Berekum senior high school (BESS) was established in 1970 by the joint efforts of the Berekum traditional council and the Berekum Youth Association (BYA). Before the year 1970, there was no viable secondary school in Berekum and pupils who passed the common entrance exams had to travel Kumasi, cape coast and Accra for further studies. The only secondary school run by the Anglican Church was an apology of a secondary school with less than fifty students.

When the BYA appealed to the Anglican Church to improve the conditions of the school, the church in a strong worded letter rejected the association's appeal. The BYA therefore decided to initiate the process to establish the school. They appealed to the traditional council who supported with them with £80. Nana Yiadom Boakye II was the then President of the Berekum traditional council.

The community center was renovated and was for the school. It was inspected by the Ghana education service who gave approval for the establishment by July 1970.

The initial problem the BYA faced was how to get students enrolled in the new school. The BYA hired a tipper truck and moved to all the villages to canvas support for the school in terms of enrolment. By September 1970, the initial problem had been resolved and the school began to operate with F.O Asante as the first Headmaster.

The following people were very instrumental in the establishment of the school; the late Nana Yiadom Boakye II, Chairman of the Berekum Traditional Council, Mr. Kwabena Kyere, Mr. J.E.K Amankonah, Mr E.K. Addae, the late Mr. A.K. Tawiah, Dr. Henneh Ababio and the late Mr. Asomah Gyan.