It was a night of laughter, music, and nostalgia as old students at the Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School, Legon, gathered on October 31, 2025, for their annual “Touch and Bonfire Night.”

The energy was infectious, the memories priceless, but as the flames from the giant wood logs lit up the night sky, I couldn’t help but reflect on what that fire meant for our environment.

Every year, this cherished event brings together proud alumni from across the country to relive the Presec spirit. The camaraderie, singing, and shared joy are testaments to the strength of the school’s bond. Yet, amid all the excitement, one act gave me pause, the lighting of a massive bonfire made from large wood logs gathered from the school premises.

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The fire, led by the leadership of the old students’ association, burned brightly for hours, sending thick plumes of smoke into the air. In an age when the world is battling the realities of climate change, such scenes raise important questions.

Can we continue to celebrate in ways that harm the very planet that sustains us? Every log burned releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to the warming of our planet and the degradation of air quality.

While the bonfire may symbolize unity and tradition, it also symbolizes an outdated way of celebrating, one that overlooks the pressing need for environmental responsibility.

Presec Legon is known for producing some of Ghana’s finest minds, innovators, scientists, policymakers, and thinkers. It would therefore be inspiring to see the school lead a shift toward more sustainable celebrations. Instead of burning wood, the event could feature creative light displays, LED “virtual bonfires,” or even artistic projections that mimic flames without pollution.

Such innovations would not only preserve the spirit of the night but also demonstrate that tradition can evolve in harmony with modern environmental values.

As we hold on to the beautiful traditions that connect us to our past, we must also listen to the quiet cry of our planet. The warmth of a bonfire can be recreated in many ways, through lights, laughter, and the glow of shared memories, without leaving a trail of smoke behind.

Presec and other great institutions have always led by example; perhaps now is the time to light a different kind of fire, one that burns with innovation, awareness, and care for the world we all share.

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