History
Kumasi High School(KUHIS) formerly Kwame Nkrumah Senior Secondary and Technical School (KNSSTS) was founded by Mr. S.K. Amoah at Asuoyeboah in Kumasi. The school name was changed in 1966 from Kwame Nkrumah Senior Secondary and Technical School to Kumasi High School because of the 1966 coup d’état. The name was suggested by the school prefect at the time Mr. Koomson(80 years old).
FORMATION OF THE SCHOOL’S NAME
Due to the name of the school, soldiers came to the school to demolished the school sign board because it was in Nkrumah's name and trice, they mounted it back.According to Mr Koomson, after the unrest, the headmaster told them to come out with a new name for the school because he doesn't want such things to happen again. Mr Koomson then said, as the senior prefect then, he sat down and wrote names of some schools in Accra like Accra Girls, Accra Academy, Accra High School and compared to the ones we have in Kumasi with the same names and realized we didn't have Kumasi Academy and had wanted to proposed that but he heard a school at Asokore Mampong wanted to name their school with that name so quickly he went to the headmaster as the senior prefect to proposed Kumasi High School and it was accepted.
RIVALRY BETWEEN KTI
The Rivalry Between Kumasi High School and Kumasi Technical Institute and the Impact of Kumasi Girls' SHS (1981)
The rivalry between Kumasi High School (KUHIS) and Kumasi Technical Institute (KTI) has been one of the most notable inter-school rivalries in the Ashanti Region. Originating from their close proximity and long-standing competition in academics, sports, and extracurricular activities, this rivalry reached new heights in 1981, when both schools developed a social connection with Kumasi Girls' Senior High School (KUGISS), which became their shared sister school. This additional layer of competition, particularly involving social relationships with KUGISS, played a significant role in intensifying the rivalry between KUHIS and KTI.
Historical Context of the Rivalry
Kumasi High School, established in 1962, and Kumasi Technical Institute, founded earlier in 1977, were both prestigious institutions located in Kumasi. KUHIS, a traditional academic school, emphasized academics, while KTI had a focus on technical and vocational training. Despite their differences in focus, the proximity of the two schools made them natural competitors. They often met on the sports field, competing fiercely in football, athletics, and other activities.
Both schools took pride in their reputations, which contributed to their competitive spirit. For KUHIS, excelling in academics was a primary point of pride, while KTI students prided themselves on their technical skills and vocational readiness. Over time, these distinctions only fueled the competitive atmosphere between them.
The 1981 Kumasi Girls' SHS Factor
In 1981, an event occurred that would forever change the nature of this rivalry: Kumasi Girls' Senior High School (KUGISS) was named as the sister school to both Kumasi High and KTI. In Ghanaian secondary school culture, having a sister school is significant. Sister schools often partner for social events, joint programs, and other collaborative activities, forming bonds beyond academics and sports.
The decision to pair Kumasi Girls with both KUHIS and KTI was met with excitement but also led to a new level of competition. Social interactions with KUGISS students became another arena for rivalry. Both schools vied for attention and recognition from Kumasi Girls, and events like debates, social gatherings, and even unofficial interactions between students became opportunities to outshine the other school.
The Intensified Rivalry
This new social dimension, combined with the existing academic and sports rivalries, created a more intense and personal competition. Both KUHIS and KTI wanted to establish dominance not only in traditional spheres but also in their relationships with Kumasi Girls. This friendly, yet competitive interaction added a level of intrigue to events like inter-school sports festivals, debates, and entertainment programs, where students from Kumasi Girls were often in attendance.
Beyond organized events, even casual encounters between students of the three schools became charged with competition. The students from KUHIS and KTI were eager to impress, leading to an escalation in efforts to showcase their respective schools' strengths and values.
