2014/2015 Annual Speech, Prize Giving and Upper Sixth Form Graduation Day Guest Speaker: Professor Wole Soyinka Winner, 1986 Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986

Date: Tuesday 23rd June 2015 Time: 14:00 GMT Venue: National Theatre, Accra, Ghana Title Sponsor

Contents

Order of Programme 04 18 Prize Winners Guest of Honour 05 22 The List of Class of 2015 Board of Directors and Management Team 06 24 Brief History Principal’s Address 07 26 Guiding Statements Class of 2015 10 28 Sponsors Acknowledgement Prefects 2014/2015 16 31 School Song & Ghana National Anthem Students’ Representative Council 2014/2015 17

Ghana International School 3 Order of Programme 1. Arrival of Students, Parents and Guests 11. Presentation of Prizes and Awards for Upper Secondary by Mr. Frank Amponsah-Mensah 2. Procession by Board of Directors, Guest of Honour and Management Team led by Noyan Institute of the Arts 12. Graduation Ceremony, Presentation of Certificates by Guest of Honour assisted by Principal 3. Sixth Form Procession led by School Orchestra 13. Valedictory Address by Neta Parsram and Papa Kofi 4. The Ghana National Anthem Genfi 5. Welcome and Acknowledgement of Sponsors by MC 14. Video presentation by Lower 6 Form Students Mr. Selase Dzakamani 15. Musical Performance by Students 6. Board Chairman’s Opening Address by Mr. Kwame Pianim 16. Ghana International School Song by Class of 2015 7. Principal’s Address by Dr. Mary Ashun 17. Vote of Thanks by Upper Secondary Vice Principal, Mr. Frank Amponsah-Mensah 8. Introduction of Guest of Honour by MD, Access Bank (GH) Mr. Dolapo Ogundimu. 18. Recession of Board of Directors, Guest of Honour and Management Team led by Noyan Institute of 9. Guest of Honour’s Speech by Professor Wole Soyinka the Arts 10. Presentation of Prizes and Awards for Lower Secondary 19. Refreshments for Board of Directors, Special by Ms. Ida Abbeyquaye Guests, Management, Graduates and members of their families on the 2nd Floor.

As a courtesy to the graduates and families attending this event, we ask that photographers do not distract the program; kindly remain in area assigned to camera crew

4 Ghana International School GUEST OF HONOUR PROFESSOR WOLE SOYINKA

Later as a young man, he enrolled at the Poems, Samarkand’ and ‘Other Markets I University College of Ibadan from 1952- Have Known’. 54 and then at the University of Leeds Professor Soyinka has received many other studying English Literature before returning awards, fellowships and grants over the to Nigeria in 1960 to do research on West course of his over half a century career African drama through a Rockefeller as a writer and human rights activist: The Foundation grant. After that, he wrote and Arts Council of England’s John Whiting founded drama groups. From 1958, when Wole Soyinka, Professor of English Literature, Award in 1966/67 and was an Overseas he wrote ‘The Swamp Dwellers to date, he a distinguished poet, playwright and novelist Fellow at Churchill College, Cambridge has written over 70 books (plays, collection is also a human rights activist famous as the from 1973-74. In 1986 he received the of poetry, novels, autobiographical first African to win the Nobel Peace Prize Agip Prize for Humanities, an Honorary accounts and essays) which include; in Literature in 1986. This was the effect of Membership of the American Academy Novels: ‘The Interpreters and Season of years of accumulation and display of literary and Institute of Arts and Letters, Anisfied- Anomy. Drama or plays: ‘The Lion and the talents from when he played the role of “The Wolf Book Award, Commander Order Jewel, The Trials of Brother Jero, Jero Magician” in a primary school operetta of Merit by the Italian Government and Metamorphosis’, ‘A Dance of the Forests, directed by his father at St. Peter’s School, the George Benson Medal of The Royal Kongi’s Forest, Madmen’ and ‘Specialists, Ake, his home-town. This was at the age of Society for Literature. He has received Death and the King’s Horseman’, ‘From nine from where he continued school at the honorary doctorate degrees from Harvard Zia with Love’ and collection of poetry. Abeokuta Grammar School where he became and Princeton in addition to others from Among them: ‘Mandela’s Earth and Other a prodigious collector of literary prizes Eastern and Western Europe. Ghana International School 5 In other public policy work, he was President of The International Theatre Institute in Paris, GHANA President of International Parliament of Writers INTERNATIONAL and UNESCO Ambassador for the Promotion of African Culture, Human Rights and Freedom of SCHOOL Expression. He has taught and given lectures at many Board of Directors Management Team Universities around the world including the Mr. Kwame Pianim Dr. Mary Ashun Obafemi Awolowo University, University Chairman Acting Principal of Ibadan, University of Ghana, Cambridge University, Cornell University, Harvard, Princeton, Mr. Josiah W. Ampiah Mr. Frank Amponsah- Mensah Yale, Columbia, Emory University in Atlanta and Member Director Vice Principal, Upper Secondary Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. He Mrs. Estelle Appiah Ms. Ida Abbeyquaye has also held faculty lectures in The Middle East, Member Director Assistant to Vice Principal, Lower South America, Caribbean and Asia and was a Secondary Professor Florence Dolphyne BBC World Service Reith Lecturer. Director Mrs. Mary Ocansey Vice Principal, Junior School On his 80th birthday partly celebrated in Accra, Mr. Kofi Kwakwa Ghana, two African leaders - Presidents Paul Director Ms. Heidi Owu Kagame of Rwanda, John Mahama of Ghana and Vice Principal, Infant School Ms. Maame Hagan Former President John Agyekum Kufuor (Ghana) Director Mr. Alfred Ayer and scores of others including Ministers of State, Financial Controller Diplomats and Writers honored him at the State Mrs. Augusta Cameron Banquet Hall when the book, ‘Crucible of the Director Mr. James Nkansah IT Systems Manager Ages: Essays in Honour of Wole Soyinka’, edited Mrs. Sophia Amissah Laryea by Ivor Agyeman-Duah and Ogochukwu Promise Board Secretary Mrs. Deborah Tackie was launched as the most diversified anthology Development Manager ever in the career of Africa’s most famous Mrs. Sante Andah playwright, poet and human rights activist. Human Resources and Administration Manager Ms. Maxine Wall School Counsellor 6 Ghana International School PRINCIPAL’S ADDRESS

