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Accra Academy
Male second cycle institution in Kaneshie, Ghana From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Accra Academy is a boys' high school located at Bubuashie near Kaneshie in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana. It admits both boarding and day students. Founded as a private school in 1931, it gained the status of a Government-Assisted School in 1950. It is the oldest existing high school to have been founded in the Gold Coast without prior involvement of a religious society, the government or a chiefdom.[9][10][11][12]
The academy runs courses in business, general science, general arts, agricultural science and visual arts, leading to the award of a West African Senior School Certificate.[6][13][10][14][15][16][excessive citations]
The academy's founders provided tuition to students who wanted a secondary-grade education but who did not have financial support to enable them do so.[4][17] The first principal and co-founder, Kofi Konuah periodically travelled to some of the major towns in each region of the country to organize entrance examinations for students, so as to offer the brilliant but needy among them the opportunity of education in the Accra Academy.[18] The academy no longer offers special admission to brilliant but needy students but, as per a 2005 general directive from the Ghana Education Service, admits its students through a school selection placement system.[19]
Accra Academy was ranked 8th out of the top 100 high schools in Africa by Africa Almanac in 2003, based upon quality of education, student engagement, strength and activities of alumni, school profile, internet and news visibility.[20] Amongst its achievements include; being the first school to have produced successive Chief Justices of Ghana, and the only school to have produced successive Ghanaian Speakers of Parliament. It is also the first school to have produced a head of government and a deputy head of government in the same Ghanaian government.[21]
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Accra Academy was founded by Messrs. Kofi George Konuah, Samuel Neils Awuletey, Gottfried Narku Alema and James Akwei Halm-Addo on 20 July 1931, at Mantse Agbonaa, a suburb of James Town in Accra.[1] They founded the academy with an initial capital of £200 pooled from their individual contributions. Their aim of founding the academy was to provide access to quality education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who could not enroll at the limited existing schools due to financial constraints. For this reason, the founders instituted a fee installment policy to encourage and support these disadvantaged students to enroll at the academy.
The academy's founders operated the school from a one-storey house that provided classrooms for the students. The facility was named Ellen House after its leaser, Ellen Buckle. Ellen was the widow of Vidal J. Buckle, a lawyer and Gold Coast elite, who built the property.[22] The academy began work with a student enrolment of 19. The founders of the academy together with two others, M. F. Dei-Anang and S.S. Sackey, comprised the pioneer teaching staff of the school.[4] The academy operated as a day-school till it began accommodating students in Claremont House in 1935, a single-storey building adjoining Ellen House, also a property leased out by Ellen Buckle.[22][23]
In December 1932, the academy presented its first batch of ten students for the Junior Cambridge School Certificate Examination, seven out of whom passed the examination. By 1935, several privately operated secondary schools had been established in Kumasi, Koforidua, Sekondi, and Accra. While their overall quality did not seem to be particularly high, Accra Academy stood out as a well-organized institution, boasting an enrollment of 469 students.[1] In the annual report for the academic year 1938–39, Accra Academy received positive recognition. The report described it as a well-funded institution that is effectively administered, with a student body of 469 boys.[24] In 1939, the academy presented 45 students for the Senior Cambridge School Certificate Examination, out of whom 42 students passed, with 10 students obtaining exemption from the London Matriculation Examination.[4][24]
The curriculum entailed core subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, Business Studies, and Agriculture. The founders placed a strong emphasis on character formation through morning devotions, hymns, and ethical teachings which underscored Christian values. Extracurricular activities including drama and an Inter-House sports system also helped to foster teamwork amongst students. The early years of the academy were fraught by financial instability as the founders had to rely on their personal funds and the generosity of some patrons in the community to sustain it. Teacher turnover was also high due to better opportunities elsewhere. The academy was also plagued by infrastructural limitations and a noisy environment.[23]
By the year 1945, the academy had established itself as a stable institution and had achieved a level of effectiveness that set it apart from other secondary schools that did not receive assistance from the Government. As of the start of 1946, there were 467 male students attending the school.[1]
In 1947, a recommendation was made to the director of education to grant the academy the status of a Government Assisted School.[1][25][26] The recommendation was approved, and the academy begun operating as a Government Assisted school from 1 January 1950.[4] Course departments were formalized, staff training programs were instituted, and staff of the academy were guaranteed a pension. In 1950, the academy also won the prestigious Aggrey Shield at its first Inter-Collegiate Sports Meeting.
Building on the foundation laid by his predecessor, the next headmaster A.K. Konuah prioritized academic rigor, infrastructural expansion, and sports. His commitment to academic excellence began with a bold overhaul of the curriculum. Recognizing Ghana’s shifting economic landscape, he emphasized science, mathematics, and business education, equipping students with skills critical to the nation’s development. In 1957, the introduction of the Sixth Form programme marked a milestone, preparing graduates for university education and professional careers. To elevate teaching quality, he established specialized roles for subject experts and fostered collaborations with international institutions, bringing expatriate educators to the school. Quarterly staff meetings and inspections became cornerstones of his administration, ensuring adherence to high standards while professional development programs empowered teachers with new pedagogical strategies. Determined to expand the academy’s policy of democratizing education, A.K. Konuah personally traveled to Konongo and Kumasi to conduct entrance examinations. This outreach broadened the demographic of the student body by drawing talent from outside the capital city.
