Timeline

Founding efforts

1955

The 1950s mark GIS’s founding as the first international school in the Gold Coast, driven by the need for quality education for expatriate and elite Ghanaian children. Key events include the establishment of the Interim Committee of the Gold Coast International School, initial operations at Legion Hall, and the move to a permanent site in Cantonments.

2025

Celebrating 70 Years

2025

The 2020s culminate in GIS’s 70th anniversary, marked by celebrations like the release of a ceremonial cloth and a coffee table book. Leadership under Mr. Kwakwa (Board Chair), Dr. Ashun (CEO), and Mr. Frank D. Amponsah-Mensah, Esq. (Principal) focuses on strategic growth, including infrastructure and global outreach.

1955

Celebrating 70 Years of Legacy and Learning

Since opening its doors in 1955, Ghana International School has been more than just an institution—it has been a home of dreams, diversity, and discovery. As we mark our 70th anniversary, we invite you to journey through the decades that shaped who we are today. Each moment in this timeline is a tribute to the students, educators, and visionaries who made GIS a beacon of excellence.

1950s

Founding & Establishment

1954: Formation of the Interim Committee by Mrs. Kathleen W. Lines, with members like Sir Kobina Arku Korsah, Edward Akufo-Addo, and Kofi George Konuah.

1955: Sir Kobina Arku Korsah becomes first Board Chair (1955–1958).

1955: Mrs. Ellen Strong appointed as first Headmistress.

1957: School is renamed Ghana International School following independence.

1960s

1960s: Mrs. Eleanor Boateng teaches drama, art, and geography; her son, Lord Paul Boateng, participates in plays like A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

1961: Mrs. Inwood becomes Principal (1961–1970).

1963:GIS presents its first cohort of ‘O’ Level candidates for the London GCE Examination

1967: Dr. K.G. Konuah becomes Board Chair (1967–1970) after Mr. Dei-Anang.

new_deep_greenish_logo-bg-gold-gis-at-70_2

1970s

1970: Mrs. Leonie Acquah becomes Headmistress (1970–1985).

1970: Justice A.N.E. Amissah becomes Board Chair (1970–1973).

1973: Dr. Modjaben Dowuona becomes Board Chair (1973–1991).

1977: Publication of the first GIS yearbook.

1985: Mrs. Judith Saywerr becomes Principal after Mrs. Leonie Acquah retires.

Mid-1980s: Class 7 phased out of Primary School.

1987: Sixth Form introduced to enhance educational offerings.

1980s

1990s

1990: Computer Science programme introduced.

1991–1994: Justice G.R.M. Francois becomes Board Chair (first term).

1993: Guidance and Counselling Unit established.

1994–2001: Prof. C.E. Fiscian serves as Board Chair.

2000s

2002–2004: Justice G.R.M. Francois serves as Board Chair (second term).

2004–2016: Mr. Kwame Pianim becomes Board Chair, spearheading the restructuring of the GIS Board.

2005: Ghana International School celebrates 50th anniversary with President Kufuor as Guest of Honour.

2008: GIS becomes the first school in Ghana and one of eight schools in Africa to be accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS)

2010s

2014: Dr. Mary Ashun joins GIS as Deputy Principal, promoted to and serving as Principal from 2016 - 2023

2016: Mr. Kofi Kwakwa , becomes Board Chair

2018: HRH Queen Camilla, former Duchess of Cornwall, launches Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition at GIS

2018: GIS Welcomes International Teachers for its Visiting International Educator Program

2020s

RETURN TO HOME

2022: GIS Boarding Programme begins housing students at Ubuntu Apartments.

2024/25 Academic Year ; GIS has its first Annual Giving Program called Power of 7, raising 200,000 GHS from the GIS community.

2023: Dr. Mary Ashun transitions to CEO; Mr. Frank D. Amponsah-Mensah becomes Principal.

2025: CEO, Dr. Mary Ashun, releases new 5-year strategic plan

1950s

1954: Formation of the Interim Committee by Mrs. Kathleen W. Lines, with members like Sir Kobina Arku Korsah, Edward Akufo-Addo, and Kofi George Konuah.

1955: Sir Kobina Arku Korsah becomes first Board Chair (1955–1958).

1955: Mrs. Ellen Strong appointed as first Headmistress.

1957: School is renamed Ghana International School following independence.

1960s

1960s: Mrs. Eleanor Boateng teaches drama, art, and geography; her son, Lord Paul Boateng, participates in plays like A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

1961: Mrs. Inwood becomes Principal (1961–1970).

1963:GIS presents its first cohort of ‘O’ Level candidates for the London GCE Examination

1967: Dr. K.G. Konuah becomes Board Chair (1967–1970) after Mr. Dei-Anang.

1970s

1970: Mrs. Leonie Acquah becomes Headmistress (1970–1985).

1970: Justice A.N.E. Amissah becomes Board Chair (1970–1973).

1973: Dr. Modjaben Dowuona becomes Board Chair (1973–1991).

1977: Publication of the first GIS yearbook.

1980s

1985: Mrs. Judith Saywerr becomes Principal after Mrs. Leonie Acquah retires.

Mid-1980s: Class 7 phased out of Primary School.

1987: Sixth Form introduced to enhance educational offerings.

1990s

1990: Computer Science programme introduced.

1991–1994: Justice G.R.M. Francois becomes Board Chair (first term).

1993: Guidance and Counselling Unit established.

1994–2001: Prof. C.E. Fiscian serves as Board Chair.

2000s

2002–2004: Justice G.R.M. Francois serves as Board Chair (second term).

2004–2016: Mr. Kwame Pianim becomes Board Chair, spearheading the restructuring of the GIS Board.

2005: Ghana International School celebrates 50th anniversary with President Kufuor as Guest of Honour.

2008: GIS becomes the first school in Ghana and one of eight schools in Africa to be accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS)

2010s

2014: Dr. Mary Ashun joins GIS as Deputy Principal, promoted to and serving as Principal from 2016 - 2023

2016: Mr. Kofi Kwakwa , becomes Board Chair

2018: HRH Queen Camilla, former Duchess of Cornwall, launches Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition at GIS

2018: GIS Welcomes International Teachers for its Visiting International Educator Program

2020s

BACK TO HOMEPAGE

2022: GIS Boarding Programme begins housing boarding students at Ubuntu Apartments.

2024/25 Academic Year ; GIS has its first Annual Giving Program called Power of 7, raising 200,000 GHS from the GIS community.

2023: Dr. Mary Ashun transitions to CEO; Mr. Frank D. Amponsah-Mensah becomes Principal.

2025: CEO, Dr. Mary Ashun, releases new 5-year strategic plan

Celebrating 70 Years of Legacy and Learning

Founding & Establishment

Growth Amid Political Changes

Resilience & Expansion

Consolidation & Transition

Community Engagement & Modernization:

Strengthening Community Ties

Global Outreach and Inclusivity

Celebrating 70 Years and Looking Forward

Founding & Establishment

Growth Amid Political Changes

Resilience & Expansion

Consolidation & Transition

Community Engagement & Modernization:

Strengthening Community Ties

Global Outreach and Inclusivity

Celebrating 70 Years and Looking Forward

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