As one of Ghana’s oldest girls’ schools, Holy Child School, Cape Coast, has spent decades raising young women who go on to lead in classrooms, courtrooms, hospitals, and beyond.
Students, old girls, and dignitaries gathered to celebrate the school’s 80th Anniversary Speech and Prize Giving Day, a moment that reflected both its history and its continued relevance in shaping confident and capable women.
Founded in 1946 by the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, the school began with a clear focus on providing quality education for girls at a time when opportunities for them were limited. From its early years, Holy Child combined academic training with discipline, character formation, and a strong sense of responsibility.
Over time, the school grew into one of Ghana’s most respected second-cycle institutions, producing generations of women who have contributed meaningfully across sectors. The motto, Facta Non Verba (Actions, Not Words), has remained a steady guide with less talk, more work.
In a country where women had to push steadily for space in leadership, science, governance, and the military, Holy Child girls have consistently stepped forward, often becoming the first to do so.
As the school marks its 80th anniversary, its legacy is tangible. It is visible in the women who have gone ahead and set the pace.
Check out this list of Holy Child old girls who have made history as firsts in their fields:
Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo
Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo was the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana. She continues to serve in academia and has played a key role in shaping higher education leadership in Ghana.
Joyce Bamford-Addo
Her Ladyship Joyce Bamford-Addo was the first female Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana and the first female Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana. She served in the judiciary for decades before moving into parliamentary leadership.
Marian Ewurama Addy
Prof Addy was the first Ghanaian woman to attain the rank of full Professor in Natural Sciences. She also became the first host of the National Science and Maths Quiz, bringing science education to a wider audience.
Dr. Mabel Banson
Dr Banson is the first female neurosurgeon in Ghana. She practices at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and represents a major milestone in specialist medical care.
Prof. Vera Ogeh Fiador
Prof Fiador is the first female President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG). She assumed office after decades of academic service at the University of Ghana. She is also Ghana’s first female full Professor of Finance.
Dr. Naa Dedei Tagoe
Dr Tagoe is Ghana’s first female Associate Professor in Photogrammetry. Her work sits within a highly technical and specialised scientific field.
Grace Ayensu-Danquah
Hon Dr Ayensu-Danquah is the first Ghanaian female colorectal surgeon. She combines medical practice with public service as a Member of Parliament and is also the first female MP for Esikado-Ketan.
Lt Cdr Priscilla Ami Dzokoto
Lt Cdr Priscilla Ami Dzokotois the first female Commanding Officer in the Ghana Navy. She is a member of the HOPSA 2004 year group.
Brigadier General Evelyn Vivian Abraham-Kwabiah
Brigadier General Evelyn Vivian Abraham-Kwabiah is the first female Commander of the 37 Military Hospital. She also serves as Acting Deputy Chief of Staff (Medical) of the Ghana Armed Forces.
Angela Dwamena-Aboagye
Angela Dwamena-Aboagye established the first shelter for battered women in Ghana. She also set up crisis, legal, and counselling centres to support survivors of abuse.
Dr. Mercy Nyamewaa Asiedu
Dr. Mercy Nyamewaa Asiedu is a Senior Research Scientist at Google Research and the inventor of the Callascope. Her work has helped advance cervical health screening globally.
Dr. Vanessa Aseye Atikpui
Dr Vanessa is a Ghanaian medical doctor and health advocate known for her work in public health and community outreach. She rose to prominence as one of the youngest graduates in her medical class, earning her medical degree at age 22 after studying at Dalian Medical University in China
Afi Amoro
Auntie Afi is a pioneer in Ghana’s event styling industry and the CEO of Jandel Ltd, the first Ghanaian-owned company to lead large-scale event decor at a national level. She is the only Ghanaian woman whose company has styled three presidential inaugurations, iconic corporate milestones, and traditional ceremonies across the country.
