Over 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. 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

Growth Amid Political Changes

  • 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

Resilience & Expansion

  • 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

Consolidation & Transition

  • 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

Community Engagement & Modernization

  • 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

Strengthening Community Ties

  • 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

 

Global Outreach and Inclusivity

  • 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

Celebrated 70 Years and Looking Forward

  • 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