Rev. Fr. Dr. George Obeng Appah has been installed as the new Headmaster of St. Thomas Aquinas Senior High School during a solemn ceremony held on the school’s durbar grounds in Cantonments, Accra.
The April 30, 2025 event was graced by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, the Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp., assisted by Auxiliary Bishops, the Most Rev. Anthony Narh Asare and the Most Rev. John Kobina Louis.
Other dignitaries included Justice Jennifer Amanda Dodoo of the Court of Appeal, La Agbawe Mantse Nii Miyemliniaba Asua Oweeni II, Rev. Msgr. Paul Lawer Kodjo from the Koforidua Diocese, headmasters of sister schools, alumni, staff, and students of the school.
Speaking on behalf of Archbishop Kwofie, Bishop Louis congratulated Fr. Appah on his appointment, describing it as a personal achievement and a significant moment for Catholic education in Ghana.
He commended the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service for recognizing Fr. Appah’s capabilities and reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to excellence in its mission schools.
“St. Thomas Aquinas SHS has a proud legacy, yet there is still room for improvement,” Bishop Louis stated. He urged the new headmaster to work with all stakeholders to instill moral integrity, patriotism, and social responsibility in students.
The installation rite was performed by Archbishop Kwofie in line with Catholic tradition.
Justice Dodoo administered the oath of office, underscoring the civic and ethical obligations of the role within the public education system.
In his inaugural address, Rev. Fr. Dr. Appah expressed gratitude to all who supported his journey. “I look into the future of St. Thomas Aquinas with great hope and a renewed sense of purpose,” he said.
He outlined his vision centered on three guiding principles which are staying rooted in the school’s core values of discipline, integrity, faith, and hard work; raising the bar in academics, moral formation, and extracurricular activities; and transforming Aquinas into a beacon of excellence in Ghana and beyond.
To the staff, he pledged to listen, learn, and lead collaboratively.
To students, he said, “This is your moment, let your light shine. Greatness is never achieved through indiscipline, truancy, or shortcuts.”
He called on alumni to return and contribute to the school’s growth, and appealed to the Ministry of Education and GES for infrastructural support, especially the renovation of classrooms and provision of student furniture.
Fr. Obeng Appah is a Catholic priest and seasoned educator with extensive experience in leadership, pastoral care, and counseling.
He holds a Doctor of Business Administration (Swiss Management Center University) and multiple master’s degrees in Education, Business Administration, Religious Studies, and Guidance & Counseling from institutions including the University of Cape Coast and the Catholic University of Ghana.
He also has professional certifications from the UK and Australia.
He has served as Assistant Headmaster (Achimota and Akramaman SHS), Board Secretary, Guidance and Counseling Coordinator, and Chaplain.
His publications span topics in education, marketing, and church growth.
Currently, he is Priest in Charge at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Chairman of the Education Committee of the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, and a member of the Priests’ Council.
His leadership vision focuses on academic excellence, ethical discipline, and holistic education.
By Theresa Kpordzo, DEPSOCOM Accra