Due to a steady increase in the number of applicants applying for enrolment in the academy, the academy's administrators began preparations to relocate the academy to a larger and permanent site. The initial site acquired to relocate the school was situated at Kokomlemle; however, this site had to be abandoned as a result of a prolonged litigation concerning the ownership of the land. A second site, which was located at Korle Gonno, was also given up because of its remote location. The search for a new school site ended in 1956 when J. A. Halm-Addo succeeded in lobbying the Convention People's Party government to relocate and expand the academy as part of its accelerated development plan.[27] Owing to his efforts, Accra Academy was offered a 37-acre plot of land at Bubuashie, off the Winneba Road.[4]
James Cubitt, Scott and Partners were the initial architects for the school building but the project was later transferred to Barnes, Hubbard & Arundel who were the architects and planners of the University of Ghana campus. J. Monta & Sons was awarded the contract to develop the new school site in October 1959, and by July 1961, presented the newly developed site with new buildings to the school administrators. In September 1961, the academy relocated from Ellen House to the present site at Bubuashie, funded by the CPP government. The new site featured modern classrooms, a well-stocked library, and science laboratories, thus dramatically expanding the academy's capacity. A ceremony to officially open up the new buildings was held on 3 February 1962 and A. J. Dowuona-Hammond, Minister for Education and incidentally an old student, unveiled a commemorative plaque.[28] The first dormitory block to serve as a residential facility for students was completed later in 1966.[4]
The academy acquired the nickname Little Legon shortly after the new school site was commissioned, when some students from the Western Region who had gained admission into the University of Ghana, reported at the academy instead of the University of Ghana, apparently confused by the close similarity between the infrastructure of both educational institutions.[4]
A.K. Konuah’s leadership was defined by a commitment to equity. He offered bursaries and scholarships to cover tuition, books, and living expenses for underprivileged students, while orphans found guardianship under the watchful care of Form Masters. He also introduced a pioneering work-study programme that allowed poor students to offset fees through school maintenance roles, which also instilled in them a sense of responsibility and self-reliance. His pastoral approach also included home visits by staff members to assess the living conditions of non-performing students in other to offer them tailored assistance. In a historic move, Accra Academy also admitted its first female students during his tenure. Beyond academics, A.K. Konuah cultivated a vibrant school culture which enriched campus life. The academy also continued to be a domineering force in sports born out of its spirited inter-house competitions. A student-exchange program with Hampton Grammar School in the UK was also instituted to broaden the horizon of students and to foster cross-cultural integration.
The J. K. Okine Era was marked by academic diversification, infrastructural growth, and a strengthened school identity. Under the leadership of J. K. Okine, the school not only expanded its academic offerings but also increased the physical infrastructure necessary to accommodate a rapidly growing student body. One of the changes during this era was the introduction of Business Education at the Sixth Form level and the construction of a Business Administration Block. This allowed students to specialize in Commerce and Accounting, placing Accra Academy among the few schools in Ghana offering such specialized business programs.
New dormitories were completed and students who had previously been housed in Mamprobi were relocated to Bubiashie. J.K. Okine also saw to the construction of a 4-unit, one-stores Science Block which expanded the school's capacity to offer science education. Additionally, a Kitchen and Dining Hall Block was constructed to support the growing boarding system. To improve security and define the school’s boundaries, the northeastern and southeastern perimeters were also fenced.
The academic staff composition also evolved during this period. J. K. Okine made a significant impact by employing an entirely Ghanaian teaching staff which was intended to reflect the increasing pool of qualified local educators. The curriculum of the academy was also expanded to include various subjects and it transitioned into a 4-stream institution which allowed it to admit more students and offer an even broader range of educational opportunities. These moves were instrumental in preparing students for a variety of career paths and ensuring that the academy was aligned with the evolving demands of education in Ghana.
A key development under J.K. Okine’s leadership was the revival of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) in 1973. The PTA played a role in fostering cooperation between parents and educators, helping to address student welfare and academic performance.
In 1981, the academy celebrated its golden jubilee with a student enrolment of 900 and a teaching staff of 52.[4] This anniversary birthed the School Song and School Anthem which solidified the academy’s identity. Historian Robert Addo-Fening, as part of celebrations, of the golden jubilee documented the early history of the Accra Academy for publishing as a Golden Jubilee Brochure. This source was to serve as an important reference point for the first history book on the school published in 2021 titled Accra Aca Bleoo: The History of the Accra Academy from Jamestown to Bubuashie authored by Simon Ontoyin, an alumnus.[29]
The tenure of V. B. Freeman as Headmaster of Accra Academy marked a significant period of modernization and institutional development. Under his leadership, the school became one of the first in Ghana to introduce Computer Science as a core subject, reflecting a growing emphasis on ICT education. He revitalized the Cadet Corps to promote discipline and leadership among students. To enhance financial sustainability, Freeman established an Endowment Fund to support long-term projects. His administration prioritized the preservation of school heritage through the erection of a bust in honor of founding headmaster Dr. K. G. Konuah and the renaming of several facilities. Efforts to promote gender inclusivity saw an increased intake of female students, aligning with national educational reforms transitioning from the O-level/A-level system to the Senior Secondary School system. Freeman also introduced the Accra Academy Foundation Lectures, a student exchange program with Thomas Alleyne’s High School in the UK, and the creation of a piggery to support agricultural education. Additional developments included the establishment of a school sickbay, formation of a school band and orchestra, and the opening of a Science Resource Centre.
