Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School

Can a single tree inspire generations? At Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School, the answer is a resounding yes. Presbyterian Boys’, or PRESEC as it’s affectionately known, is more than just a school. It’s a living testament to the power of vision, etched in the very fabric of Ghanaian history. Established in 1938 by the Presbyterian Church of the Gold Coast, Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School started its life in Odumase-Krobo. The school’s founder, Reverend Nicholas Timothy Clerk, envisioned a place where young men could find their light through education. That vision is symbolized in PRESEC’s motto, “In Lumine Tuo Videbimus Lumen,” meaning “In Thy Light We Shall See Light.” On the Odumase campus stood a majestic baobab tree, the “dade.” This tree wasn’t just a part of the landscape. It was a symbol of knowledge, strength, and resilience. New students would gather at its base, clad in bedsheets and powdered faces, for a unique initiation ceremony, binding them to the spirit of PRESEC. The “dade” became so synonymous with the school that even today, alumni are proudly called “dade.” In 1968, Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School moved to its current home in Legon, Accra. The spirit of the “dade,” however, made the journey too. The new campus, nestled near the University of Ghana, boasts impressive facilities. It houses ten student boarding houses, each named after influential Presbyterian leaders or significant figures in the school’s history. Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School is a powerhouse of academic achievement. The school has won the prestigious National Science and Maths Quiz a record eight times, a testament to the quality of education and the dedication of its students. From its early days with just 16 boys and four teachers, Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School now educates thousands of students each year. The school’s influence extends far beyond its walls. PRESEC has produced leaders in politics, business, the arts, and sports, including a former Head of State of Ghana, Lt. Gen. F.W.K. Akuffo, and the former Speaker of Parliament, Aaron Mike Oquaye. Even the school anthem, “Happy Are We,” composed by J.L. Anang, resonates with the pride and tradition of this extraordinary institution. So, as you stand before Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School, remember the “dade.” It stands as a symbol of the enduring legacy of this institution, reminding us that from small beginnings, great things can grow.