At the end of this splendid academic year musical “In The Heights” to our National at Ghana International School, I am not Theatre, reminding us that relationships only delighted, but also overwhelmed and community are critical to our lives. by the excellence you have consistently In so many profound ways, this year has displayed all year. Seated here amongst seen our students mature. And in other us, are thinkers, dreamers and doers… and insightful ways, it has been a pleasure for n behalf of Mrs. Nyatepe-Coo, the today, we celebrate all your achievements: your teachers and I, to enjoy the process Board of Directors, The School Academic, Social, Emotional, Athletic, and of your development with you. OManagement, Staff, Alumni and Artistic. Academically, you have added Friends of GIS, we welcome you to our 60th one more year to your thinking chart, As well, our school is being positively Speech & Prize Giving Day. This year, we exploring the Napoleonic Era, figuring out transformed in various ways. From the are honoured to welcome, Nobel laureate, how greenhouse gases affect the earth’s physical space that next year will welcome Professor Wole Soyinka, who continues atmosphere, using your French or Spanish a new Form 1 - 3 block, a state of the art to entreat us to be change agents of our to explore literary works, and perhaps multi-purpose hall and a new Primary continent. We will forever be grateful for reworking Fermat’s last theorem! You School canteen, to our internal learning the time he has taken to be with us today. have made lasting friendships, endured spaces; we are excited at the changes I also extend a hearty thank you to Mr. Ivor canteen food and participated in events that will herald an even greater focus on Agyeman Duah, for his lobbying efforts in like the UN Day. Perhaps you were one teaching and learning. making Professor Soyinka’s presence here of those who brought the award winning a reality. Ye Daase! Ghana International School 7 We will direct much of our energies to loaded. Concerns about health and safety, and Mr. Odoom, HOD of Chemistry. We teacher support: through professional loss (in handling physical cash) and speed know there are many ways in which development in order to increase the of service will be addressed by this new students will remember you - we wish opportunities our teachers have, to system. We trust that parents will also you all, every success in the next phase continuously develop new skills, and be thrilled that they will now have a way of your lives, and hope that retirement enhance existing ones. Inherently, we of monitoring and managing how our will be very rewarding! Thank you for the know that a critical determinant of student students manage their money. time you spent with our students, and the success... is the teacher, and we plan commitment you showed in, and out of, In the new Form 1 - 3 block, specialized to keep providing all the support, and class. You were an integral part of all the classrooms for Math and Geography will resources they need to ensure that we all successes GIS has experienced. On behalf make learning far more hands-on with get to enjoy the best learning experience of the board of directors, staff, parents and the expectation that once understanding possible. students, we applaud and thank you! Of is increased, motivation to participate great sadness to us, was the loss of our We also want to encourage more parents in, and excel in, external competitions beloved teacher, Mr. Gordon Atitsogbui, to visit our classrooms as ‘visiting experts’ like MISE, and the Math Olympiad, will whose death occurred earlier this term. and we trust that those in the fields of increase so that we have more than one May his soul rest in peace. technology, science, literature and other student from GIS representing Ghana at disciplines, will consider volunteering to the Math Olympiad! This July, our very Now…..to our Graduates, we are very spend a day or two with our teachers, and own Alexander Bechtold will be heading proud of you! their students. out to Singapore to do just that; we wish For their tertiary development, the him the very best; we are already proud On the co-curricular front, opportunities graduating class of 2015, mostly focused of his achievements, and know that he will to expand one’s worldview, are coming on North American colleges this year, continue to shine! your way: every student will be privileged with a fair number choosing the United to be given a volunteer passport, which Change in any environment is as inevitable, Kingdom as a main, or alternative choice. will document each student’s community as growth is to any organism. The end of Canada was another destination of choice service, as evidence of their commitment this year will bring some growing pains – and contrary to what you might think… to help those who are less fortunate. in the form of departing students, as …..I did NOT have anything to do with this! well as some very special mentors: Mr. Our Secondary School canteen will be In total, there are 87 students in the 2015 Adinyira, HOD of the Social Studies Dept, cashless in September; each student will graduating class. 