The Beatrice Lokko Era (1996 – 2005)
Mrs. Beatrice Lokko was initially appointed as Acting Headmistress of Accra Academy in November 1996 while a search was conducted for an alumnus to assume the role of Headmaster. After a year-long search proved unsuccessful she was confirmed as the first Headmistress of Accra Academy in November 1997 and became the first Ghanaian woman to head a boys’ senior secondary school. During her tenure, she implemented several initiatives aimed at enhancing the school's infrastructure, academic performance, and student welfare.
A key achievement of Mrs. Lokko’s tenure was the provision of internet connectivity to the school. Under her leadership, the school’s first website was launched in 2002. In addition to academic reforms, Mrs. Lokko focused on the financial sustainability of the school. One of Mrs. Lokko’s notable achievements was tackling infrastructural challenges. Through her leadership, an Endowment Fund Campaign was successfully launched to support ongoing infrastructural projects such as the completion of the school’s boundary wall to thwart encroachment and secure the school's land from unauthorized developers. She also initiated the construction of the school's first canteen in 2001 and renovated other existing facilities.
She introduced targeted scholarship programs for bright but economically disadvantaged students. She oversaw the introduction of school crest outlines to distinguish students by their various Forms. The period also saw major advancements including the introduction of a Guidance and Counselling Department in 2000 to address student misconduct and academic performance concerns. She established peer counselling programs and organized career and leadership seminars. She also introduced an orientation program for new students. Accra Academy’s participation in extracurricular activities flourished during this time as the school won the maiden VALCO Soccer Tournament in 1997 and performed admirably in national quizzes and debates.
In 2001 under her leadership, Accra Academy celebrated its 70th Anniversary. This milestone was marked by a series of events including the first homecoming reunion of the 21st century, a float to Ellen House, a Founders’ Day durbar, and a grand Speech and Prize-Giving Day graced by President John Agyekum Kufuor. The anniversary also saw the introduction of the school’s Hall of Fame and the establishment of the K. G. Konuah and J. A. Halm-Addo Awards to honour distinguished alumni for their contributions to the school’s development.
The Samuel Ofori-Adjei Era (2005 – 2017)
Under the leadership of Mr. Samuel Ofori-Adjei, Accra Academy experienced a period of remarkable growth and transformation from 2005 to 2017. The 75th Anniversary celebrations during the 2005–2006 academic year marked the beginning of this transformative period. Mr. Ofori-Adjei put in place efforts to address challenges with soil erosion while improving the landscaping of the campus. The Anniversary celebrations featured a series of events, including a health walk, Founders’ Day lectures, and a Speech and Prize-Giving Day ceremony. Vice-President Aliu Mahama, who was the special guest of honour, pledged ¢500 million for the construction of a new dormitory block. The introduction of the Computerized School Selection Placement System (CSSPS) in 2005 by the government was intended to streamline admissions into government secondary schools even though it also brought about challenges such as the placement of underperforming students from deprived communities in top schools like Accra Academy. The Old Boys’ dormitory project was rejuvenated by Nana Akuoko Sarpong by way of government intervention and the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) eventually stepped in to construct a new dormitory block for the school.
The school achieved a 98.9% pass rate in the West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in 2006, following the transition from the SSSCE. The school also inducted final-year students into the Old Boys’ Association for the first time which was intended to emphasize their importance in the future development of the school and the growth of the alumni association. In 2007, Mr. Ofori-Adjei was appointed National President of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS). Inspired by a visit to China, he initiated the creation of an arboretum at the Interact Square. However, this idea was subsequently replaced by an Assembling Point whose construction was supported by donations from some alumni and year groups. Educational reforms by the government in 2007 extended the duration of senior secondary education from three to four years and the renaming of secondary schools as high schools. These changes sparked public debate with different stakeholders arguing the merits and demerits of the policy change.
The 80th Anniversary in 2010 was another major milestone, marked by a thanksgiving service and the unveiling of a bust of Mr. Samuel Neils Awuletey. The school also signed a memorandum of understanding with the German Government for a student exchange program. In 2012, Philips installed a solar-powered LED lighting system at the school’s football park, making Accra Academy the first institution in West Africa to use this technology. The school also celebrated the Golden Jubilee of its Bubiashie campus as part of its 81st Founders’ Day celebrations. The 83rd Founders’ Day in 2014 saw the inauguration of four new halls of residence named after distinguished alumni: Nana Akuoko Sarpong, Rt. Hon. Peter Ala Adjetey, Nana Wereko Ampem II, and Nana Awuah-Darko Ampem I. A FIFA standard astroturf pitch was commissioned for the school on 18 July 2017 and sponsored by Asamoah Gyan, an alumnus of the school and a former captain of the Senior National team – the Black Stars. The pitch was commissioned by former President Jerry John Rawlings. The event also saw Asamoah Gyan inducted into the School’s Order of Platinum and becoming the second alumnus of the school to be so honoured.
Mr. Samuel Ofori-Adjei retired in September 2017 following the appointment of Rev. William Garr, previously the Headmaster of O’Reilly Senior High School, as the next headmaster of Accra Academy. The Samuel Ofori-Adjei Era left a lasting legacy at Accra Academy, characterized by infrastructural development, academic excellence, and increased alumni engagement.
