Stories and facts
Osei Tutu Senior High School, an all-boys institution located in Akropong in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, stands as one of the premier educational establishments in the region.
With a history dating back to its establishment in 1940, the school has grown from its origins as a boys’ boarding school to become a distinguished secondary school.
Originally founded as one of the Royal Institutions in the Ashanti Region, Osei Tutu Senior High School reflects the rich culture and traditions of Asanteman. It bears the name of Otumfuo Osei Tutu I, the founder of the Ashanti Kingdom.
The school's journey began under the Methodist Church of Ghana, initially operating as a Middle Boys Boarding School in a bungalow at the Freeman College, opposite Wesley College in Kumasi.
The first headmaster, Rev. Arthur W. Banks, led a modest team of educators, including Messrs A. C. Denteh and Eric Awua, to instruct the inaugural cohort of 13 students.
These early students included individuals who would later become prominent figures in Ghana, such as Dr. Charles Graham, Mr. Isaac Oguame Tenney, Mr. Peter Kofi, and the celebrated Black Stars midfielder and coach James Adjei.
In 1948, the school was relocated to its current site in Asante-Akropong under the leadership of Mr. J.G Quansa. However, the school faced significant challenges and was forced to close in November 1954 due to financial difficulties.
It reopened on November 24, 1955, as a two-year Certificate 'B' Training College, with the late A.K Folson as its first principal. Under his leadership, the institution began with 60 students and five tutors.
The school continued to evolve, transitioning from a two-year Certificate 'B' to a four-year Certificate 'A' program in 1965. Rev. C.K Yamoah, who succeeded Mr. Folson, guided the school through these changes, growing the student population to 160 with seven tutors.
The college eventually underwent a significant transformation during the 1972-1973 academic year when it was converted into a secondary school. Mr. J.O.T Ansah led this conversion process before handing over leadership to Mr. Amo Polley, who served as the Vice Principal.
Throughout its history, Osei Tutu Senior High School has maintained a strong presence in academic and extracurricular competitions.
The school has participated in the National Science and Maths Quiz and has been successful in debate competitions, winning the Ashanti regional zonal debate for the 2020 independence debate.
The school has also produced numerous notable alumni who have made significant contributions to Ghana and beyond. These include Justice Kweku Etrew Amua-Sekyi, a Supreme Court Judge and Chairman of the National Reconciliation Committee of Ghana, former President John Kufuor, Dr. Kwame Addo-Kufuor, a former Minister of Defence, Hon. Samuel Sarpong, a former Ashanti Regional Minister, and Dr. Charles Graham, a senior lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
Other distinguished alumni include Mr. Isaac Oguame Tenney, a former solicitor and advisor to the Bank of Ghana, Black Stars midfielder and coach James Adjei, and former Inspector General of the Ghana Police Service, Nana Owusu-Nsiah.
Today, Osei Tutu Senior High School continues to uphold its legacy as an institution that not only provides quality education but also instills in its students the values and traditions of Asanteman.
Explore a collection of senior high schools in the Ashanti Region below.