62 students applied to Mrs. Joseph of the Literature Department, be given a card on which money can be universities in North America, 26 students 8 Ghana International School applied to the United Kingdom, 2 applied and school expenses with an amount store with ‘Adwen Asa’...a kente design that to Webster University in Switzerland, and leftover for personal expenses. The was so called because legend has it that 24 applied to Ghanaian Universities. amounts for financial aid ranged from the chief, for whom it was made, declared $1,000 (CAD) to as much as USD$ 80,000 that there could be no more skill left, after Our graduates performed very well in the per year, for the four year program. To such a beautiful cloth had been woven...it SAT and ACT tests, and achieved high date, the total financial aid and scholarship was simply, too beautiful. Adwen Asa, 4 marks in both examinations. packages for the students is USD$ 1,273,677 yards for $4.99. I wondered who’d thought I’m pleased to announce that our and $23,000 (CAD) per year, for the four so little of this valuable cloth to have sent acceptances span Yale University, year programme. Congratulations! it there, and also of the one who probably University of Pennsylvania, in the retrieved it from the trash bag that it had Let me share a true story: United States, Queens University, McGill been delivered in, to the one who slapped University, University of British Columbia Several years ago, one of my children had that price tag on it. 4 yards of ‘Adwen Asa ‘ in Canada, Universities of Bristol, a dress up day at school and wanted to for $4.99! Something of so little value to Loughborough and Warwick in the United go as a Ninja Pirate. This pirate had to others was of immense value to me. I Kingdom and many more. Courses to wear an apparently green costume which had no reason not to buy it….so I did...and be studied include Law, Engineering, was no normal green. So, I searched high promptly made something out of it! Ninja Medicine, Biochemistry, Biomedical and low for this green, each time being green was eventually found and I was glad Sciences, Economics, Journalism, Creative told categorically, by this child of mine, that I had had the patience not to give up Writing, Psychology, Interior Design, Fine that it wasn’t the right green. Eventually, on that special green! Arts, Publishing Studies, Political Science, I decided to try a thrift store called Value Now I ask you….. Which experiences at Management Information Studies, Village. On entering the store, I noticed GIS, are of much value to you? It could International Relations, Entrepreneurship, a very bright fabric hanging on a rack in be friendships; mentoring from teachers; Business Management and others. I am the far right corner. I walked gingerly to strong academic grades; an opportunity looking forward to the day when I’m able the rack, knowing full well what I was to express yourself in the arts; Uncle to add Education to this list of disciplines. gunning for, but incredulous because Stephen’s Khebabs: Whatever it is….. Value We need more great teachers! :) such fabric did not belong on a rack at those things and don’t let anyone treat the back of a thrift store in a small town This year the financial aid and scholarship them lightly. No matter how long you in Southern Ontario! It was Kente, and packages continue to be significant. have been at GIS, I am sure that you will although I came into the store looking So far two students have received full never forget the amazing time you have for pirate green fabric, I walked out of the scholarships that totally covered tuition, spent on this our storied campus. And Ghana International School 9 as you leave to chart new paths, I hope our school song will forever play in your hearts. ‘Understanding of Each Other’ indeed sums up our ethos as a school… and whether you study in North America, Europe, Africa or elsewhere, our school motto is a guiding light for you. This afternoon, we are celebrating you in a fashion that will bring back awesome memories, and for those of you who have been at GIS for what seems like forever, those memories may bring tears to your eyes. You are a fortunate group of young men and women, to have such interesting memories. Value them. Cherish them. Hold them dear, and true, in your hearts. Whether you see each other again or not, realize that what you did have here together, is altogether precious. And we are grateful to have been a part of it…

