Achimota School - Trivia

Trivia

• Academic Competitions: Achimota School has won the National Science and Math Quiz competition twice (1998 and 2004).Achimota School emerged second in the 2009 edition of the National Science and Math quiz.

• Chaplaincy: Achimota School has four chaplains from the Anglican, Catholic, Methodist and Presbyterian denominations. Apart from chaplaincy duties, the reverend ministers serve as guidance counsellors, provide spiritual/pastoral care, and are also in charge of teaching Moral and Religious Education (M.R.E) to students. In recognition of the diversity of students' backgrounds, a Muslim service is also organized weekly to cater to the religious needs of the school's Muslim population.

• Clubs and Organisations: There is a variety of clubs and societies on campus including several singing groups, Interact Club, Ghana United Nations Student Association (GUNSA), Scripture Union (SU), Leadership International (LI), Current Affairs Club, Literary and Debaters' Society, Science Club, Scholarship and Talent Club and a host of others.

• Mascot: The School's mascot is a mythical creature called "Kuzunik" and is represented by a gargoyle-like wooden sculpture that was carved by Kofi Antobam, while he was teaching there. In prior years, there was a tradition known as "Kuzunik's Night". The present location of the Kuzunik is atop a shelf by the east wall of the school library.

• Publications: Achimota School has two student magazines, "The Achimotan" and the more recent one "The Motowner" both published periodically. Two newsletters also exist on campus: The Blueprint (Originally a publication of Guggisberg House)and The Motown Express.

• P.T.A: Achimota School has a Parent-Teacher Association (P.T.A) that was formed during the era of Mr. A. P. Rudwick, Headmaster (1965–1977) The body meets each term to discuss issues pertaining to students' welfare and school development.

• Ranking: Achimota School ranks among one of Africa's Top 100 High Schools according to a 2003 list compiled by Africa Almanac.

• Politics: During the 1st Parliament of the 2nd Republic of Ghana, 126 out of the 140 parliamentarians (representing 90%) were Alumni (Akoras) of Achimota School. Akoras are still actively involved in Ghana's political system serving in all branches of government—the Executive branch, Legislative branch (Parliament), and Judiciary.

• Prefectorial System: Students who display high academic credentials and leadership skills are selected to be "prefects" or leaders. Apart from the School Prefects, there are prefects in charge of the Assembly Hall, Dining Hall, Chapel, Compound, Classrooms, Residential Houses, and dormitories etc. In the eastern and western dining halls, these prefects sit and eat at the "high table", from whence a prefect on duty also delivers announcements after meals.

• Triangular Games: In the 1960s and 1970s, Achimota was a member of this three-school athletic conference which included Mfantsipim (established 1876) and Wesley Girls High School (established 1836) both of Cape Coast, Ghana.

• University Leadership: Achimota has also produced a total of about ten vice-chancellors at Ghana's two leading public research universities, University of Ghana and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, KNUST.

• Worship: Achimota School has its own hymn book, the Achimota School Hymnal (ASH) used at school church services and functions.