The Sonrise Christian High School in Ho has celebrated its 20th anniversary with a ceremony that brought together government officials, educationists, traditional leaders, alumni, parents, and students, marking two decades of faith-based excellence and community impact.
The milestone celebration, themed: “20 Years of Holistic Christian Education: Transforming Lives, Igniting the Future,” highlighted the school’s achievements in academics, discipline, and infrastructure, positioning it as one of Ghana’s leading private institutions.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, Member of Parliament of Akatsi North and Ranking Member on the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education, commended the school for its commitment to holistic education and moral training.
“Private schools like Sonrise are not marginal players in Ghana’s education system. They are a major pillar in ensuring access to quality education,” he said, adding that, “many of our best-performing students in the country now come from private senior high schools.”
He revealed that about 33 percent of all Senior High Schools in Ghana are privately owned, educating nearly 40 percent of learners at the Basic Level, especially in urban areas where public facilities are limited.
The MP urged private schools to invest in renewable energy to reduce operational costs.
“We can harvest the sun and go solar. That will greatly reduce expenditure on electricity,” he advised.
Mr. Nortsu-Kotoe praised Sonrise’s discipline, innovation, and outstanding record in examinations.
“I’m happy to acknowledge that no such report of exam malpractice has been heard about Sonrise. You are one of the shining stars in the Volta Region,” he said.
He also applauded the school’s inclusive education initiative, where all students are required to learn sign language as part of the curriculum — an approach he said could be adopted nationwide.
“I will advise the Minister for Education to introduce this in all secondary schools,” he noted.
On the future of education, he emphasised the importance of skills development and technical education, calling on schools to prepare students for a rapidly changing job market.
“The future belongs to nations that prepare leaders who can adapt, innovate, and uphold values in times of change,” he said.
Mr. Nortsu-Kotoe announced the institution of the “Peter Nortsu-Kotoe Award in Literature” to be presented annually to the best English Literature student at Sonrise.
In his address, Mr. Joseph Dzamesi, Founder and Administrator of Sonrise Christian High School, traced the humble beginnings of the school in 2005 with 132 students, 20 staff, and eight classrooms, to its current status as a model private institution with modern facilities.
“This milestone is not just about buildings and awards,” he said. “It’s about a dream that became a legacy, a vision that became a community, and a seed that became a mighty tree,” he added.
He highlighted that over 90 per cent of Sonrise graduates qualify for university admission annually, with the top-performing student each year receiving a scholarship under the Richmond Best Student Award.
Mr. Dzamesi noted that Sonrise remains the only private school in Ghana to have reached the quarterfinals of the National Science and Maths Quiz, a feat that underscores its academic excellence.
He also recounted the school’s investment in community service, including the refurbishment of the Paediatric and Child Health seminar room at Ho Teaching Hospital by the school’s Interact Club, and blood donation exercises at the Ho Prisons and Cured Lepers Village.
“Education at Sonrise goes beyond academics. We teach compassion, service, and leadership,” he said.
Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of Asogli State, who was represented by Togbe Dzomatsi II, Asafofia of Ho Bankoe, praised the school for upholding discipline and excellence, describing it as “one of the best-behaved institutions during interschool competitions.”
He commended the government’s inclusion of private schools in the Free Senior High School programme and encouraged Sonrise to take advantage of it to expand access.
Mr. Frederick Adongo Mahama, Chairman of the School’s Advisory Board, lauded the founder, staff, parents, and alumni for their dedication over the years, describing the school’s growth as a testament to “faith, perseverance, and excellence.”
He said Sonrise had produced professionals excelling in diverse fields — including medicine, law, business, and media — both in Ghana and abroad.
“Every success story from this institution is a living testimony of what faith and hard work can achieve,” he said.
As part of the celebration, staff members were honoured for their dedication and long service — notably Mr. Frederick Amegashie, the school’s principal foreman, who has contributed faithfully to nearly every building project on campus.
Students were also rewarded for academic excellence and hard work.
Congratulatory messages poured in from sister institutions, including the OLA Girls SHS, Wallahs Academy, CHOPSS, Hope College, the PTA, and others, commending Sonrise for two decades of impactful education.
Looking ahead, the school announced plans to establish a Technical and Vocational Institute (TVET) to promote practical skills and entrepreneurship among the youth.
The celebration concluded with the launch of the Sonrise Distinguished Achiever Award, honouring exceptional alumni who embody the school’s values of faith, discipline, and excellence.
“Our story is one of perseverance and success,” Mr. Dzamesi said.
“As we look to the next 20 years, Sonrise will continue to raise leaders for Ghana, Africa, and the world,” he added.
GNA