Congratulations! Dr. Mary Ashun Acting Principal CLASS OF

10 Ghana International School 2015 Ghana International School 11 CLASS OF 2015

ACQUAYE, Ivy M. ADDO, Jeannette ADIAMAH, Karyn ADJIDJONU, Thelma ADU-AMANKWAH, ADUSU, Aseye AFEAWO, Elikem Koleki Takyi

AGBETTOR, Ohui AGYEMAN, Nathacia AKINYOSOYE, AKOTO, Anthony B. AMPEH-DEI, Alfred ANSA, Mustafa ARYEE-BOI, Malaika Ayomide

ASANTE, Phoebe BAITIE, Bassam BAKU, Theodora BEDU-ADDO, Kow BLANKSON, Kevin BOATENG, Kofi BOATENG, Marcus Agyekum

12 Ghana International School CLASS OF 2015

BUNYAN, Samuel CODJOE, Conrad DADEY, Rudolph DANSO, Elizabeth DONKOR, Pearl DONKOR, Stephanie DOWUONA- M. HAMMOND, Joel

ELIZABETH, Alison FORSON, Jaison GENFI, Karl GENFI, Papa GRAHAM, Samuella GRANT, William HARDCASTLE, Aidan

HINGORANI, Siddharth JAISINGH, Shaheen KAMDAR, Jash KANBONNABAH, KYEREMATENG, Nana Afua LARYEA, Kessel LARYEA, Mary- Wehpia Afrakuma Rachelle

Ghana International School 13 CLASS OF 2015

MAKSHA, Blessing MALINUR, Lea MANTEY, Eunice MASHUD, Chief MENSAH, Paa Kwesi MFUM, Michael MOSSRICH, Samuel Shaibu

NAGARAJAN, NANEMEH, Enam NELSON, Jamie NWOSU, Martin OBENG, Leonard OBESE-JECTY, Ama ODDOYE, George Chandrasekar Jeremy

OLU-LUTHERKING, OREVAOGHENE, ORLEANS-LINDSAY, OSAFO, Denis O. OSEI-BONSU, Justina- OWUSU-BOATENG, OWUSU, Adwoa G Olajoju Jemima Nana Araba Cheryl Nana Afua 14 Ghana International School CLASS OF 2015

OWUSUA, Denise POTIN, Gordon SACKEY, Kow-Acquah SAFO-DUODU, SHARMA, Nikita STEPHENS, Stephanie TAGOE, Nii Ofei Abena K.

TETTEY, Christopher VIRINDANI, Sanjeet WADEE, Esi WADHWANI, Neetu WOODE, Cecil YEBOAH, Nana Kofi

Ghana International School 15 PREFECTS 2014/2015

Ist Row: Right: Nana Kow-Acquah Sackey Left: Jemimah Orevaoghene 2nd Row: Right: Rudolph Dadey Left: Nana Afua Kyeremateng 3rd Row: Right: Pearl Donkor Middle: Neta Parsram Left: Adoma Boateng 4th Row: Right: Christopher Tettey Middle Alfred Dei-Ampeh Left: Kow Bedu-Addo

16 Ghana International School Students’ Representative Council 2014/2015 Standing “ from Left: Fergus Murray, Nana Ama Ampofo-Tenkorang, Iman Ali, Nana Seiwaa Osei- Afriyie, Samuel Ntim- Addae and Karl Genfi (Seated)

Ghana International School 17 SUBJECT PRIZES: Yeboender Enterprise Prize for Art ADUSU, Aseye Adzo Yeboender Enterprise Prize for Art GRAHAM, Samuella PwC Prize for Accounting KAMDAR, Jash Nestle Ghana Prize for Biology SHARMA, Nikita Lancaster University Prize for Geography AFEAWO, Ron Elikem Fairgreen Prize for Applied ICT AKOTO, Anthony Bafuor Databank Prize for Business Studies ADDO, Jeannette Palmers’ Green Prize for Sociology SAFO-DUODU, Abena FON Ltd. Prize for Modern Languages- French MALINUR, Lea FON Ltd. Prize for Modern Languages- French (AS) ARYEE-BOI, Malaika ZOE GADEGBEKU Prize for English Literature OREVAOGENE, Jemima GIS Prize for History OREVAOGENE, Jemima Tropical Cable & Conductors Prize for Physics NAGARAJAN, Chandrasekar GIS Prize for Chemistry NAGARAJAN, Chandrasekar Ecobank Prize for Economics NAGARAJAN, Chandrasekar Standard Chartered Bank Prize for Mathematics NAGARAJAN, Chandrasekar UPPER Standard Chartered Bank Devika Ray Prize for NAGARAJAN, Chandrasekar Mathematics Sixth Form

18 Ghana International School HONOUR ROLL UPPER SIXTH FORM

NO. NAME CATEGORY 1 OREVAOGHENE, Jemimah ARTS 2 MALINUR, Lea Jennifer Nnkolila ARTS 3 OBESE-JECTY, Ama Kogua ARTS 4 SAFO-DUODU, Abena Konadu Titi ARTS

1 SHARMA, Nikita BUSINESS 2 SACKEY, Nana Kow- Acquah BUSINESS 3 ADU-AMANKWAH, Stephen Takyi BUSINESS

1 NAGARAJAN, Chandrasekar SCIENCE 2 BEDU-ADDO, Kow Boi Amoagor SCIENCE 3 KAMDAR, JASH AJAY SCIENCE 4 JAISINGH, Shaheen Jagdish SCIENCE 5 ARYEE-BOI, Malaika SCIENCE 6 AMPEH, Alfred Dei SCIENCE

