“Beebe” whispers the wind through the acacia trees. This is St. Thomas Aquinas Senior High School. Right here on Cantonments Street in Accra.
St Thomas Aquinas Senior High School. A beacon of education since 1952. It began humbly. Fifty boys. A two-story house near the Osu-Anohor seashore. Catholic missionaries had a vision. They wanted to educate boys whose families couldn’t afford expensive boarding schools. They instilled faith. They fostered knowledge.
Three Society of the Divine Word priests formed the initial staff. Father Alphonse Elsbernd was the first headmaster. Imagine the dedication! The challenges! Father Clement Hotze later took over. He understood that government support and West African Examinations Council approval were vital. He tirelessly pursued these goals.
In 1963 the school moved. It found its permanent home on Cantonments Street. It sits opposite the European Union office. The Civil Service Training School is nearby. Its location is prime. It’s near Osu’s bustling Oxford Street. This is the heart of Accra’s commercial and administrative hub.
St Thomas Aquinas Senior High School isn’t just about academics. It boasts a strong bond with Accra Girls Senior High School. The STAAGA association. Students share activities. They share knowledge. They build friendships.
The school has achieved incredible things. For three years running. From 1972 to 1974. It led West Africa in the Advanced Level Certificate Examination. In 2004. It won the world cadet championship in London. In 2013. It won the National Science and Maths Quiz Competition. It was the first and only day school to win. That year. It was declared the Overall Best High School in Ghana. These achievements speak volumes. They show the school’s unwavering commitment to excellence.
The school’s motto. Veritas Liberat. “The truth sets you free”. It’s a powerful message. It’s inscribed in the heart of every student. Their slogan “Beebe”. “Waste no time”. It’s a Ga phrase. It reflects the school’s drive. Its emphasis on diligence.
St. Thomas Aquinas Senior High School. More than just a school. It’s a legacy. It’s a community. It’s a testament to the power of faith. The power of education. The power of dedication. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Ghana.