Motto: Dieu Le Veut, Ut Sint Unum: God wishes that all may be one
In case you’ve been following the National Science and Maths Quiz, you will notice that up until Thursday the girls from Oduom also known as students from St Louis were tipped as favourites to be the first Girls’ school to enter the finals and win it.
While this dream remains unfulfilled, St. Louis School continues to maintain its reputation as one of the best all-female second-cycle institutions in Ghana.
St. Louis School traces its roots back to 1952 when St. Louis Secondary was opened with just 12 girls. These 12 young women were the pioneers, and their legacy would set the stage for the school’s future. By December 1957, only 11 of them remained to write their “O” Level Examination, illustrating the challenges they faced. But from these humble beginnings, a remarkable journey began.
In 1960, the Ministry of Education wished for the Sisters to open a Training College on the school’s site. That same year, a change-over took place, and St. Louis Secondary School moved to its present location. This new chapter was marked by the laying of the foundation stone by the late Otumfuo Osei Agyemang Prempeh II, Asantehene, on March 25, 1960, a day of significance, the feast of Annunciation. The stone was blessed by Rt. Rev. Andrew van den Bronk (SMA), the then Bishop of Kumasi.
In the same year, the school introduced a Sixth Form Arts class with five students. In 1964, the Administration Block was constructed and dedicated to the “Annunciation.”
The school’s expansion continued with more buildings, including a picturesque library complex. The delightful training in music and singing became a cherished tradition, as did memorable drama performances.
The early 1970s marked an inclusive move as the school began admitting boys into the Sixth Form. Though this ended in the early 1980s due to control issues, it enriched the quality of students turned out by the school.
Patricia Appiagyei – Politician
Patricia Appiagyei is a trailblazer in Ghanaian politics. Born on November 28, 1956, she has shattered numerous glass ceilings, serving as a Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister and achieving the distinction of being the first female Mayor of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly.
She is the Member of Parliament (MP) in the Seventh Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana and the 8th Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana, representing Asokwa Constituency. She is also the Deputy Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (Ghana)
Anne Amuzu – Computer Scientist and Entrepreneur
Anne Amuzu is a shining example of a woman excelling in technology and entrepreneurship. Anne Amuzu is a Ghanaian computer scientist. Along with co-founders Edward Amartey-Tagoe and Michael Kwame Dakwa, they established Nandimobile Limited– a technology company founded in Ghana in June 2010 that’s transforming how businesses interact and manage their end-customers efficiently.
Anne was named one of the “10 Female Techpreneurs to Watch.” This recognition showcased her potential to shape the future of technology in Ghana and beyond,
Elizabeth Adjei – Diplomat
Elizabeth Adjei has had an illustrious career in diplomacy and immigration. In September 2002, Elizabeth Adjei made history by becoming the Director of the Ghana Immigration Service. Her appointment to this prestigious position was groundbreaking, as she became the first woman to hold such a significant role in the department. In 2015, Elizabeth Adjei was appointed as Ghana’s Ambassador to Spain, where she represented her country on the international stage. After the New Patriotic Party came into power, her mandate as ambassador was renewed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for 3 years.
Yvonne Nduom –Business Executive
Yvonne Nduom is a prominent public figure in Ghana, celebrated not just for her role as the wife of a political leader, Paa Kwesi Nduom but also for her exceptional contributions to the country’s hospitality industry.
As the Executive Chairperson of Coconut Grove Hotels, she has left an indelible mark on the sector. Yvonne Nduom serves as the Executive Chairperson of Coconut Grove Hotels, a renowned name in the Ghanaian hospitality industry.
In 2012, she received the prestigious Lifetime Award in Hospitality Investment from the Ghana Tourism Authority.
Yvonne is married to Paa Kwesi Nduom with four children, Nana Kweku Nduom, Edjah Kweku Nduom, Chief Nduom, and Nana Aba Nduom.
Ablah Dzifa Gomashie – Actress, Producer, Screen Scriptwriter, and Politician
Ablah Dzifa Gomashie is a veteran actress, producer, and screen scriptwriter, known for her outstanding contributions to Ghana’s entertainment industry.
Beyond the stage and screen, Ablah Dzifa Gomashie ventured into politics. She served as the Deputy Minister of Tourism during the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) term in office from 2013 to 2017 when John Dramani Mahama was president.
Hon. Dzifa Gomashie’s involvement in politics extends to her current position as the parliamentary candidate of the NDC in the Ketu South Constituency. In addition to her acting, political, and production roles, Dzifa Gomashie holds the distinguished title of a queen-mother in the Aflao Traditional Area.
Lydia Forson – Actress, Writer, and Producer
Lydia Forson is a multi-talented artist with a remarkable career as an actress, writer, entrepreneur and producer. In 2010, Lydia Forson achieved a significant milestone in her career when she won the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.
At the age of nine, her family relocated to Ghana, where she continued her education at Akosombo International School. She also attended St. Louis Secondary School in Kumasi, where she completed her secondary education.
Dr. Margaret Ivy Amoakohene – Academic and Diplomat
Dr Margaret Ivy Amoakohene is well known in Ghana’s academic and diplomatic circles, having excelled in governance, academia, and diplomacy. One of her notable roles was serving as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Canada during the administration of President John Agyekum Kufour.
In the academic sphere, Margaret Ivy Amoakohene has held the position of senior lecturer and has assumed the role of acting director of the School of Communication Studies at the University of Ghana, Legon.
Margaret Ivy Amoakohene currently serves as a member of the Council of State.
Abena Dugan – Youth and Gender Advocate
A Ghanaian youth and gender advocate, Abena Dugan was elected vice chair in charge of Partnership and Resources of the Commonwealth Youth Council in 2018, making her the first female and Ghanaian to hold the position.
Her work focuses on empowering youth and addressing gender-related issues, both of which are vital in shaping the future of nation.
Ruth Ama Gyan-Darkwa
Ruth Ama Gyan-Darkwa is a Ghanaian academic prodigy and the youngest student to be admitted to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi.
She continued to shatter records by becoming the youngest person ever admitted to the University of New Mexico at the doctoral level in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Afia Schwarzenegger
Ghanaian media personality, Afia Schwarzenegger, also known as Valentina Nana Agyeiwaa is also considered an old student of St. Louis. She was the host of Okay FM‘s morning show Yewo krom and UTV Ghana‘s Kokooko show, The Afia Schwarzenegger Talk Show on ETV. Afia Schwa has also worked for TV Africa and Kasapa FM.