Ghana International School 19 AWARD WINNERS FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS 2014/2015 ACADEMIC YEAR

FORM GIRLS BOYS 1 Zaneta Otoo Momodou Jaime Senghor 2 Elizabeth Efia Awuah Kwabena Kwakwa 3 Amanda Awoenam Ami Bosso Ekow Bentsil-Enchil 4 Jessica Otoo Tyron Jason Nii Odartey Wulff 5 Michelle Kotey Julian Titus-Glover L6 Akosua Okoampah Alexander Bechtold U6 Neta Parsram Chief Mashud

Mingle Most Outstanding Sports Personalities of the Year GIRLS: Chelsea Mensah BOYS: Takyi Adu-Amankwah

Mingle Most Committed Sports Personalities of the Year GIRLS: Jessica Otoo BOYS: Fergus Murray

20 Ghana International School UPPER SECONDARY SPECIAL AWARDS Allied Oil Prize for Excellence (2010- Webster University Prize for Zoe- Rhema Best Library User Award 2015) Excellence at IGCSE Shail Patel (Students who maintained position on the (Candidates who achieved 6A* or Better at Estelle Appiah Award for Community Honour Roll for 4 to 5 years from 2011-2015; 2014 IGCSE Examinations) Service - Nikita Sharma Forms 1-5) 1. BECHTOLD, Alexander Goodrich Trucks Best Personality 1. NESARIKAR, Janhavi 2. DASWANI, Yash Award - Neta Parsram 2. MURRAY, Fergus 3. OTENG-GYASI, Barbara IPMC Best Prefect Award-2014 3. KESSIE, Serwaa 4. AGARWAL, Aadhar Jemima Orevaoghene 4. SADALAGE, Aditya Praveen 5. ALLOTEY, Ben Elliot Databank Leadership Award 5. BHATIA, Muskan 6. AWASTHI, Akshaj Jemima Orevaoghene 6. NEEQUAYE, Lenry 7. MANCHELLA, Kushaal Bharadwaj Jones Aboagye Scholar of the Year 8. BOBIE, Yasmin (Business) - Nikita Sharma Goodrich Trucks Prize for 9. GBEDEMAH, Zulfiya Emefa Academic Excellence Kwame and Cornelia Pianim Scholar of 10. HARI, Simardeep Singh (Students who maintained position the Year Award(Arts) 11. ZAGLOUL, Yelena on the Honour roll for 6-7 years from Jemima Orevaoghene 2009-2015; Forms 1- Upper 6) GIS Prize for Best SRC Representative Kwame and Cornelia Pianim Scholar of 1. NAGARAJAN, Chandrasekar 2014/2015 the Year Award (Science) Fergus Murray Chandrasekar Nagarajan 2. KAMDAR, Jash 3. SHARMA, Nikita Goodrich Trucks Prize for Best Personality GIS Alumni Student of the Year Award Jemima Orevaoghene 5. BOATENG, Adoma (Voted by Students) 4. OREVAOGHENE, Jemima Form 4 -AKOTO, Angela Abena Sangu Delle Prize for Social Entrepreneurship 6. OBESE-JECTY, Ama Form 5 - NESARIKAR, Janhavi Form Lower 6 - OTOO, Cyril Justin BLANKSON, Kevin Kwame DADEY, Rudolph

Ghana International School 21 ACQUAYE, Ivy Marilyn Naa Adorkor ADDO, Jeannette ADIAMAH, Karyn Koleki ADJIDJONU, Thelma Afua ADU-AMANKWAH, Takyi ADUSU, Aseye Adzo AFEAWO, Elikem AGBETTOR, Ohui Nyadubea

GHANA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL AGYEMANG, Nathacia Nana Ama AKINYOSOYE, Ayomide AKOTO, Anthony Baffour Osei Upper AMPEH-DEI, Alfred Kwabena ANSA, Mustafa ARYEE-BOI, Malaika Naa Lamley ASANTE, Phoebe Ohemah Sixth Form BAITIE, Bassam BAKU, Theodora BEDU-ADDO, Kow Boi Amoagor Graduating BLANKSON, Kevin Kwame BOATENG, Adoma G. Class of 2015 BOATENG, Kofi Agyekum BOATENG, Marcus

