St. Rose's SHS: History, Alumni & Achievements.

St. Rose's SHS: History, Alumni & Achievements.

St. Rose's SHS is a girls' school located in the Eastern Region and is under the management of the Catholic Church.

Initially established as a teacher training college with an enrollment of 80 students, the institution underwent a transformation in September 1969, when it was converted into a secondary school with an initial intake of 72 students. A resolution was passed by the Akwatia Traditional Council, the Akwatia Town Development Committee, and Barima Kofi Bempong II, the former chief of Akwatia, which led to the establishment of the school.

The founding members of the organisation were the Dominican Sisters from Speyer, Germany, namely Reverend Sister Victricia Koch, who at the time was the Superior General of the Dominican Sisters in Ghana, Reverend Sister Beatrix Koob, Reverend Sister Zita Simon, and Reverend Sister Solamen Ott. They were transported to Ghana under the auspices of the Most Reverend Bishop Joseph Oliver Bowers, who at the time held the position of Bishop of the Accra Diocese of the Catholic Church.

Alumni or Old students of the School

The alumni of St. Rose's SHS hold responsible positions both within Ghana and internationally. The individuals in question are Mrs Marietta Brew Appiah-Opong, who formerly served as the Attorney General and Minister of Justice; Miss Abena Amoah, an accomplished Investment Banker and CEO of Baobab Advisors; Major Laurinda Xolali Adusu-Donkor, who serves in the Ghana Armed Forces Mechanical Corps at the 37 Military Hospital; and Supt. Phyllis Ama Osei, who is a Deputy Co-ordinator and Clinical Psychologist with the Ghana Police Service.

The remaining individuals are Eunice Ijeoma Aku Ogbugo, who is a Civil Engineer and Projects Consultant as well as the CEO of Eugo Terrano Limited, and Mrs. Edinam Adjei-Sika (formerly Adzosii), who serves as the Head of International Co-operation at the Brazilian Embassy in Accra.

Heads of St. Rose's SHS till date

This noble institution has had the following distinguished leaders as heads over the years. They are:

Rev. Sr Beatrix Koob	First Principal/ Headmistress	1965-1979
Rev. Sr. Zita Simon	Second Headmistress	1979-1980
Rev. Sr. Solamen Ott	Third Headmistress	1980-1998
Mrs Victoria Amaning	Fourth and the first Ghanaian Headmistress	1998-2010
Mrs Margaret Bangfu	Fifth Headmistress	2010 and the current headmistress.

Successes chalked up by the school

St. Rose's SHS is recognised for its emphasis on discipline, which has resulted in the exceptional academic achievements of its students.

Throughout the years, the educational institution has taken part in the National Mathematics and Science Quiz as well as the national debate for second-cycle institutions.

The athletic performance of the school is commendable. As an example, in the year 2013, the athletic team of the school achieved a total of six gold, five silver, and twelve bronze medals in the inter-school competition. The diligent efforts of the school culminated in the attainment of a gold medal for its overall performance in the inter-school sports and games festival of 2013.

Some challenges of St. Rose's SHS over the years

Currently, it is believed that St. Rose's SHS is the only all-girls school that does not have a surrounding wall. This presents a potential security threat to the educational institution.

In addition, the primary source of drinkable water is a mechanised well. The utilisation of electricity to power the well consistently results in an increase in the electricity bill.

Currently, approximately 45 to 50 percent of the teaching staff is situated off-campus. The absence of adequate lodging facilities for educators within the school premises poses a significant obstacle.

Enrollment

The educational institution has an approximate student body of 2,000 individuals. The current infrastructure is under pressure. The rooms previously designated for Elective Mathematics, General Knowledge in Art, and a small library have been repurposed as dormitories to accommodate students.

The construction of a multi-story building intended to function as student dormitories remains unfinished.

Catholic education

Catholic education is holistic; the emphasis is not only on cognitive, but also moral and physical training. Education is geared towards helping the students to address the needs of the society.

The Motto of the school, which is VERITAS- truth and responsibility, is what has guided the school to be what it is today.

Related Links: International Schools in Ghana and Technical schools in Ghana.

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