The W. F. Garr Era (2017 – 2020)
Under the leadership of Rev. William Foli Garr, an alumnus and the first Reverend Minister to head the school, there was a strong emphasis on discipline, academic improvement, and the revival of traditions.
Rev. Garr assumed leadership of Accra Academy in 2017, overseeing a staff strength of 134, comprising 85 permanent teaching staff, 50 non-teaching staff, and 21 National Service Personnel. At the time, the student population stood at 2,058, with 1,158 boarders and 900 day students. Having witnessed the school's evolution since his student days, Rev. Garr was particularly pleased with the construction of new classroom blocks, an Assembly Point, and three new halls of residence. In recognition of the contributions of Mr. Samuel Ofori-Adjei, who had served as headmaster for 12 years, the Interact Square was renamed the Samuel Ofori-Adjei Ceremonial Square.
The W. F. Garr era was characterized by infrastructural advancements. The Science Laboratories were refurbished, and the water distribution system for the labs was overhauled. The Janet Konuah Dining Hall underwent an expansion, increasing its seating capacity from 900 to 1,250. This $170,000 project was financed through a crowdfunding initiative, voluntary contributions, and corporate donations. The iconic Clock Tower, known as the Michigan Tower, was also repaired, though its restoration proved short-lived. Additionally, a GH¢173,000 dual-purpose basketball and lawn tennis court was constructed, providing students with modern sports facilities. To address financial challenges, a Sachet Water Production Plant was established, producing “Bleoo” branded water on a small scale with plans for expansion. The plant not only generated revenue but also served the school community.
Further improvements included the refurbishment of the Arch Gate and staff common room, the commissioning of a new fountain, and the introduction of an E-Library to enhance students’ access to digital learning resources. The school also benefited from the government’s “Year of Roads” initiative, which saw the asphaltation of the school’s roads and the ceremonial square. Several tree-planting exercises were carried out to beautify the campus and enrich its ecosystem. Additionally, the Ministry of Education, with funding from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, began refurbishing the four traditional halls: Ellen Hall, Awuletey Hall, Alema Hall, and Halm-Addo Hall. This project aimed to restore the common rooms to their original purpose after nearly 50 years.
The era also saw the introduction of the Double-Track School Calendar by the Ghana Education Service (GES) to address overcrowding in senior high schools due to the Free SHS Policy. The system divided students into two tracks—Green and Gold—alternating school and vacation periods to maximize infrastructure use.
On the alumni front, the Accra Academy Old Boys’ Association (AAOBA) launched its quarterly newsletter, “AAOBA News”, to keep alumni informed about the association’s activities and year-group projects. Spearheaded by the AAOBA President, Mr. Emmanuel Bruce-Attah, the initiative also included orientations for newly admitted students, which AAOBA took over from Bleoo ’97. The association held its first Annual General Meeting on March 24, 2018, under the theme, “What will be your Bleoo Legacy?” During the meeting, Mr. Bruce-Attah launched the Bleoo Legacy Fundraising Initiative (BLFI), aiming to raise GH¢1 million through lifetime contributions from alumni to support the school’s long-term development. The BLFI sought to address financial challenges arising from the Free Senior High School Policy and other underfunded government programs by creating a sustainable revenue stream. Funds raised would be invested, with the interest generated providing a consistent source of income for the school.
Extracurricular activities flourished during this period. The annual Inter-Hall cross-country race, discontinued due to funding challenges, was revived under the auspices of Bleoo ’94. The event promoted a healthy lifestyle and nurtured athletic talent, with Peter Ala Adjetey Hall emerging victorious in the maiden race. Rev. Garr also initiated a reading program to cultivate a reading culture among students. Piloted in late 2017, the program involved students reading *Animal Farm* or *Black Boy* and participating in quizzes to test their comprehension. Its success led to a full launch the following year. In sports, the school maintained its dominance by winning the Zone One Greater Accra School Sports Association Inter-Colleges competition for the sixth consecutive year.
In May 2018, the British High Commissioner, Mr. Iain Walker, visited the school as part of the ‘British Day’ program, aimed at promoting British culture and the English language. During an interactive session, Master Gerald Mensah impressed Mr. Walker with a proposal to reduce plastic waste, earning him an invitation to experience a day as High Commissioner. This visit marked the beginning of a series of mentorship programs designed to inspire students and prepare them for future careers.
Despite these achievements, the era was not without challenges. Weekend disturbances caused by events hosted on campus, such as rentals of the Assembly Hall and Interact Square, as well as classes for distance learning students from the University of Education, disrupted the boarding school environment. A devastating fire outbreak in Alema Hall further tested the school’s resilience. Despite efforts by students, staff, and the Ghana National Fire Service, the hall was engulfed in flames and had to be razed. The incident prompted nationwide fire safety audits and training programs for staff and students. In response, alumni groups, corporate bodies, and the PTA donated trunks, toiletries, garments, provisions, stationery, and relief items for the 179 affected students. The AAOBA President Mr. Emmanuel Bruce-Attah launched a fundraising campaign to complete the Alumni-PTA dormitory block, raising over GH¢53,726 by March 9, 2020, with contributions from Bleoo ’92, Bleoo ’73, Bleoo UK, Bleoo USA, and Bleoo ’74.