22 Ghana International School BRUCE-TAGOE, Nii Ofei KASSARDJAN, Karl ORLEANS-LINDSAY, Nana Araba Gyaanua BUDHRANI, Jahan KATOCH, Arindam OSAFO, Denis Asante BUNYAN, Samuel Ebenezer KYEREMATENG, Nana Afua Afrakuma OSEI-BONSU, Justina-Cheryl CODJOE, Conrad LARYEA, Kessel Joel OWUSU, Adwoa Gyamfuaa DADEY, Rudolph LARYEA, Mary-Rachelle OWUSU, Lesley Anne DANSO, Elizabeth MAHAMA, Khalid OWUSUA, Denise Akua DARKO, Herschel Ludwig MAKSHA, Blessing OWUSU-BOATENG, Nana Afua DONKOR, Pearl MALINUR, Lea PARSRAM, Neta DONKOR, Stephanie Maame Yaa MANTEY, Eunice POTIN, Gordon DOWUONA-HAMMOND, Joel MASHUD, Chief Shaibu SACKEY, Nana Kow-Acquah ELIZABETH, Alison MENSAH, Paa Kwesi Anamua SAFO-DUODU, Abena Konadu Titilola FORSON-DANSO, Jaison Nana Kwabena MFUM, Michael SHARMA, Nikita GENFI, Karl MOSSRICH, Samuel STEPHENS, Stephanie Naa Korkoi GENFI, Nana Kofi NAGARAJAN, Chandrasekar TETTEY, Christopher GRAHAM, Samuella NANEMEH, Enam VIRINDANI, Sanjeet GRANT, William NELSON, Jamie Padu WADEE, Esi Kobi GUPTA, Sahej NWOSU, Martin WADHWANI, Neetu HARDCASTLE, Aidan OBENG, Leonard WOOD, Cecil Esem HINGORANI, Siddharth OBESE-JECTY, Ama YEBOAH, Nana Kofi Biggel JAISINGH, Shaheen ODDOYE, George Jeremy KAMDAR, Jash OLU-LUTHERKING, Olajoju KANBONNABAH, Wehpia OREVAOGHENE, Jemima

Ghana International School 23 Ghana International School Brief History

n the early part of 1955, Mrs. Kathleen then working with the Social Welfare General of the Gold Coast, Sir Charles Lines, wife of the then General Manager Department, Dr. Kofi George Konuah, also Arden Clarke, laid the foundation stone for Iof the Graphic Company, formed an educationist, working with the Public the construction of the main block of the an international school committee of Service Commission, Mr. Edward James permanent building and in January 1957 leading personalities within the Ghanaian Bailey of the United Africa Company of the the buildings were occupied. community. This was in response to the Gold Coast and his wife, Mrs. Valerie Bailey. After the Gold Coast gained her need for setting up a permanently-run Membership of the committee was later independence in 1957, the name of school that would always be there for expanded to include the Indian High the school was changed to Ghana children of different races and creeds; Commissioner, The American and French International School (GIS). By 1958 GIS a school that would not only serve the Vice-Consuls to the Gold Coast. had become internationally known due international community but also local to its outstanding Common Entrance needs. The Gold Coast International School was Examination results. In 1963 GIS presented opened on 1st September, 1955 at the The members of the committee were: Sir. its first batch of “O” level candidates for the Legion Hall with 38 pupils in two primary Kobena Arku Korsah and Justice Edward University of London GCE Examinations, classes and Mrs. Ellen Strong as its first Akuffo-Addo, both justices of the Supreme and in September 1987 the Sixth Form Headmistress. Court of the Gold Coast, Dr. Lusty of the course was introduced. University College of the Gold Coast In January 1956 the school moved into The appointment of Mrs. Judith Sawyerr (now University of Ghana, Legon), Mr. the building at No. 19 Second Circular as Principal on 1st January, 1986 saw Kenneth Humphreys, first registrar of the Road, which could accommodate 200 the modernisation of the school in West African Examinations Council, Dr. children. It now houses the Art and Music terms of staff recruitment, infrastructural Ruby Quartey-Papafio an educationist Department in the Primary School. On development and material resources. 29th October, 1956, the first Governor- 24 Ghana International School A year after taking charge, Mrs. Sawyerr In 2002, Mrs. Sawyerr stepped down as she has enhanced communication dissolved class seven (7) and decided that Principal prompting a series of changes with parents and the community. at the beginning of every September, one at management level. From April 2002 to She is also using technology to drive Junior School class would relocate to December 2002, an Interim Management transformational teaching and learning in the Secondary School compound. This Team was formed, after which Mr. John the school. The school has a population continued until there was a new Secondary Filby took up the helm from January of 1414 students from Nursery to Upper Campus. 2003 to August 2004. He was followed Sixth Form, and its international status swiftly by Mr. Thomas Hunt who served is truly reflected in the over 58 different Between 1986 and 2002 major as Principal from September 2004 to June nationalities represented amongst the developments in infrastructure included 2005, before the current Principal, Mrs. faculty and student body. the Secondary School Administration Block Diana Nyatepe-Coo took over the post. which was named after Mr. Modjabeng After years of application and hard work, Dowuona, who was a Board Chairman of In 2011, a new Sixth Form Block was GIS officially received accreditation the school. There was the commissioning built by the school and houses the office status from NEASC in December of a new Nursery Block and Junior of the Upper Secondary Vice-Prinicpal, 2007 and CIS in January 2008. This School library. This was followed by the Form Five, Lower and Upper Sixth From makes GIS the first school in Ghana commissioning on 8th December 1995 of classrooms and the school’s server and to be certified and accredited by both the Secondary School Resource Centre data rooms. More recent infrastructural the Council of International Schools which comprised of a library, modern developments include a brand new half (CIS) and New England Association of language laboratory, a senior computer Olympic-Size swimming pool, “baby” Schools and Colleges (NEASC). In 2013, laboratory and a film room. In addition, pool and student walkway. representatives of CIS and NEASC visited a new computer laboratory was built on Ghana International School to evaluate The school has began work on a three- the Junior School campus. These facilities the progress made in the past five years of storey Lower Secondary Block which were commissioned to commemorate the the school’s accreditation. Known as the comprises 12 classrooms, offices, a music 40th anniversary of the school. five year accreditation review, the school studio, drama studio and multi-purpose received the accrediting bodies’ stamp of During that time, Ghana International gym. approval, with a member of the team, Mr. School did not only experience Given that the current principal is on an Michael Popinchalk referring to the school developments. New subjects like extended study leave, Dr. Mary Ashun as one of Africa’s “best kept secrets” Economics, Business Studies, Sociology currently serves as the Acting Principal. and Further Mathematics were also During the 2014/2015 Academic year, introduced to the curriculum. Ghana International School 25 Guiding Statements Our Motto: “Understanding of each other” Our Vision: “A highly respected school, locally and internationally recognised, providing excellent education in a multi- cultural setting that produces responsible global citizens” Our Mission: “To provide an internationally diverse school experience that instils an understanding of each other, promotes holistic development, life skills and learning through a rigorous curriculum that meets international standards”

