high school without experiencing any fundamental change in their way of thinking and approach to solving societal problems.
"However, with Prempeh College, the opposite is the case," he noted.
In 2003, the Editorial Board of the "THE STOOL", the annual students' magazine for Prempeh College, had the rare opportunity to interview the famous film-maker, actor, comedian, political satirist, stage dramatist and TGIF talk show host, Kwaku Simtim Misa (KSM).
Through this heart-to-heart interview, KSM reveals and shares his own personal life experience of his enviable youthful days at Prempeh College.
THE INTERVIEW
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| Prempeh College Branded Baseball Cap |
Notable Alumni:
* His Excellency Mr. J.A. Kufuor (Ex President of Ghana : 2001-2009)
* Professor Agyemang Badu Akosa (Immediate-Past President of Ghana Medical Association)
* Dr. Kwabena Dufuor (Former Governor of Bank of Ghana and Finance Minister)
* Dr. Kweku Ghartey (Retinal Surgeon at the Massachusetts General Hospital, who was ranked one of "America's 100 Best Doctors" by US News and World Report Magazine)
* Professor Kwadwo Asenso - Okyere (Former Vice-Chancellor : University of Ghana)
* Professor Stephen Addai (Ex President, CIMG and Rector of GIMPA)
* Mr. Jim Kusi (The Engineer who reconstructed the New York City subway system - the world's biggest and most complex subway system )
* Mr. Derek Appiah (British Telecom Project Manager, who was responsible for launching BT Broadband in the UK)
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| Prempeh College Boys after winning inter-schools debate. |
* Dr. Emmanuel Tuffuor (President of Ghana Care who was featured in the New York Times and whose work has been endorsed and cited by the World Bank / IMF as "one of the greatest contributors of advancement of health in developing world)
* Mr. Edward Boateng of Butler House (Ex CNN / Turner International Regional Director for Europe, a man who has been the driving force behind CNN's penetration in Africa and was awarded a special citation by Turner himself, in 1997, for the job he has done)
* Kow A. Essuman, Esq. (Barrister-at-law : England and Wales, Attorney and Counselor-at-law: New York)
* Dominic Oduro (Professional Footballer - Columbus Crew, Major League Soccer: MLS)
* Mr. Kwaku Simtim Misa (KSM) (Renowned Film-Maker, Actor, Comedian and Stage Dramatist)
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| Prempeh College Students |
Adu Acheampong Kwaku, a proud old boy of Prempeh College (Class of 2006) at the school's 63rd Speech and Prize Giving Day had this to say about the school. "...at Prempeh, you are not only taught to become an indispensable academic material but also a dependable international asset. "
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| Old Boys of Prempeh College - Class of 2006 |
With an unflinching support from the Ghana Education Service (GES), GET Fund and the Old Boys Association, "AMANFOO", Prempeh College continues to see improvement in the area of logistics and infrastructure, scientific research, teaching and learning materials and recreational centres.
"When we talk of high schools in Ghana that are avant-garde and continues to excel academically, one cannot leave out schools like Opoku Ware School, Adisadel College, Wesley Girls High, Presec - Legon, Mfansipim Boys, Holy Child and finally Prempeh College." - Mr. Benny Benson (CEO, Toplist Ghana), during the annual old students reunion on November 2012 held in Kumasi.
According to Mr Benson, most people go through high school without experiencing any fundamental change in their way of thinking and approach to solving societal problems.
"However, with Prempeh College, the opposite is the case," he noted.
In 2003, the Editorial Board of the "THE STOOL", the annual students' magazine for Prempeh College, had the rare opportunity to interview the famous film-maker, actor, comedian, political satirist, stage dramatist and TGIF talk show host, Kwaku Simtim Misa (KSM).
Through this heart-to-heart interview, KSM reveals and shares his own personal life experience of his enviable youthful days at Prempeh College.
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| "The Stool" - Symbol of Authority |
THE INTERVIEW
The Editorial Board (EB) met the renowned political satirist, Mr Kwaku Simtim Misa (KSM) to find out more about his life and the secret behind his success.
EB: I believe you're an old student of Prempeh College.
KSM: I'm a proud "Amanfoo". My father also taught there, Osei Tutu Housemaster and all my brothers too are "Amanfoo".
EB: How did you find your days at Prempeh College?
KSM: I remember clearly some of my memorable days were at Prempeh . Just the assembly of students was marvelous. There was a conscious effort by the headmaster, at that time, to give fair opportunity in his admission, so we had "Dadaba" (Children from rich families), poor and deprived children from some villages. But we came together and it was a great learning experience.
EB: Were you involved in any co-curricular activities that shaped the qualities you exhibit today?
KSM: Definitely, the first thing was the Debating Society. I joined in 1973. I was in Prempeh from 1972-1977. I didn't attend Form One there, but joined in Form Two. The Debating Society groomed my speech delivery. Then also I started doing Drama in Prempeh. All these things I'm doing today; my mates will tell you, "Oh! he started long time ago." I virtually built my foundation at Prempeh.
EB: If you were supposed to be in school today would you still choose Prempeh, and why?
KSM: At this point because of my great experience at Prempeh it wouldn't make sense for me to say I'd go anywhere else.
EB: Tell us about your life before and after Prempeh.
KSM: Before Prempeh College I went to K.N.U.S.T. Primary School and to PRESEC for a year. The fact is that I wanted to deviate from my brothers who all went to Prempeh before me. After Prempeh, I spent a year at NAFTI and then went to U.S.A.
EB: How do you see the Ghanaian film industry as pertaining to professionalism?
