Since Ghana became independent in 1957, only a few schools can proudly say that a student who once sat in their classrooms later became a President or Head of State of the Republic of Ghana.
As of 2025, only seven senior high schools in Ghana have produced men who have gone on to lead the country as Presidents
These schools are spread across the country and have inspired many students to aim for greatness.
1. Achimota School – Accra
Achimota School stands out as the top school that has produced the most presidents in Ghana’s history. Three of Ghana’s leaders went to Achimota: Edward Akufo-Addo, Jerry John Rawlings, and John Evans Atta Mills. Although Dr. Kwame Nkrumah also attended Achimota, he was part of the teacher training section, not the senior high school itself.
2. Ghana Secondary School (GHANASCO) – Tamale
GHANASCO is also proud to have trained two Ghanaian presidents. These are Dr. Hilla Limann, who served from 1979 to 1981, and John Dramani Mahama, who was president from 2012 to 2016 and returned to office in 2025.
3. Prempeh College – Kumasi
This famous boys’ school produced John Agyekum Kufuor, who was Ghana’s president from 2001 to 2009. Prempeh College is one of the most respected schools in the Ashanti Region.
4. Mfantsipim School – Cape Coast
Mfantsipim, one of the oldest schools in Ghana, trained Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia, who served as Prime Minister under Ghana’s Second Republic and is often listed among Ghana’s past presidents and leaders.
5. Opoku Ware School – Kumasi
Opoku Ware School also makes the list for producing General Fred Akuffo, who served briefly as Head of State after General Acheampong during the military era.
6. Adisadel College – Cape Coast
General Akwasi Afrifa, who was one of Ghana’s early military leaders and served as Head of State in the late 1960s, attended Adisadel College. This adds the school to the list of those that have produced national leaders.
7. Accra Academy – Accra
General Joseph Arthur Ankrah, who became Head of State after Ghana’s first coup in 1966, went to Accra Academy. This school is therefore part of the list of SHSs that have trained Ghana’s top leaders.