26 Ghana International School Our Educational Objectives:

1. To maintain a high academic 2. To promote positive personal 4. To develop a positive educational standard that: values that: facility that: • Delivers a broad curriculum that draws • Cultivate integrity in students; • Provides a nurturing, secure, clean and from various teaching methods, with friendly learning environment where • Prepare students to become English as the language of instruction; students can grow intellectually, socially, responsible, creative, self reliant and emotionally and physically; • Offers the students opportunities to productive members of the global • Provides sufficient resources to create develop lively, enquiring minds and community; and maintain a stimulating learning independent thinking; • Encourage effective teamwork; environment. • Encourages participation in co- • Foster a lifelong love of learning. 5. To promote understanding of and curricular activities; participation in global concerns 3. To ensure understanding of and • Provides opportunities and that: respect for diversity that: encouragement for the professional • Encourage students to regard the natural development of staff; • Provides students with opportunities world as their inheritance and their to share their cultures to promote • Identifies and meets the needs of responsibility; ‘understanding of each other’; students, except when student(s) • Recognise the need to protect and sustain special educational needs cannot be • Promotes knowledge and the local and global environment; met within the school’s resources; understanding of Ghana; • Foster a fundamental understanding of • Keeps abreast of trends in education • Promotes respect for other cultures, and respect for the rights and freedom and ensures that the curriculum beliefs, nationalities, gender and of each individual in our community and remains relevant and dynamic. persons with different abilities. the wider world in the spirit of the UN Declaration of Human Rights; • Encourage each student’s participation in community service. Adopted: May 2012 & (Revised: January, 2015) Ghana International School 27 GHANA National Anthem

God bless our homeland Ghana And make our nation great and strong Bold to defend forever The cause of freedom and of right Fill our hearts with true humility Make us cherish fearless honesty And help us to resist oppressors’ rule With all our will and might forever more.

28 Ghana International School Ghana International SCHOOL SONG

From all the countries of the earth, Of all the lessons we have learned, We come in turn to you The greatest one must be. Of different races, different creeds That all the peoples of the earth And different aspects too. Should live in harmony We learn together day by day, No need for war, no need for strife, In time our ways will part, For we can surely see, But with each one of us we’ll take The way towards a peaceful life Understanding of each other. Is understanding of each other

May we go out from this our school, In the glory of our youth. And be prepared to live our lives, With courage , honour and truth. And as the days pass one by one May we be made to see, The greatest gift in life must be, Understanding of each other.

Ghana International School 29 ThankThank YouYou toto ourour ValuedValued SponsorsSponsors forfor supporting supporting our our 2014/2015 2014/2015 Annual Annual Speech, Speech, Prize Prize Giving Giving & & UpperUpper Sixth Sixth Form Form Graduation Graduation Day. Day.

