Ghana International School (GIS), one of Africa’s pioneering international schools, is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, marking seven decades of academic excellence, innovation, and leadership in international education.

Founded in September 1955, two years before Ghana’s independence, GIS was established with a bold vision: to provide quality international education to students of all races and creeds.

At a time when multiracial, non-sectarian education was rare, the school became a trailblazer on the continent, laying the foundation for what would become a premier institution with global recognition.

Today, GIS stands as 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) — an achievement attained in 2007.

The school also maintains membership in international networks such as AISA and ECIS, further solidifying its global standing.

Over the years, GIS has built a reputation for academic excellence, boasting a 100% university acceptance rate for its graduates.

Alumni have gone on to study at world-renowned universities, including Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Stanford, Yale, Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, LSE, Durham, Warwick, Toronto, York University, University of Ghana, and Ashesi University.

Speaking ahead of the celebrations, GIS leadership emphasised that the anniversary is not just a celebration of the past but also a reaffirmation of the school’s mission to prepare African students for global success.

“From our founding in colonial-era Ghana to our current place as an international leader in education, GIS has consistently broken barriers and set new standards,” said Dr. Mary Ashun, CEO of GIS.

“Our focus is on the future — nurturing the next generation of African leaders who can thrive anywhere in the world.”

The school’s 70th anniversary celebrations will include the launch of a coffee table book documenting its history, as well as the premiere of a documentary at the Silverbird Theatre on September 2, 2025.

GIS has also welcomed distinguished global figures over the years.

In 2018, Queen Consort Camilla chose the school to launch the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition — the first time the ceremony was held outside Buckingham Palace.

The school has also hosted Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka and writer-activist Dr. Auma Obama, who engaged with students in wide-ranging discussions.

As part of its holistic approach to education, GIS offers the Cambridge International Curriculum from early years through A-levels, alongside specialised pathways such as the Pearson BTEC programme in Music and Creative Media.

The school currently serves a diverse student body from 30+ nationalities, making it a hub of cultural exchange and international collaboration.

The anniversary theme underscores GIS’s identity as both a Ghanaian and global institution:

“From colonial-era vision to modern excellence — 70 years of breaking barriers”

“Preparing African leaders for worldwide success since 1955”

“Seven decades of tradition, infinite possibilities ahead”

With alumni making an impact across industries worldwide and multi-generational families continuing to pass through its classrooms, GIS’s 70th anniversary is both a celebration of history and a blueprint for the future of education in Africa.