The COVID-19 pandemic added another layer of complexity. On March 12, 2020, Ghana recorded its first cases, prompting President Akufo-Addo to order the closure of schools and suspend public gatherings. The Ghana Education Service introduced online learning platforms, and schools were disinfected in preparation for reopening. Final-year and Gold Track students returned to school on May 31, 2020, under strict health protocols, including the provision of reusable facemasks.
The E. O. Fiemawhle Era (2020 – 2025)
The appointment of Mr. Emmanuel Ofoe Fiemawhle as headmaster of Accra Academy on June 2, 2020, heralded a new era for the school. Mr. Fiemawhle, an educationist with a long career, brought experiences from his previous leadership roles at Tema Senior High School, Ashaiman Senior High School, and St. John’s Grammar School. His appointment was met with enthusiasm, particularly from alumni who valued his experience as an educationist.
The school reopened fully on June 22, 2020, following the government’s directive to resume academic activities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Strict health protocols were implemented, including social distancing, mandatory facemasks, and reduced class sizes. While the government provided personal protective equipment (PPE), shortages necessitated additional support from stakeholders. Alumni groups, including the Accra Academy Old Boys’ Association (AAOBA) and ACASMA, stepped in with donations of PPEs, ensuring the safety of students and staff.
The Founders’ Day celebration on July 20, 2020, was held virtually for the first time, amidst the pandemic. The AAOBA President, Mr. Emmanuel Bruce-Attah, delivered a lecture on reviving patriotism and selflessness among students and emphasizing the importance of upholding the school’s founding principles. Despite the suspension of extracurricular activities, such as the Inter-Hall sports competition, due to social distancing restrictions, the school continued to thrive under Mr. Fiemawhle’s leadership. His approach enabled Accra Academy to navigate the challenges of the pandemic while maintaining its legacy of excellence. A milestone during this period was the completion of the new Administration, Library, and ICT block which had stalled for several years. This facility was expected to significantly enhance the school’s administrative capabilities and provide resources for students and staff.
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Overview
Insignia
Accra Academy Crest
Governance
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Academics
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Perspective
Admission
Being a senior high school for boys, the academy offers admission to boys only. Gaining entry into the academy is competitive,[38] and open to students who have completed Junior high school. Prior to writing their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE),[38] final year Junior High School students, register for senior high school through a computerized school selection and placement system (CSSPS) which was introduced by the Ghana Education Service in 2005.[19][39]
Unlike in the previous grading system in which a candidate's overall academic performance in the Basic Education Certificate Examination was obtained by computing the aggregate on the candidate's best six subject scores,[38] the raw scores obtained by a candidate in the Basic Education Certificate Examination determines the candidates overall academic performance in the exam under the computerized school selection and placement system.[39] Because the computerized school selection and placement system uses a deferred-acceptance algorithm which ensures that Junior high school applicants are admitted strictly based on academic merit,[38] administrators of the academy use raw scores obtained in the Basic Education Certificate Examination to admit applicants from Junior High School.
Curriculum
The programmes run in the academy are: general arts, general science, agriculture, business and visual arts. As part of their computerized school selection and placement system registration, final year junior high school applicants select four elective courses. Unlike elective courses, core courses are offered to all students, irrespective of their programme of study.[38][40][41] The academy's core courses are: English language, core mathematics, social studies, integrated science, ICT (core) and physical education, however, students are only examined both internally and externally as well, in the first five aforementioned courses.[42]
The academy's curriculum like that of other senior high schools in Ghana, operates in a three-year academic cycle, from form one to form three. The beginning of the first academic year marks the enrolment of the student in the academy, while the ending of the third academic year marks the graduation of the student.[41]
Academic performance
The academy maintains a high academic standard and has over the years been ranked among the best performing senior high schools in Ghana. In 2009, the academy was listed among six other schools in the Greater Accra Region, which had 60% or more of its candidates qualifying for tertiary education.[43] In a survey, the academy was listed among secondary schools in Ghana that contribute 50% or more of its students to universities.[44]
In 2012, a former student was adjudged by WAEC as the best candidate in Business at the previous year WASSCE.[45] In 2017, a former student was adjudged as the second overall best candidate and the second best candidate in General Science for the previous year WASSCE in Ghana.[46][47]
In 2018, 676 students of the school sat the WASSCE. 640 students of this number passed in all 8 courses taken (i.e. obtained grades between A1 to C6). This represented a percentage pass of 94.7% and percentage of students of qualified academic enrolment status into a university programme in Ghana.[48] In 2020, 672 students of the school sat the WASSCE. 633 students of this number had passes in 6 courses (i.e. 4 core courses and 2 elective courses). This represented a percentage pass of 94.2% in relation to passes in 6 courses.[49]
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Student life
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Perspective
Facilities
Science Resource Centre
Accra Academy campus
In 2015, Asamoah Gyan, an alumnus and captain of the senior side of the male national football team, announced he will be funding the construction of an astro turf football pitch facility for the school.[50] The facility became the first football astro turf facility to be constructed in a Ghanaian school and only one of a few in the country at its completion in 2017.[51] The construction of the pitch was done by Wembley Sports Construction, a company owned by Robert Coleman, an alumnus.[52] Coleman went on to put up many more astro turf facilities in the country on government contract.[53] In 2019, the class of 1982 donated a multipurpose court for the games of basketball and lawn tennis.[54][55]
In 2017, Tullow Ghana completed a refurbishment of the school's science laboratory block. During the refurbishment, the class of 1990 provided and fitted interactive projectors and smartboards to laboratories within the refurbished block.[56] In 2023, the class of 1986 opened up a newly built edifice for an ICT laboratory in fulfillment of a promise the group had made in 2017 at the school's speech and prize-giving day.[57][58]
Halls of residence
The academy has eight halls of residence. The first four of these halls were inaugurated as part of the school's 1967 Annual Speech and Prize Giving Day activities. Among the four, three were later renamed after founding fathers of the school, with the exception of Kofi Konuah, while the fourth is named after Mrs. Ellen Buckle.[59] The remaining four halls were inaugurated as part of the school's 83rd Founders' Day Celebration in 2014.[60] They are named after alumni; Nana Akuoko Sarpong, Peter Ala Adjetey, Nana Wereko Ampem and Nana Awuah Darko Ampem.[61]
Each hall is supervised by a hall-master while a senior hall-master serves as a liaison between all four halls of residence. Hall-prefects assist hall-masters in the performance of their official duties and have a general responsibility to maintain order in their halls.
