Accra Academy School, located in Bubuashie near Kaneshie in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1931 as a private secondary educational institution. In 1950, it achieved the status of a Government-Assisted School, marking a significant milestone as the first private academy in the Gold Coast. Today, Accra Academy School stands as one of Ghana's premier secondary educational institutions, offering diverse courses in business, general science, general arts, agricultural science, and visual arts, leading to the award of a West African Senior School Certificate (WASSCE).
Originally, the Accra Academy school's founders provided educational opportunities to financially disadvantaged students, conducting entrance examinations in various regions. While special admissions for such students have ceased, the academy now follows the Ghana Education Service's school selection placement system for student admissions.
Accra Academy School boasts a remarkable legacy, earning recognition as the 8th best high school in Africa in 2003, according to Africa Almanac. Its exceptional achievements include being the first senior high school to produce successive Chief Justices of Ghana and consecutive Ghanaian Speakers of Parliament. Moreover, it holds the distinction of being the first school to produce both a head of state and a deputy head of state in the same Ghanaian government.
Welcome to Accra Academy! Accra Academy stands as a beacon of academic excellence in the vibrant city of Accra. Nestled in the heart of Bubiashie near Kaneshie in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana, our institution has been shaping young minds since its establishment in 1931. At Accra Academy, there are 226 staff members comprising 139 males and 87 females. We have a student population of 4, 381.
As the Headmaster, I take immense pride in the rich history and legacy that Accra Academy carries. What started as a private Secondary Educational Institution by four young men below the ages of 30 years who had the vision to give the underprivileged quality education has blossomed into a distinguished Government-Assisted School since 1950. Our Vision is Quality Education for life and Selfless Service based on Truth, Hardwork and Honesty. Our Mission is to Develop and Manage a Model School of Excellence by instilling in all learners the Virtues of Truth, Honesty, Selfless Service, Hardwork, Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills. Our Core Values are Truth, Honesty, Justice, Selfless Service, Hardwork, Critical Thinking and Excellence.
At Accra Academy, we believe in fostering an environment that nurtures not just academic prowess, but also personal growth and character development as evidenced in our vision, mission and values. Our commitment to providing both day and boarding options reflects our dedication to creating a well-rounded educational experience for our students. As we embark on the journey of constructing our digital presence, this website serves as a window into the vibrant diversity of life at Accra Academy. Explore the various facets of our academic programs, extracurricular activities, our distinct choir and band and the strong sense of community that defines us. Join us in shaping the future leaders of tomorrow-individuals who are not only academically proficient but also equipped with the values and skills necessary to make a positive impact on the world. Thank you for visiting Accra Academy's website. We look forward to welcoming you into our esteemed community.
Accra Academy School was founded on July 20, 1931, by Messrs. Kofi George Konuah, Samuel Neils Awuletey, Gottfried Narku Alema, and James Akwei Halm-Addo in Mantse Agbonaa, a suburb of James Town in Accra. The school was initially housed in a single-storey building named Ellen House, in honor of its lessor, Ellen Buckle. Ellen Buckle was the widow of Vidal J. Buckle, a prominent Gold Coast lawyer and member of the elite. The academy commenced its educational mission with an initial enrollment of 19 students, spanning Forms 1 through 3. The founders of the academy, along with two others, Mr. M. F. Dei-Anang and Mr. S.S. Sackey, formed the pioneering teaching staff of the school.
Originally, the Accra Academy school's founders provided educational opportunities to financially disadvantaged students, conducting entrance examinations in various regions. While special admissions for such students have ceased, the academy now follows the Ghana Education Service's school selection placement system for student admissions.
In December 1932, the academy marked a significant milestone by presenting its inaugural group of ten students for the Junior Cambridge School Certificate Examination, of whom seven passed successfully. By 1935, several privately operated secondary schools had emerged in Kumasi, Koforidua, Sekondi, and Accra. Although the overall quality of these institutions didn't appear particularly high, Accra Academy School stood out as a well-organized establishment, boasting an enrollment of 469 students.
In the annual report for the 1938-39 academic year, Accra Academy School received commendable recognition. The report described it as a well-funded institution that was effectively administered, with a student body comprising 469 boys. In 1939, the academy presented 45 students for the Senior Cambridge School Certificate Examination, of whom 42 students passed, and 10 students obtained exemptions from the London Matriculation Examination. By 1945, the Academy had firmly established itself as a stable institution and had achieved a level of effectiveness that set it apart from other secondary schools that did not receive government assistance. At the beginning of 1946, the school had an enrollment of 467 male students. In 1947, a crucial recommendation was made to the director of education to grant the academy the status of a Government Assisted School. This recommendation received approval, and the academy commenced its journey as a Government Assisted school on January 1, 1950.
Accra Academy School's early years were marked by its operation as a day school until a pivotal development in 1935 when it began providing accommodation for students in Claremont House. This single-storey building was adjacent to Ellen House, also owned by Vidal J. Buckle and leased by his widow, Ellen. However, accommodation was limited and primarily reserved for students in special circumstances.As the number of applicants seeking enrollment in the academy steadily grew, preparations began for a significant change—a move to a larger and more permanent location. Initially, an area in Kokomlemle was selected, but ownership disputes led to the abandonment of this site. Another site in Korle Gonno was also considered but was deemed impractical due to its remote location.
The turning point came in 1956 when Mr. J. A. Halm-Addo, the vice-principal and co-founder, successfully lobbied the Convention People's Party government. This effort led to the academy being offered a 37-acre plot of land in Bubuashie, off the Winneba Road, for relocation and expansion. The architectural expertise of Barnes, Hubbard & Arundel's local office in Accra played a key role in designing the academy's first buildings. The development contract was awarded to J. Monta & Sons in October 1959. By July 1961, the newly developed school site with modern facilities was ready for the staff and students to relocate from Ellen House to their present location in Bubuashie.
The official ceremony to commemorate Accra Academy School's relocation to Bubuashie took place on February 3, 1962. Mr. A. J. Dowuona-Hammond, Minister for Education and an old student of the academy, had the honor of declaring the new school site officially open. This significant move earned Accra Academy School the affectionate nickname "Little Legon" after some students from the Western Region, who had gained admission to the University of Ghana, mistakenly reported to Accra Academy School due to the remarkable similarity between the infrastructures of both educational institutions.The first dormitory block to serve as a residential facility for students was completed later in 1966
In 1981, the academy celebrated its golden jubilee as a fully-fledged senior secondary school with an enrollment of 900 students and a teaching staff of 52. In 1990, the Provisional National Defense Council granted the academy the status of a semi-autonomous educational institution, along with 10 other secondary schools, following acknowledgment by the Secretary of Education, K. B. Asante.
Quality Education For Life And Selfless Service Based On Truth, Hardwork And Honesty.
To Develop And Manage A Model School Of Excellence By Instilling In All Learners The Virtues Of Truth, Honesty, Selfless Service, Hardwork, Critical Thinking And Problem Solving Skills.
Truth, Honesty, Justice, Selfless Service, Hardwork, Critical Thinking And Excellence.
Esse Quam Videri written in Latin, translates as "To be, rather than to seem"
