GIS Chalks 70 Years - Celebrating Seven Decades Of Educational Excellence And International Leadership

The Ghana International School (GIS) is celebrating its 70th anniversary in the first week of September 2025, reveling seven decades of educational excellence and international leadership in Ghana.

GIS is a Not-for-profit, private, non-sectarian, co-educational day and boarding school located at Cantonment in Accra, Ghana.

Briefing the media on preparations and plans ahead of the platinum celebrations on Monday, Dr. Mary Ashun, CEO of the school disclosed that GIS was established in September 1955, before Ghana's independence, and they have evolved from a pioneering institution into Africa's premier international school, achieving groundbreaking accreditations and sending graduates to world-class universities, including Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Stanford, Yale, Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, LSE, Durham, University of Warwick, African Leadership Academy, University of Toronto, York University, University of Ghana and Ashesi University

She said Ghana International School's 70th anniversary represents more than institutional longevity - it's a story of African educational ambition, international excellence, and the power of visionary thinking.

“In an era of global education challenges, GIS demonstrates how African institutions can achieve world-class standards while maintaining cultural identity and local relevance. This milestone presents media outlets with a compelling narrative that combines historical significance, current achievements, and future promise - ideal for e.g. for Forbes' education coverage, the BBC's international development focus, and other major media platforms seeking inspiring African success stories” she stated.

According to Dr. Ashun, the school has achieved historic first with the Pre-Independence Vision of being founded in 1955, when Ghana was still under colonial rule, demonstrating remarkable foresight in international education.

She noted that GIS is one of Africa's earliest international schools, established "to provide international education to students of all races and creeds."

She added that GIS has pioneered multiracial, non-sectarian education at a time when this was revolutionary and unprecedented academic achievement in 100% University Acceptance Rate – as every graduate who applies gains admission to higher education institutions such as World-Class University Placements: Graduates accepted to Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Stanford, Yale, Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, LSE, Durham, University of Warwick, University of Toronto, York University, and Ashesi University

According to Dr. Ashun, GIS attained the first and only Double Accreditation in Ghana, with historic achievement as the first and only international school in Ghana to be accredited by both the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

The school officially received accreditation status in December 2007, making it the first school in Ghana to be certified by the Council of International Schools.

She said GIS is a member of prestigious international networks: AISA and ECIS guided by Educational Innovation and Leadership.

They operate the Comprehensive Cambridge International Curriculum from early years through A-levels; the IGCSE and Advanced Level programs with English as the medium of instruction, Pearson BTEC Pathway in Music and Creative Media for students 14+.

Dr. Mary Ashun revealed GIS has a balanced approach incorporating local content with international standards, structured in four departments (Infant, Junior, Lower Secondary, Upper Secondary), while the curriculum is Cambridge International with 20+ academic subjects Age Range: Ages 3-18.

She said the student body makes up a diverse international community from 30+ nationalities.

Some compelling statistics and facts she unfolded were 70 Years of continuous operation (1955-2025), 100% University Acceptance rate, Dual International Accreditation - only school in Ghana with both CIS and NEASC, Multi-generational Impact: Alumni returning as accomplished professionals, Cultural Diversity: Students from many countries and cultural backgrounds and Academic Excellence: Consistent high performance in international examinations.

Achievements chalked include the visit of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) President’s visit Ghana, impressed by the fundraiser that GIS Students - Kwabena and Ekow Enti organized to provide football boots to needy children.

• Royal Recognition: Queen Consort Camilla launched the Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition for the first time outside Buckingham Palace at GIS in November 2018
• Distinguished Visitors: Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka spent days engaging with students, and esteemed African writer and activist Dr. Auma Obama held sessions with students
• For the Upcoming 70th Anniversary Celebrations: there would be Coffee table book documenting the school history and a short film to be premiered at the Silverbird Theatre on September 2 September 2025.

The CEO noted that it must be worthy and essential to know the Pioneer Story: "From colonial-era vision to modern excellence - 70 years of breaking barriers"

She announced that on Monday 1^st September, a special anniversary cake would be cut, alongside launching of the Coffee Table Book and unveiling of the anniversary cloth.

“Wednesday and Thursday, September 3 and 4 would be for students social services including clean up exercises, while on Friday September 6, during an assembly the anniversary polo would be outdoored, then on Saturday 7,  a sports / entertainment event is going to take center stage” she highlighted.

Dr. Mary Ashun concluded that in the current crowded world, GIS must tell their own story, with accurate facts to the world, and Ghanaians must be proud of their international school.

By Sammy Heywood Okine