West African Senior High School, often called “WASS,” is a coeducational day and boarding institution located in the Adenta suburb of Accra.
Known for its vibrant school spirit and strong academic tradition, WASS has earned the nickname “The Scholars’ Grove” for its leafy campus and commitment to learning. The school balances rigorous academics with character building, preparing students for success in higher education and beyond.
History of the school
West African Senior High School was established in 1946 to serve students from across British West Africa who sought secondary education in Accra.
Originally founded as a preparatory institution for regional examinations, it grew rapidly in the 1950s and 1960s, adding boarding facilities and expanding its curriculum. After Ghana’s independence in 1957, the school became fully integrated into the national education system, continuing its tradition of academic excellence and regional diversity.
Mission and Vision
West Africa Senior High School (WASS) envisions itself as a leading centre for shaping learners’ abilities for excellence.
Its mission is to discover the diverse abilities of students, expose and nurture them for life through classroom experience, field trips, mentoring and coaching, and direct them to the diverse opportunities open to them.
The school upholds core values such as dedication, integrity, self-discipline, hard work, teamwork, tolerance, respect, excellence, and perseverance.
The school’s philosophy emphasises respect for the worth and integrity of students. It believes in the God-given talents and potential of students and is committed to upholding their right to quality education.
Furthermore, the school positions its students to be global competitors by nurturing them in a supportive and value-driven environment.
Location
West African Senior High School occupies a ten‑acre site located at Adenta in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. It is in the La Nkwantanang Madina Municipality.
Surrounded by mature trees and open lawns, the campus is less than eight kilometres from central Accra. Its proximity to public transport, shopping centres, and cultural sites makes it accessible to both day students and visitors, while its internal pathways and gardens lend a tranquil atmosphere conducive to study.
Population
As of the 2024–2025 academic year, West African Senior High School enrols approximately 1,600 students. The student body includes both boarders and day scholars from all ten regions of Ghana, as well as a small number of students from neighbouring West African countries.
The teaching staff comprises about 110 educators, giving an average student‑teacher ratio of roughly 15 to 1. Support personnel—including counsellors, matrons, and administrative staff—ensure that student welfare and academic needs are well served.
Campus
The campus blends mid‑century and modern architecture across its ten‑acre grounds. The main administrative block and original classroom wings date back to the late 1940s, featuring large windows and high ceilings.
Newer science laboratories and an ICT centre were added in the 2000s to meet evolving curriculum demands. The library, with seating for 100 students and a collection of over 7,000 volumes, serves as the research hub.
Outdoor facilities include a football field, basketball and volleyball courts, and a multipurpose assembly ground framed by coconut palms. Staff accommodations and a health clinic complete the infrastructure.
Extracurricular activities
Students at WASS enjoy a wide range of clubs and societies. The debate and public speaking society meets weekly and competes in zonal championships. A vibrant drama club stages productions that draw from African folklore and contemporary plays.
The school choir and traditional drumming ensemble perform at assemblies and community events. Sporting teams in athletics, football, basketball, and netball represent the school in inter‑school leagues.
Academic clubs—such as the Science and Maths Club and the Robotics Society—host regular workshops, quizzes, and exhibitions that enrich the learning environment.
Boarding houses
West African Senior High School operates four boarding houses, two for boys and two for girls. Each house accommodates about 150 students and is overseen by a housemaster or housemistress, supported by matrons and senior prefects.
Dormitory rooms are shared by two to four students, with designated study areas for evening revision. House routines include morning devotion, structured study sessions, and weekly welfare meetings. Inter‑house competitions in sports, quizzes, and cultural displays foster friendly rivalry and camaraderie.
School uniform
The WASS uniform underscores discipline and unity. Students wear a white short‑sleeved shirt with the school crest on the pocket. Boys pair this with dark grey trousers; girls wear dark grey skirts. On formal occasions, a grey tie bearing the school emblem is added.
Plain black leather shoes and grey socks complete the outfit. For physical education, the kit consists of a white polo shirt trimmed in grey and matching sports shorts. Grooming standards—neat hair, minimal jewellery, and polished footwear—are strictly enforced.
Courses offered
West African Senior High School follows the Ghana Education Service curriculum for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination. Four main tracks are available: General Science, General Arts, Business, Home Economics, and Visual Arts.
The General Science program includes elective mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and computer science. Arts students study literature in English, history, government, economics, and geography. The Business track comprises accounting, economics, business management, and elective mathematics. Visual Arts offers courses in graphic design, painting, sculpture, and art history.
All students also take core subjects such as English Language, ICT, Core Mathematics, and Integrated Science.
Ranking
Classified as a Category B institution with a school code 0010502, West African Senior High School, WASS, maintains solid academic standing and infrastructure.
Read More: Top 10 Category B Schools in Ghana
All Category B Schools in Ghana
Top 10 Best Mixed Schools in Ghana
The quality of tuition is reflected in steady improvements in examination results and high university placement rates. Facilities—including science labs, an ICT centre, and sports amenities—meet national standards and support a diverse curriculum.
Extracurricular success in debates, arts, and sports underscores a vibrant student life. Although not featured in formal international rankings, WASS’s reputation extends through regional outreach programs and alumni achievements abroad.
Taken together, these factors position West African Senior High School among the top coeducational second‑cycle institutions in the Greater Accra Region.
Other relevant information
WASS places a strong emphasis on moral formation and community service. Weekly chapel services and student‑led prayer groups foster spiritual growth. A guidance and counselling unit provides academic support, career planning, and personal counselling.
The on‑campus clinic, staffed by a nurse, attends to medical needs. An active alumni association funds scholarships, infrastructure projects, and mentorship programs, reinforcing the school’s legacy and community ties.
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West African Senior High School, often called “WASS,” is a coeducational day and boarding institution located in the Adenta suburb of Accra. Classified as a Category B institution with a school code 0010502, West African Senior High School, WASS, maintains solid academic standing and infrastructure.