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Prize Sponsors: Prize Sponsors: Prize Sponsors: Prize Sponsors:

Goodrich Trucks Ltd Mrs. Estelle Appiah Yeboender Ent. Ltd GoodrichGoodrich Trucks Trucks Ltd Ltd Mrs.Mrs. Estelle Estelle Appiah Appiah  YeboenderSanguYeboender Delle Ent. Ent. Ltd Ltd Goodrich Trucks Ltd Mrs. Estelle Appiah Yeboender Ent. Ltd Kwame & Cornelia Pianim Palmers Green Zoe Gadegbeku Kwame & Cornelia Pianim Palmers Green ZoeKwameKwame Gadegbeku & & Cornelia Cornelia Pianim Pianim PalmersPalmersMingle Green Green Sportswear Shop ZoeZoeR &Gadegbeku GadegbekuB Sports Ltd Mr. Jones Aboagye Mingle Sportswear Shop R & B Sports Ltd Mr. Jones Aboagye Goodrich Trucks Ltd Mrs. Estelle Appiah YeboenderMingleMingle Sportswear Ent.Sportswear Ltd Shop Shop RR & & B B Sports Sports Ltd Ltd Mr.Mr. Jones Jones Aboagye Aboagye Goodrich Trucks Ltd Mrs. Estelle Appiah Yeboender Ent. Ltd Media Sponsors: Goodrich Trucks Ltd Mrs. Estelle Appiah YeboenderKwame Ent. Ltd & Cornelia Pianim Palmers Green Goodrich TrucksZoe Gadegbeku Ltd Mrs. Estelle Appiah Yeboender Ent. Ltd Media Sponsors: Kwame & Cornelia Pianim Palmers Green Zoe Gadegbeku Kwame & Cornelia Pianim Palmers Green Zoe GadegbekuMingle Sportswear Shop R & B Sports LtdKwame & CorneliaMr. Jones PianimAboagye Palmers Green Zoe Gadegbeku MediaMedia Sponsors: Sponsors: Mingle Sportswear Shop R & B Sports Ltd Mr. Jones Aboagye Mingle Sportswear Shop R & B Sports Ltd Mr. Jones Aboagye Mingle Sportswear Shop R & B Sports Ltd Mr. Jones Aboagye Media Sponsors: Goodrich Trucks Ltd Mrs. Estelle Appiah Yeboender Ent. Ltd GoodrichMedia Trucks Sponsors: Ltd Mrs. Estelle Appiah Yeboender Ent. Ltd Media Sponsors: Media Sponsors: Kwame & Cornelia Pianim Palmers Green Zoe GadegbekuKwame & Cornelia Pianim Palmers Green Zoe Gadegbeku Mingle Sportswear Shop R & B Sports Ltd Mr. JonesMingle Aboagye Sportswear Shop R & B Sports Ltd Mr. Jones Aboagye Ghana International School Media Sponsors: 30 Media Sponsors: ACCESS BANK (GHANA) LIMITED - CORPORATE PROFILE

WHO WE ARE Access Bank Ghana is a full service commercial bank licensed by the Bank of Ghana to carry out universal banking services. We are reputed as one of the fastest growing in the industry today having demonstrated consistent growth in our financial performance over the past five years.

Through our banking business, we support the economy to prosper, enable businesses to thrive and help people to fulfill their hopes and financial aspirations. The bank serves over 280,000 customers through 44 office locations using four business segments; Corporate Banking, Commercial Banking, Business Banking, Personal Banking of which Private Banking is a major plank. As part of our long term strategy, we strive to deliver sustainable economic growth that is profitable, environmentally responsible and socially relevant.

HISTORY In 2009, Access Bank opened its first branch office in Ghana with a strategic focus in corporate banking. With a vision of becoming one of the “Most Respected Banks in Ghana”, we have grown our banking business to rank amongst the top 10 banks in the country.

The Bank in 2012 merged its operations with the erstwhile Intercontinental Bank (“IBG”) to achieve the required scale and coverage needed to serve the growing Ghanaian retail market. Today, we have built the requisite strength and skills in corporate banking and are applying this expertise to the retail banking market.

SHAREHOLDERS The Bank’s parent company, Access Bank Plc, is the majority shareholder in our operations. Access Bank Plc is ranked amongst the top 20 banks in Africa by assets and capital. Both the Ghana and Nigerian franchise have shareholding from multi-lateral agencies including Netherland Development Finance Company (FMO), International Finance Company (IFC) and PROPARCO

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION The bank’s continuous investment in its operations and people has ensured that Access is well positioned to meet the growing banking needs of its customers and stakeholders. Over the years the strong presence of the bank has earned it various recognitions; most notable among them are “Bank of the Year 2013”; “Best Bank in Corporate Social Responsibility”; 1st and 2nd runners up in the “Enterprise Finance” and “Household Finance” categories respectively at the 13th Ghana Banking Awards. Previous awards by the Ghana Banking awards include Best Growing Bank 2012, Most Socially Responsible Bank, Best Bank in Agric Financing and Best Bank in Agric Financing all in 2010. Other notable awards include the GIPC recognition as a member of the Ghana Club 100 in 2013 and the Top Emerging Brand (Banking Industry) in 2013 by Premier Brands.