Our History
A legacy of faith, education, and community service starting from 1964.
The Vision Begins
The Holy Spirit Sisters left St. Agnes in Koforidua when the government took over. The next year, members of New Juaben asked them to start an international school. Rev. Fr. Otto Walters, SVD, collaborated with the Sisters to start Madonna School.
First Classes
A Kindergarten (KG 1) began in an Information Centre in town and later moved to the Sisters' Living Quarters. Sister Gerard Smith headed the school alongside Sister Anna Unterweger. There were ten children in Kindergarten and 14 in class 1.
A New Building
A new school building was blessed by Bishop Oliver Bowers. The first year was noisy with bulldozers, concrete mixers, carpenters, and masons working on the building.
Full Administration
Sister Gerard became a full-time Headmistress, leading the school as its first batch of students took the Common Entrance Examination.
Second Headmistress
Sister Maria Prokesch became the second Headmistress, bringing a strong focus to prayer groups and spiritual growth.
New Leadership
Sister Yvonne Pereira headed the school until 1986. During her tenure, she left us the beautiful grotto and the statue of our Lady of Fatima.
Academic Expansion
Sister Lilia Tiu took over administration. Under her leadership, the Science Block and Classrooms were completed. In 1989, the first batch of Junior Secondary students was enrolled and the Home Science Block was finished.
Infrastructural Growth
Sister Mary Laureen Lahnan became Headmistress. The Junior High School building, the Library, and the Assembly Hall proudly became part of Madonna School.
The Digital Age
Sister Lilia returned for a second tenure. The Computer Laboratory was built, giving children the opportunity to learn modern ICT skills.
Modern Innovations
Sr. Mary Lamisi Adomolga became the first Ghanaian Sister to head Madonna School. She spearheaded the acquisition of new school buses, the construction of walkways, the sick bay, the MOSA Computer Lab reroofing, and the school walling project.
Former Headmistresses & Pioneer Leaders
Honouring the visionaries whose sacrificial leadership and faith shaped Madonna School across six decades.
Rev. Sr. Lilia Tiu, SSpS
“Sacrificial service and academic rigor are the bedrock upon which Madonna School stands.”
Two Transformative Tenures of Leadership Rev. Sr. Lilia Tiu, SSpS, served as Headmistress of Madonna School across two major eras: from 1986 to 1995, and returning for a second tenure from 2001 to 2013. Under her visionary leadership, Madonna School underwent tremendous academic and infrastructural expansion. In her first tenure, the Science Block and Classrooms were completed, and in 1989 the first batch of Junior Secondary students was enrolled alongside the completion of the Home Science Block. Upon her return in 2001, she ushered Madonna into the digital age by establishing the Modern Computer Laboratory, providing pupils with cutting-edge ICT skills and preparing them for the demands of the modern world. Her lifelong devotion and gentle discipline left an indelible mark on thousands of alumni.
Rev. Sr. Mary Lamisi Adomolga, SSpS
“You are the light of the world …let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14,16)”
A Milestone of Modern Ghanaian Leadership Rev. Sr. Mary Lamisi Adomolga, SSpS, made history as the first Ghanaian Sister to head Madonna School, serving from 2013 to 2016. Her tenure was marked by energetic modernization, enhanced student safety, and deep pastoral engagement. Under her administration, Madonna acquired new school buses, constructed campus-wide covered walkways, built the campus Sick Bay, re-roofed the MOSA Computer Lab, and executed the extensive school perimeter walling project. 60th Anniversary Goodwill Message: "To the Board, Management, staff, Students, parents and alumni of Madonna, Congratulations on 60 years of Sacrifice, Success and Service! For six decades, Madonna has been 'the best basic school in Koforidua every parent wishes to enroll their child in' – not just for academic excellence, but for raising children with strong hearts and strong faith. From praying the Angelus, attending Holy Mass, to praying the Rosary, you have modeled spiritual lives for your pupils daily. That foundation of prayer, discipline, and service is why Madonna children grow to succeed in school and serve society with character. As headmistress from 2013 to 2016, I saw how those morning prayers and Mass days shaped both pupils and staff. From the classroom to fun games with parents, to supporting parents through every stage - Madonna has always been more than a school. It is a community of faith and excellence. May this diamond Jubilee bring renewed grace, wisdom, and greater impact. May the light of Madonna, rooted in prayer and service, keep shining for the next 60 years and beyond. Wishing a blessed and joyful celebration. God bless Madonna School!"
Madam Mary Akore
“Education should transform both the mind and the character of every child. Faithful service leaves a lasting legacy.”
Pioneering Excellence and Cultural Bridge-Building Madam Mary Akore's remarkable journey at Madonna School began in 1993 when she was employed by the then Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, Bishop of the Diocese of Koforidua. She had the distinction of serving as the first Assistant Headmistress of Madonna School, working closely with Rev. Sr. Mary Laureen, SSpS, whose dedication, vision, and commitment greatly influenced the early growth of the school. From the very beginning, Madam Akore's mission was not only to ensure academic excellence but also to mould learners into disciplined, responsible, and God-fearing individuals. She drew inspiration from the life of Jesus Christ, teaching with wisdom, leading with humility, and encouraging parents to be active partners with teachers. Beyond school administration, Madam Akore played a crucial role assisting the missionary Holy Spirit Sisters in understanding Ghanaian culture, customs, and the Twi language, serving as an interpreter and cultural ambassador. Her impact spans generations of learners, including distinguished alumni like Nana Owiredu Wadie I. In recognition of her selfless service, the school's Nursery section was proudly named in her honour.
A Debt of Gratitude
The school owes a big debt of gratitude to all the many benefactors who helped with each project. We also greatly appreciate the late Dominic Andoh, Archbishop Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, Bishop Joseph Afriah-Agyekum, then Msgr. Francis Twum-Barimah, Fr. Paul Abankwah, Fr. Andrew Dunyo who were all local Managers. May God bless them generously!