Ghana International School (GIS), one of Africa’s most prestigious international schools, is celebrating its 70th anniversary, reflecting seven decades of pioneering education, cultural exchange, and leadership development.
Established in September 1955, two years before Ghana gained independence, GIS set out with a bold vision: to provide inclusive, multiracial, and non-sectarian education at a time when such opportunities were scarce on the continent. Over the decades, the school has become a trailblazer, merging Ghanaian roots with global educational standards.
Today, GIS is the only school in Ghana with dual accreditation from both the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Its membership in international networks like AISA and ECIS further cements its position as a global education hub.
Over 70 years, GIS has maintained a 100% university acceptance rate, sending graduates to world-renowned institutions such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and Ashesi University. Alumni have excelled across sectors, contributing to Ghana’s development while making an impact globally.
Speaking ahead of the anniversary celebrations, Dr. Mary Ashun, CEO of GIS, emphasized that the milestone is not only a celebration of past achievements but also a commitment to preparing the next generation of African leaders.
“From our beginnings in colonial-era Ghana to our current place as an international leader in education, GIS has consistently broken barriers,” Dr. Ashun said. “Our mission is to equip students with the knowledge, values, and confidence to thrive anywhere in the world.”
The 70th anniversary celebrations, themed “From colonial-era vision to modern excellence — 70 years of breaking barriers”, will feature the launch of a commemorative coffee table book and the premiere of a documentary at Silverbird Theatre on September 2, 2025.
GIS has a rich history of hosting distinguished figures, including Queen Consort Camilla, who launched the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition at the school in 2018, as well as Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka and writer-activist Dr. Auma Obama, who engaged with students on global issues.
The school’s Cambridge International Curriculum, coupled with specialized pathways like the Pearson BTEC programme in Music and Creative Media, underscores its commitment to holistic education, fostering both academic excellence and creative innovation.
With a diverse student body representing over 30 nationalities, GIS has become a hub for cultural exchange, international collaboration, and leadership training — a legacy that continues to inspire generations of Africans to achieve global success.
As GIS celebrates 70 years, the milestone serves not only as a reflection of its historic contributions to education but also as a blueprint for the future of learning in Africa, combining tradition, innovation, and global vision.
