Stories and facts
Accra Academy, a prestigious boys' high school located at Bubuashie near Kaneshie in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, admits both boarding and day students.
Founded in 1931 as a private school, it gained Government-Assisted School status in 1950. It holds the distinction of being the oldest high school in the Gold Coast founded privately.
The academy offers a diverse curriculum including business, general science, general arts, agricultural science, and visual arts, culminating in the award of the West African Senior School Certificate.
Initially, the school's founders, including the first principal Kofi Konuah, provided education to students who lacked financial support. Konuah would travel across the country to conduct entrance exams, ensuring that brilliant but needy students could gain admission. However, since 2005, admissions have been conducted through the Ghana Education Service's school selection placement system.
In 2003, Africa Almanac ranked Accra Academy 8th out of the top 100 high schools in Africa, based on the quality of education, student engagement, alumni activities, and school profile. Notably, it is the first school to produce successive Chief Justices and Speakers of Parliament in Ghana, and uniquely produced both a head and deputy head of government in the same administration.
Accra Academy was established on July 20, 1931, by Kofi George Konuah, Samuel Neils Awuletey, Gottfried Narku Alema, and James Akwei Halm-Addo in James Town, Accra.
The founders operated the school from a one-storey house named Ellen House. Starting with just 19 students, the school expanded rapidly, necessitating a move to a larger location. By 1935, the school had 469 students and received praise for its effective administration.
In 1950, the academy became a Government-Assisted School. Due to increased enrollment, plans were made to relocate to a permanent site. After a prolonged search and various complications, the school was finally moved to a 37-acre site in Bubuashie in 1961, with new buildings officially opened in 1962.
Accra Academy earned the nickname "Little Legon" because its new infrastructure resembled that of the University of Ghana, leading to some confusion among new students. By its golden jubilee in 1981, the school had 900 students and 52 teaching staff. The early history of the school was documented by Robert Addo-Fening and later published by Simon Ontoyin in 2022.
In recent years, notable projects include the construction of Ghana's first school-based astro turf football pitch, funded by alumnus and national football team captain Asamoah Gyan. The facility, completed in 2017, was a significant addition to the school's sports infrastructure.
Accra Academy is known for its competitive admission process, with students being admitted based on their Basic Education Certificate Examination scores through the computerized school selection and placement system. The academy's curriculum spans three academic years, from form one to form three, with a strong emphasis on both core and elective subjects.
The school consistently maintains high academic standards. For instance, in 2018, 94.7% of its students passed all courses in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), and in 2020, 94.2% achieved similar success.
Student life at Accra Academy is vibrant, with numerous facilities and extracurricular activities. The school has eight halls of residence, each supervised by hall-masters and prefects. Inter-hall athletic competitions are a highlight, fostering camaraderie and identifying sports talent.
The academy enforces strict discipline and offers various clubs and associations for student involvement, ranging from the Cadet Corps to the Robotics Club. Sports have been integral to the school's culture, with students excelling in athletics, soccer, and hockey.
Annual events such as the speech and prize-giving day, memorial lectures, and homecoming reunions are key fixtures on the school's calendar, celebrating student achievements and fostering alumni engagement.
Accra Academy boasts a notable alumni network, including leaders in politics, law, public service, academia, arts, business, journalism, and sports. Notable alumni include Ghana's second head of state J. A. Ankrah, Chief Justices Samuel Azu Crabbe and Fred Apaloo, and sports personalities like Asamoah Gyan and Ohene Djan.
The school's rich history and tradition of excellence continue to make it a leading institution in Ghanaian education.
