Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Tribute: E. K. Datsa

I am deeply grieved to hear of the sudden death of our beloved Headmaster, Mr. E. K. Datsa, who touched so many lifes at Presec both at Krobo Odumase and Legon.  I cannot forget the opportuinity Datsa gave me by awarding me a merit scholarship (in the 1st year) in order for me to stay in school and to graduate.  I cannot cry enough on hearing the sudden death of a genuine Statesman who touched many students during our high school education under his leadership as the ex-Headmaster. Hence my condolence and sympathy to Mr. E. K. Datsa ......
 
There are a flood of great memories about this individual, an Honorable Statesman who dedicated so much of his time to lay a solid foundation for our Alma Mater, a great institution with unparalled reputation.  Presec has lost a great Ex-Headmaster who was irreplaceable in his own right, who guided many of us to develop and see the light of life.  A true Statesman, "Mr. Kweku Datsa" as many Students called him was inspirational, caring and amusing.  His dreams for an outstanding quality education for Presecans, inspired most of us to strive for commanding heights in higher education.  His work, record and aspiration for Presec will still live on.  We have all finally witnessed the results of his dedicated work, devotion and the solid foundation he laid from 1966. 
 
Mr. Datsa loved his work as the Headmaster of Presec and worked so hard to justify his commitment to our Alma Mater that he was privileged to run for seven years, 1966-1973. It was during his tenure when the serious dialogue and initial discussions with Ministry of Education began on the establishment of the National Sixth Form Science College at Presec.
 
Mr. Datza will be remembered for his bold stance on dealing with the vagabonds who nicknamed him in red on the classroom wall; the writing which is not worth disclosing here for the sake of Presec Honor Code,  if there was one. Mr. Datza was of average height, meduim built and always well dressed up as if he was meeting with dignitaries from the ruling Government and/or the Board of Governors. He dressed like a Statesman of gentlemanly personage, sharp appearance and clothes decently ironed. 
 
He was attractively approachable, always willing to help the down trodden and the poor underprivileged many.  He was instrumental in creating and awarding campus jobs to the needy, able and willing individuals who wanted to make a living by serving at Presec such as the Laundry Staff, Kitchen Staff, Gardeners, Campus Security etc. He rarely preached during the weekdays but when he did, I thought he had a formal serminarian/pastoral training.  We always attended his Monday's morning assembly presentations or call them announcements, because they were full of quality "breaking news".
 
Our late Ex-headmaster was fond of providing a solid education to Presecans and took some utmost interest in sports and our annual school competitions.  He was quick to assemble students at the Assembly Hall to announce any records and achievements set during such tournaments.  He was good in attracting dignitaries to the school for formal and unofficial visits.  Under his leadership, many temporary Teachers expressed sincere interest to stay on for permanent appointments to be part of the Presec family.  It was under Mr. Datsa's leadership that Presec attracted several scholarly Women graduates who made their marks and set decent records in their respective fields.
 
Mr. Kwaku Datsa will be remembered for shaping Presec by laying a solid foundation in academics and discipline; he will also be remembered for managing the relocation of Presec from Krobo Odumase to Legon-Accra with distinction. We shall not forget his presence at the headmaster's office on some weekends when school was out and/or not in section.  Mr. Datsa did not play with his work.  He was a serious Statesman but was fun to get to know him.  He will be remembered by most Presecans with his command on the English language, He was fluent and had an attractive style with the language, when many of us were still struggling to ask questions or contribute in a public forum and/or in class. 
 
Under Mr. Datsa, many students were awarded merit scholarships that went a long way to educate many underprivileged students.  His kindness to students was very attractive. A case in point, when Victor Agawu broke his hand during an unofficial school high jump trials and/or training, Mr. Kwaku Datsa accommodated him in his home. He took Agawu to the Achimota Clinic for his frequent check-ups and stayed on until he finally healed up.  Mr. Datsa was exceptionally fair in his dealings with students and worked hard to promote discipline and justice among the student body. 
 
We all come together today to celebrate the hallmark of a distinguished Statesman, Mr. E. K. Datsa who played an unforgettable role in laying a solid foundation for many graduates of Presbyterian Boys Secondary School, Legon-Accra, Ghana.   "In thy Light we shall see Light" !!
 
May God bless him and may his soul rest in peace!!!
 
Respectfully written in honor of our late and beloved Ex-headmaster, Mr. E. K. Datsa.
 
 
Emmanuel Appiah Bosompra.
Class of 1975

2 comments:

Sam said...

Well said Emmanuel

Unknown said...

You have said it all my brother.
I doff my hat for this great statesman. May his soul rest in absolute perfect peace till we meet again.

ajomosay