KSM: I would say that we really don't have a film industry. In an industry there are certain things that should be in place like a banking system, where you can get credit and a pool of professional script writers to choose from. We don't have all these. I will say we are now trying to build a film industry.
EB: You are a role model for a lot of youth including Prempeh College students. Do you have plans of visiting Prempeh to interact with the students and even mentor the drama club?
KSM: I would love to come if I am given an official invitation. You know, I do a lot of mentoring and coaching like career counseling, C.V. writing etc.
EB: We understand you occupied the position of Entertainment Prefect at Prempeh.
KSM: Yes, I was Entertainment Prefect from 1976 to 1977. It was fun and interesting. In those days we organized dances and invited singing groups. We invited girls from YAGSS and St. Louis
on these dance nights, then also there were film shows.
EB: Today some Entertainment Prefects are known for rapping, dancing, "cracking" etc. What were the students doing in those days?
KSM: We didn't rap or "crack" but we brought in comedians and magicians on those Saturday nights to entertain the boys.
EB: What has been your most difficult play and why?
KSM: That wasn't even in Ghana, but in the U.S. It was difficult because the language was Shakespearean.
EB: How would you term what you generally do and why do you do it?
KSM: There are many people talented in various fields but they don't get the chance to engage in them professionally. My talent is entertainment, in that I am a writer, producer, television director etc. Oprah Winfrey, once said, "when you do something you love doing, it doesn't feel like work." I am thankful to God Almighty that I am working with my talent professionally which makes things easier.
EB: Which of the plays received more public attention?
KSM: "Politically Incorrect". The first one I did actually, "Saga of the Returnee" has been the most successful play. Because it was maiden and very intriguing. I did it 13 times but all the plays were sold out. However, in terms of impact I think it was "Politically Incorrect", after the national presidential elections that received much public attention.
EB: Briefly tell us about your family.
KSM: In short, I have a wonderful wife and kids who are very supportive, and I ought to say that I owe them a great deal for all their love and support through out these many years.
EB: Thank you very much for your time.
KSM: You welcome.
EB: I believe you're an old student of Prempeh College.
KSM: I'm a proud "Amanfoo". My father also taught there, Osei Tutu Housemaster and all my brothers too are "Amanfoo".
EB: How did you find your days at Prempeh College?
KSM: I remember clearly some of my memorable days were at Prempeh . Just the assembly of students was marvelous. There was a conscious effort by the headmaster, at that time, to give fair opportunity in his admission, so we had "Dadaba" (Children from rich families), poor and deprived children from some villages. But we came together and it was a great learning experience.
EB: Were you involved in any co-curricular activities that shaped the qualities you exhibit today?
KSM: Definitely, the first thing was the Debating Society. I joined in 1973. I was in Prempeh from 1972-1977. I didn't attend Form One there, but joined in Form Two. The Debating Society groomed my speech delivery. Then also I started doing Drama in Prempeh. All these things I'm doing today; my mates will tell you, "Oh! he started long time ago." I virtually built my foundation at Prempeh.
EB: If you were supposed to be in school today would you still choose Prempeh, and why?
KSM: At this point because of my great experience at Prempeh it wouldn't make sense for me to say I'd go anywhere else.
EB: Tell us about your life before and after Prempeh.
KSM: Before Prempeh College I went to K.N.U.S.T. Primary School and to PRESEC for a year. The fact is that I wanted to deviate from my brothers who all went to Prempeh before me. After Prempeh, I spent a year at NAFTI and then went to U.S.A.
EB: How do you see the Ghanaian film industry as pertaining to professionalism?
KSM: I would say that we really don't have a film industry. In an industry there are certain things that should be in place like a banking system, where you can get credit and a pool of professional script writers to choose from. We don't have all these. I will say we are now trying to build a film industry.
EB: You are a role model for a lot of youth including Prempeh College students. Do you have plans of visiting Prempeh to interact with the students and even mentor the drama club?
KSM: I would love to come if I am given an official invitation. You know, I do a lot of mentoring and coaching like career counseling, C.V. writing etc.
EB: We understand you occupied the position of Entertainment Prefect at Prempeh.
KSM: Yes, I was Entertainment Prefect from 1976 to 1977. It was fun and interesting. In those days we organized dances and invited singing groups. We invited girls from YAGSS and St. Louis
on these dance nights, then also there were film shows.
EB: Today some Entertainment Prefects are known for rapping, dancing, "cracking" etc. What were the students doing in those days?
KSM: We didn't rap or "crack" but we brought in comedians and magicians on those Saturday nights to entertain the boys.
EB: What has been your most difficult play and why?
KSM: That wasn't even in Ghana, but in the U.S. It was difficult because the language was Shakespearean.
EB: How would you term what you generally do and why do you do it?
KSM: There are many people talented in various fields but they don't get the chance to engage in them professionally. My talent is entertainment, in that I am a writer, producer, television director etc. Oprah Winfrey, once said, "when you do something you love doing, it doesn't feel like work." I am thankful to God Almighty that I am working with my talent professionally which makes things easier.
EB: Which of the plays received more public attention?
KSM: "Politically Incorrect". The first one I did actually, "Saga of the Returnee" has been the most successful play. Because it was maiden and very intriguing. I did it 13 times but all the plays were sold out. However, in terms of impact I think it was "Politically Incorrect", after the national presidential elections that received much public attention.
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| KSM dressed as "Afia Sirebuo" in a comedy. |
EB: Briefly tell us about your family.
KSM: In short, I have a wonderful wife and kids who are very supportive, and I ought to say that I owe them a great deal for all their love and support through out these many years.
EB: Thank you very much for your time.
KSM: You welcome.
By: Owurachy
owurachy@myself.com
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