The International School of Ahafo (ISA) is a small not-for-profit, English-speaking international and co-educational day school to educate the children of employees of Newmont Ghana’s Ahafo mine. It is situated at the Mensah Kumta Village. ISA teaches the Cambridge Primary and Secondary 1 curricula.
We are recognized by the Ghana Education Service (GES #ASD/PRPR/08/15) and licensed by the National Schools Inspectorate Authority, Ministry of Education.
ISA is a member of the Council of International Schools (CIS), the Educational Collaborative for International Schools (ECIS) and the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA). We have classes from Nursery to Year 9, after which students transfer to schools in Ghana or abroad.
Our Principal is in charge of the day-to-day operation of the school and is supported by a School Board, which is made up of Newmont Ghana’s Ahafo mine senior managers and parents. The Board takes a close interest in the policies, strategy, and financial affairs of the school, as well as provides expertise on the school’s relationship with Newmont Ghana Gold Limited, its sole benefactor, and the parent community. Class sizes are of mixed ages. We follow the Northern Hemisphere academic calendar, which runs from August to July.
The library is the central hub of the school and consistent efforts are made to develop children’s reading habits. It is well-stocked with a wide range of books and is well-equipped to support and facilitate teaching and learning. The library also provides a variety of books for leisure reading.
Classrooms on the west and east wings are spacious and are connected by covered walkways. All classrooms have air-conditioners and smart TVs or projectors. PCs and iPads are available for whole-class use.
Learning takes place in and outside the classroom.
We have a well-equipped Science laboratory suitable for Primary and Lower Secondary classes. Students have many opportunities to perform hands-on scientific experiments and investigations.
We have a state-of-the-art computer lab that is accessible to students, faculty and staff and is used for whole-class teaching. The lab is equipped with computers which are networked with advanced configuration and internet connectivity.
The school can boast of a well-resourced music room and a qualified Music teacher. We encourage children’s exposure to music and dance.
Art is everywhere and the Art Room allows for the teaching of divergent and creative thinking skills. The Art Room is well-resourced with specialist materials and has worktables, display and storage spaces, sinks, among others.
We have an array of sporting facilities nestled within MKV, including a basketball court, two football fields, volleyball nets, a squash court, and a tennis court. Our PE program offers two lessons per week, ensuring students can benefit from regular physical activity and holistic development.
Outside, there is a large jungle gym, monkey bars and a climbing frame for younger children to play, climb, hang, sit, and slide on. To reduce the risk of injury from falls, our jungle-gym area has a thick layer of sea sand to absorb the impact of falling. There is a variety of activities children can engage in at breaktime. There is also a designated area to eat snack.
We offer weekly lessons in African drumming and dance. These are showcased at school events.
The school uses the 25m MKV swimming pool also has a large beginner’s shallow pool. We have weekly swimming lessons. The swimming instructors are trained.
We have a covered forecourt which can be used for various purposes, including clubs, assemblies, events, parent meetings and play time.
We have a fully equipped Sick Bay. Staff are trained in Basic First Aid and the Newmont Clinic is available for advice and referral, when necessary.
Students eat lunch at the Canteen, which is purpose-built. The Canteen is run by Newco Catering and Logistics Limited. The menu is varied and nutritious. No pork is served.
In order for Newmont to recruit and retain experienced senior managers who will live in MKV with their families, a school was deemed necessary. This is due to the remoteness of the Ahafo mine and the dearth of quality education available in the area. The education of Newmont managers’ children started as a small-scale home-schooling exercise, which saw a small number of children being tutored in one of the houses in MKV. As this number gradually increased, a purpose-built school was constructed and was formally opened in April 2008 with 27 students; by the end of 2008, this number had grown to 60 students and approximately 11 teachers and assistants.
