Our Rich History
The Osu Salem Presbyterian Boys’ Boarding School is a historic school in Osu, Accra, Ghana, established in 1857 by the Basel Mission. It was the first European-style boarding school for African children in the region. The school aimed to create a new Christian community, teaching students English, Chi, and practical skills like carpentry and brick making. The original buildings are in need of preservation.
Key Details:
First of its kind: The school was the first European-style middle boarding school in present-day Ghana.
Purpose: It was designed to “civilize” Africans and transform them into Christians, educating them in both academics and practical skills.
Architecture: The school’s design was inspired by southern German architecture and featured a two-story timber-framed structure with classrooms, a place of worship, and a courtyard.
Historical Significance: It played a crucial role in the regions educational and social landscape, producing notable figures like the first Speaker of the Legislative Council (Sir Charles Quist) and the first Dean of the University of Ghana Medical School.
Current Condition: The original buildings are deteriorating and require urgent preservation.
Notable Alumni: The school boasts a list of notable alumni, including Sir Charles Quist, Justice Nii Armah Ollenu, and Professor C. O. Easmon.
Credit: Wikipedia.
