ST. THOMAS AQUINAS SHS LAUNCHES 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
St. Thomas Aquinas Senior High School, Cantonments, Accra, on October 2, 2026, launched its 75th anniversary celebrations at the Christ the King Hall, Cantonments, Accra, in a colourful ceremony attended by government officials, clergy, parents, religious sisters, staff, students, Old Toms and other invited guests.
The event opened with an impressive parade by the St. Thomas Aquinas Police Band and Cadet Corps, followed by a cultural display by the Djoomo Dance Theatre. The 75th anniversary logo was also unveiled, setting the tone for the school’s year-long celebration.
The President of the Old Toms, Mr. Frederick Nii Noi Dowuona (OT 99), said the anniversary was a historic milestone and an opportunity to celebrate the school’s contribution to Ghana and the world. He said the greatest legacy of Aquinas was not only its buildings and achievements but also the values of faith, integrity and discipline instilled in generations of students.
He said the anniversary launch also marked the beginning of fundraising efforts to support the future development of the school. He appealed to Old Toms, parents, friends and other stakeholders to support the school in creating a better environment for the next generation.
The Headmaster, Rev. Fr. Dr. George Obeng Appah, said Catholic education at Aquinas was focused on forming young people in faith, truth, integrity and discipline. He said the school had produced men who had served Ghana in Parliament, the Church, medicine, law, business and other areas of national life.
He, however, noted that the growth in student population had not been matched by a corresponding expansion of infrastructure. He appealed for support to modernise the science laboratories, renovate dormitories and classrooms, establish a Science and Innovation Complex, and provide a fully equipped E-Library and ICT Centre.
The Chairman of the ceremony, Hon. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror (OT 90), Clerk to Parliament, described the anniversary as a homecoming and an opportunity to look back with gratitude, assess the present honestly and look ahead with purpose. He said since its establishment in 1952, St. Thomas Aquinas had contributed significantly to Ghana’s public service, business, academia, clergy and other areas of national life.
Hon. Ahumah Djietror stressed that education should go beyond academic achievement and must also develop character. He explained that integrity means doing what is right even when it is difficult or when nobody is watching, while discipline requires consistency, sacrifice and perseverance.
An address from the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp, was read on his behalf by Rev. Fr. Dr. Ebenezer Akesseh, Parish Priest of Christ the King Catholic Church, Cantonments. The Archbishop thanked God for the school’s contribution to Catholic education and said the anniversary was an opportunity to celebrate the lives shaped and values formed through Aquinas. He stressed that Catholic education must form the whole person, mind, heart, and spirit, and should produce not only intelligent graduates but people of character, faith, integrity, and responsibility. He encouraged students to use their knowledge and talents to serve others and contribute to the development of Ghana.
The Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, urged the students to uphold humility, integrity and discipline, saying these values were essential for responsible leadership and national development. He also called for the preservation of Ghana’s religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence. He announced that his football club, Steadfast, would donate GH¢100,000 to support the school’s Cadet Corps as part of the anniversary celebrations.
Sheikh Arimiyaw Shaibu, who represented the National Chief Imam, also delivered remarks at the ceremony. He commended the school for its contribution to education and national development and expressed appreciation for the cordial relationship between the different religious communities in Ghana.
He emphasised the importance of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and religious tolerance, noting that the presence of leaders and representatives from different faith backgrounds at the celebration reflected Ghana’s spirit of unity and peaceful religious relations.
The Guest of Honour, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament, congratulated the Aquinas community, particularly the Cadet Corps, for their impressive display. He reminded the students that education was not only about acquiring knowledge but also about preparing for life and learning how to serve society.
The Speaker commended the founders, teachers, parents, religious communities and Old Toms for their contribution to the school and encouraged the current students to recognise that the future of Aquinas was in their hands. He subsequently officially launched the 75th anniversary celebrations.
Among the dignitaries present were Hon. Clement Abas Apaak, Deputy Minister for Education, Prof. George Panyin Hagan, Nii Adote ODaawulu Sempe Akweman Mantse, and La Agbawe Mantse, Miyemliniaba Nii Adjei Asua Oweeni II. The ceremony also brought together clergy, religious sisters, staff, students, Old Toms and other invited guests.
Story by:
Thelma N.E. Impraim -Holm
Depsocom Accra
