George Quaye wins Distinguished Alumnus Award at Mfantsipim 150th anniversary

Events architect, communications and PR professional, broadcaster and creative entrepreneur George Quaye has won the Distinguished Alumnus Award for Arts and Cultural Excellence at the Mfantsipim 150th Anniversary Awards Night.

Quaye was the sole nominee and winner in the category at the ceremony, held at the Grand Arena in Accra over the weekend.

The proud Mfantsipim old boy had arrived at the event in his official capacity as master of ceremonies, with no expectation of mounting the podium as an award recipient.

In a night of glitz, nostalgia and celebration of 150 years of Mfantsipim’s legacy of producing leaders, thinkers and trailblazers, the plot took an unexpected turn in his favour.

“I arrived at the Grand Arena, dressed and prepped as MC for the Mfantsipim 150th Anniversary Awards Night. An award? Nope! Not in my wildest imagination! I knew I had been nominated in a category or two. But you see, Mfantsipim is a breeding ground for brilliance… a house of tremendous talent and many stars. To imagine that I would outshine such an illustrious company would have been a rather ambitious flight of fancy,” Quaye recounted.

“But then, life loves a good plot twist, doesn’t it? There it was! My name. GEORGE QUAYE!!! Sole nominee and winner of the Distinguished Alumnus - Arts and Cultural Excellence Award. I had come to announce the winners. I never imagined I would be announcing me!”

The award recognises Quaye’s outstanding contribution to Ghana’s creative arts ecosystem over two decades, spanning theatre, radio, television and film, advertising, live events and cultural advocacy.

Describing the moment as humbling and philosophical, Quaye said the honour was a reminder that consistent work eventually speaks for itself.

“Do your work, sow your seeds, leave the applause to posterity. Sometimes, the harvest finds you when you least expect it.”

He expressed profound gratitude to the school and the entire MOBA fraternity for the honour, noting that his cup “runneth over.”

In an emotional tribute, Quaye dedicated the award to his late brother and friend, Fred Akowuah, whom he credits with igniting his passion for the arts.

The Mfantsipim 150th Anniversary Awards formed part of a year-long celebration marking 150 years since the founding of Mfantsipim School in 1876 by the Methodist Church. The school is Ghana’s first secondary school.

The awards night celebrated old boys whose work has upheld the school’s motto, Dwen Hwe Kan, meaning ‘Think and Look Ahead’.

Other prominent winners on the night included Frank Ivan Adama Tackie, Mr Alex Dade, the KGL Group, the Multimedia Group and Geddy Laryea.