Hall-masters are not resident in the halls they supervise but rather housed in staff bungalows on the school's premises, on the other hand, hall-prefects reside in the halls in which they exercise jurisdiction. Each hall of residence contains a bedroom, storage room, ironing room, prefects' cubicle and a washroom.
Each academic year, the administrators of the academy organize athletics competitions between the members of the four Halls of Residence as a way of building up rapport among students. These inter-Hall athletic competitions also serve as an avenue for the academy's sports trainers to select students with outstanding sports qualities who can represent the academy in external sports competitions.
Regulations and sanctions
The Accra Academy maintains strict rules on discipline.[62] A student undertaking a mild punishment is asked to carry out cleaning, scrubbing, sweeping, weeding or disposing of refuse. A student who commits a grievous school offence is made to proceed on an indefinite suspension or is dismissed from the academy, a notable example of which is the dismissal of Chuckie Taylor, the son of the former president of Liberia, Charles Taylor, on grounds of possessing drugs and weapons.[63]
Associations and clubs
Academy students are involved in Extracurricular activities through their membership in school associations and clubs,[13] some of which include:
- Alzheimer's Foundation of America (Youth wing),[64]
- Cadet Corp,
- Campus Ministry,[65]
- Debaters Club,[66]
- Drama Club,
- Geography Club,
- German Club,
- Ghana United Nations Students and Youth Association (GUNSA).,[67]
- Global Teenager Project (Ghana),[68]
- Head of State Award Scheme,
- HIV/AIDS Kickers Youth club.,[69]
- Investment Club,
- Junior Achievement Club,[70][71]
- Pan-African Club,
- Robotics Club,[72]
- Rotaract Club,
- Science Club,
- Scrabble Club,[73]
- Scripture Union,
- Students Representation Council – S R C,
- Students World Assembly[74]
- The Earth and Wildlife Club[75]
Sports
As early as 1934, the academy's administrators hired a sports-master to organize the sporting activities of the academy. Students were trained in athletics, soccer, and hockey. The academy won the Aggrey Shield together with seven other trophies in the annual inter-college athletics competition held in 1950, and through which the academy became recognized in Ghanaian inter-college sports, while the words "Accra Aca, Bleoo" came to also serve as a slogan for the school.[8][4]
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Annual events
The academy's administrators and alumni association organize annual events for the students and alumni of the school, including a speech and prize-giving day ceremony, a memorial lecture and a Home-coming Reunion. The annual speech and prize-giving day ceremony award the school's best performing students. Occasionally retired as well as active teachers and staff of the academy are awarded for their contributions to the school.[76] The Konuah-Halm-Addo-Awuletey-Alema Memorial Lectures (formerly Accra Academy Foundation Lectures) was instituted in 1991 by Vincent Freeman, then academy headmaster, as part of the school's 60th anniversary celebrations. Home-coming reunions are usually organised as part of the academy's anniversary celebrations. They are usually characterized by bonding activities that include the singing of popular school songs called Jamas and the playing of table tennis, football and snooker.[77][78]
A Year Group receiving a citation
Bleoo '85 having fun on Stage
A Year Group poses for a photo
Two alumni engage in an arm wrestling contest
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Old Boys Association
The association functions as an old boys network which is opened to any person who has been enrolled in the academy for more than one year.[79][80]
The association has a governing body consisting of: a president, secretary, treasurer and a public relations officer elected at an annual general meeting for a fixed tenure of office.[79] They form the executive committee of the association and have the responsibility of planning and executing all programmes or events that are organised by the association. The association is operated from a national secretariat, which doubles as the association's headquarters in Accra. It is located on the premises of the school and is responsible for coordinating the activities of all year groups and regional secretariats of the association. It also serves as a liaison between alumni and the school.
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Notable alumni
Summarize
Perspective
The school has graduated many notable alumni, including a member of the big six, a head of state, and a deputy head of state. 3 speakers of parliament attended the school, as well as 2 Chief Justices of Ghana. Thus, all three arms of government (executive, legislature and judiciary) have been led by the school's alumni.[81] All three service branches of the Ghana Armed Forces (army, navy and air force) have also been led by alumni. A former fourth service branch of the Ghana Armed Forces (border guards), during its brief existence, was also led by an alumni. The national assemblies which deliberated over and presented the draft constitutions of Ghana's Third Republic and Fourth Republic were both chaired by alumni.[82][83]
Politics
Politicians who attended Accra Academy
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Paul Boateng, UK's first Cabinet
Minister of colour
In the field of politics, Ghana's second head of government, J. A. Ankrah, and his deputy, J. W. K. Harlley were old boys.[84] The school has educated 3 speakers of parliament: Daniel Francis Annan, Peter Ala Adjetey, and Edward Doe Adjaho.[85] Ako Adjei, named amongst the big six, attended the school. Henry P. Nyemitei was general secretary of the Convention People's Party (CPP) during the first general election held in 1951. A decade after, in 1961, H. H. Cofie Crabbe run the erstwhile CPP's headquarters as executive secretary.
3 successive chairmen of the New Patriotic Party have been old boys (Peter Ala Adjetey, Samuel Odoi-Sykes, Harona Esseku). Harry Sawyerr, the only minister of the Third Republic to have again served as a minister in the Fourth Republic, is an alumnus. Paul Boateng, the first person of colour to be appointed a cabinet minister in a UK government, is also an alumnus.
Law
Lawyers who attended Accra Academy
Samuel Azu Crabbe, 5th Chief Justice of Ghana
In law, Accra Academy alumni include Ghanaian Chief Justices Samuel Azu Crabbe, and Fred Apaloo, and acting Chief Justices; G. C. Mills-Odoi, N. Y. B. Adade, and Jones Dotse. In all, nine (9) Supreme Court Justices have been educated at the school, including Justice Samuel Adibu Asiedu, an active justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana. Internationally, Walter Onnoghen was Chief Justice of Nigeria, Apaloo served as Chief Justice of Kenya, Azu Crabbe was Justice of the East African Court of Appeal and Frederick Bruce-Lyle was the longest serving judge of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.[86]
Attorneys-General who attended the school include the first Ghanaian Attorney General of Ghana, George Mills-Odoi;[87][88] the first female Attorney General of Ghana, Betty Mould-Iddrisu;[89][90] Nicholas Yaw Boafo Adade; and Gustav Koranteng-Addow. Prior to the merger of the post of Minister of Justice with that of Attorney-General, Ako Adjei was Ghana's first Minister of Justice.[91] Peter Ala Adjetey is a former president of the Ghana Bar Association. The current Special Prosecutor of Ghana, Kissi Agyebeng, is an old boy.
Public Service
Public Servants who attended Accra Academy
David Hansen, 1st Ghanaian Chief of Naval Staff
In public service, Joseph Odunton was the first black African to hold an appointment at Buckingham Palace.[92][93] Nathan Quao, Gilbert Boahene and Ben Eghan have been Secretary to the Cabinet.[94] Robert Dodoo, a former Head of the Civil Service, attended the school.[95] Edward Quist-Arcton was the first Ghanaian forestry head;[96] Harry Dodoo was the first Ghanaian to lead the Ghana Cocoa Board;[97] E. N. Omaboe was the first Ghanaian to be Government Statistician.[98] V. C. R. A. C. Crabbe established the first Electoral Commission,[99] and J. W. K. Harlley became the first Inspector General of Police since the title was officially used in 1966.[100]
Four(4) alumni have been Chiefs of Army Staff of the Ghana Army; this includes the first Ghanaian to take up the role, Joseph Arthur Ankrah,[101] who later served as Chief of Defence Staff.[102] The others are Neville Alexander Odartey-Wellington, W. W. Bruce-Konuah and Joseph Narh Adinkrah. The first Ghanaian appointed Chief of Naval Staff, David Hansen, is an old boy,[103][104] and former Chief of Air Staff, Frederick Asare Bekoe, is an old boy. Joshua Mensah-Larkai is currently Chief of Staff at the Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters.
Royalty
Monarchs who attended the school include the Osagyefo Kuntunkununku II, 34th Okyenhene and Paramount Chief of Akyem Abuakwa;[105] Oyeeman Wereko Ampem II, Ohene of Amanokrom;[106] Nana Kwabena Wiafe, Omanhene of Offinso Traditional Area; Nana Akuoko Sarpong, Omanhene of Agogo Traditional Area;[107] and Neenyi Ghartey VII, the Omanhene of Winneba, Effutu Traditional Area.[108]
Academia
Academics who attended Accra Academy
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Daniel Wubah, President of Millersville University of Pennsylvania
The first black African Rhodes Scholar, Lebrecht Wilhem Fifi Hesse, was educated at the school.[109] Frank Gibbs Torto FGA, a chemist, was the first Ghanaian appointed lecturer of the University of Ghana (the oldest university in Ghana);[110] and Kwadzo Senanu was acting vice-chancellor of University of Ghana for the 1983/84 academic year.[111] Daniel Wubah is the first African president of Millersville University of Pennsylvania.[112] Scholars educated include plant pathologist Edwin Asomaning FGA, surgeon Emmanuel Archampong FGA, soil scientist David Acquaye FGA, jurist Fred Apaloo FGA, jurist V.C.R.A.C. Crabbe FGA, mycologist George Odamtten FGA, economist Peter Quartey FGA, historian Robert Addo-Fening, microbiologist Michael McClelland, mathematician Abdul–Aziz Yakubu, physician Rexford Ahima, and geneticist James Adjaye.
Medicine
In medicine, alumni include the first Ghanaian neurosurgeon, J. F. O. Mustaffah;[113] the first Ghanaian eye specialist, Cornelius Odarquaye Quarcoopome; and Jacob Amekor Blukoo-Allotey, who is known for his pioneering role in the study of pharmacology in Ghana.[114] Cornelius Odarquaye Quarcoopome and Jacob Plange-Rhule were both once presidents of the Ghana Medical Association. Emmanuel Quaye Archampong was president of the West African College of Surgeons, and Joseph Kpakpo Acquaye was president of the West African College of Physicians.
Arts
People in the arts who attended Accra Academy
KiDi, musician
Chris Attoh, actor
In the arts, Jerry Hansen founded and became the first president of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA).[115] Veteran music producer Zapp Mallet coined the term “hip life,"[116][117] and KiDi is the 2022 VGMA artist of the year.[118][119] Actor Chris Attoh and writer Amu Djoleto also attended the school.
Others in the fine arts include visual artists; Prince Gyasi, Bright Tetteh Ackwerh, and Ray Styles, and sculptors; Eric Adjetey Anang and Constance Swaniker.
Business
Nana Awuah Darko Ampem I founded Ghana's first private indigenous insurance company; Vanguard Assurance, and was a founding director of CalBank.[120][121] E. N. Omaboe (also Nana Wereko Ampem II) and John Kobina Richardson served on a committee to initiate the Ghana Stock Exchange.[122][123] T. E. Anin was chairman and managing director of Ghana Commercial Bank,[124][125] and Tei Mante was vice-chairman of Ecobank.[126] Godfrey Gaoseb was an executive director of the World Bank.[127] Felix E. Addo was country senior partner of PwC,[128] and Felix Nyarko-Pong was CEO of uniBank. As at 2024, old boys who were serving as CEOs of banks include Daniel Addo of CBG, Julian Opuni of Fidelity Bank, Bernard Gyebi of Prudential Bank, and Edward Botchway of Absa Bank Ghana.
Journalism
In the media, Joe Lartey[129] considered one of Africa’s greatest football commentators,[130] studied at the school. Eric Heymann was Editor of the Evening News and Goodwin Tutum Anim was the first African to head the Ghana News Agency;[131] Earl Ankrah is known to have pioneered breakfast shows in Ghana;[132] Ben Ephson is founder and chief editor of the Daily Dispatch;[133][134][135] and Nathan Adisi (Bola Ray) is CEO of EIB Network Group. Others are African Journalist of the Year Award winner Israel Laryea;[136][137] Randy Abbey of Good Morning Ghana; Akwasi Sarpong of BBC's Focus on Africa, Bright Nana Amfoh, Seniors News Editor at Metro TV; Francis Abban, current affairs presenter at GHOne TV and Alfred Akrofi Ocansey, current affairs programme host at TV 3.
Sports
Sports personalities who attended Accra Academy
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Asamoah Gyan, top goal scorer of the Ghana national football team
Allotei Konuah, Founding member and ex-Secretary of the Ghana Athletics Association
In sports, old boys include Ohene Djan, Ghana's iconic sports administrator and first chairman of the Ghana Football Association,[138] and his successor; H. P. Nyemitei.[139] Asamoah Gyan, the Black Stars' former captain and all-time top scorer,[140] and his teaammate Lee Addy attended the school.[141] Prosper Harrison Addo is currently General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association.[142] Daniel Nii Laryea is the highest Ghanaian ranked football match official by CAF rankings.[143]
In athletics, Allotei Konuah managed Ghana's first appearances at both the Olympics and Commonwealth games; and N. A. Adjin-Tettey is a pioneer national athletics coach. John Myles-Mills and brother Leo Myles-Mills each competed on the track at two Olympic events. In boxing, Alhassan Brimah competed in the sport at the Olympics and was the 1962 African Middleweight champion.
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Ties
Summarize
Perspective
ACASMA (Accra Academy and St. Mary's Alliance)
ACASMA is the joint association of the old boys and girls of Accra Academy and the St. Mary's Senior Secondary School, now St. Mary's Senior High School.[144][145]
There was a nationwide teachers strike in the 1970s and some Accra Academy students who were capable of learning the school curricula on their own offered lessons free of charge to their colleagues in Accra Academy and St. Mary's Senior Secondary School. The goodwill demonstrated by these students from the Accra Academy won the admiration of staff and students of the St. Mary's Senior Secondary School and resulted in the formation of the alliance to foster stronger ties between both secondary educational institutions.[146][147]
Lodge Accra Academy
The Accra Academy Lodge is a Masonic lodge managed by alumni who are Freemasons in the Grand Lodge of Ghana or the Grand Lodge of Scotland. The lodge is not part of the school's administration and as such has its own management and premises. Membership in the lodge is open only to alumni. Members occasionally support the school with financial assistance.
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See also
- Education in Ghana
- List of senior secondary schools in Ghana
- In the News
- Accra Academy 1980 Old Students Rehabilitate School's North Gate. Retrieved from modernghana.com.[152]
Bleoo '80 opens new north gate.
References
External links
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