Long-Term Effects of the Rivalry
The introduction of Kumasi Girls as the sister school heightened the stakes of the rivalry between Kumasi High School and KTI. While this competition was often light-hearted, there were moments when tensions ran high, particularly during sports events or inter-school festivals where both schools had the opportunity to interact with Kumasi Girls. Despite this, the rivalry mostly remained healthy and spirited, driving both schools to improve themselves in various ways.
For KUHIS and KTI, the quest to impress Kumasi Girls created a lasting legacy of excellence in both academics and sports, as each school sought to outdo the other. The social aspect of the rivalry also created a bond between the three schools that is remembered fondly by alumni.
Conclusion
The rivalry between Kumasi High School and Kumasi Technical Institute has deep roots in their history and proximity, but the 1981 connection to Kumasi Girls' Senior High School added a new and exciting dimension to their competition. The quest for social dominance, alongside their traditional academic and athletic rivalries, created a dynamic atmosphere that enriched the school experience for students from all three institutions. Even today, the legacy of this rivalry remains a key part of their shared history, symbolizing both the competitive and collaborative spirit that defines Ghanaian secondary school culture.
1985-1995 (KUHIS BECAME MIX)
From 1985 to 1995, Kumasi High School (KUHIS) experienced significant growth in academics, infrastructure, and extracurricular activities. Academically, the school excelled in national exams like the O-Level (Ordinary Level) and A-Level(Advanced Level), expanding its curriculum to offer more subjects, particularly in business studies where they thrilled and announced themselves as the best business in West Africa between 1989-1994. During that time Kumasi High School became a mix school because of the O and A level system.
Infrastructure developments included the construction of new classrooms, dormitories, and upgraded science laboratories to accommodate a growing student population. Leadership during this time emphasized discipline and moral development, contributing to the school’s strong reputation.
KUHIS also thrived in sports, especially football and athletics, regularly competing in regional competitions. Extracurricular activities like debating and drama were key parts of student life.
Despite challenges such as limited resources, KUHIS maintained its reputation for excellence and laid the foundation for future growth.
1996-present
Kumasi High School was changed back to single sex school due to certain reasons. In 1997, Kuhis won the Ashati Regiona Inter-School Soccer Competition (formerly Milos) for the first time ever by beating Osei Kyeretwie SHS 1-0 in the finals at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. History repeated it self in 2019 with the same score line as Kuhis was crowned champions for the second time.
Academically, the boys excelled and still excels in the West Africa Secondary School Examination with recently being ranked 4th best school in regards to WASSCE in the region. The school has achieved so well in academical activities by winning the Luv FM High School Debate twice (record) in 2022 and 2024, winning the US Embassy nimdeɛ business quiz in 2022 & winning the Ashanti-Region Science and Maths quiz.
Kuhis appeared in the semi-finals of the NSMQ three in a row(2015-2017) securing 4th place in 2016 & 2017 since their participation in 2012 and recently labored to the semis again 2022. Kuhis holds the record of highest points in the quiz at Quater-finals by beating Mfanstipim School by 71 points in 2016.
Also in 2016, Kuhis won the national cadet competition showcasing their discipline in music.
Notable Alumni
Kumasi High school has educated many prominent people in Ghana and across the world, including;
• Hon. Yaw Osei Adutwum - Current Minister for Education, Ghana & MP for Bosomtwe constituency
• Hon. kwadwo Baah-Wiredu - Former Minister for Finance (2004-2008)
• Hon. Collins Owusu Amankwaa - Current MP for Manhyia North Constituency
• Hon. Adams Abdul Salam - Current MP for New Edubiase constituency
• Hon. Benhazin Joseph Dahah - Former MP, Asutifi North
• Hon. Henry Kwabena Kokofu - Former MP for Bantama constituency
• Mr. Samuel Boadu - Former head coach for Hearts of Oak, Medeama SC & Ghana U-20
• Dr. Kwaku Frimpong - CEO, Champion Divine Clinic
• Dr. Solomon Appiah Kubi - CEO, Solak natural clinic
• ESQ. Anokye Frimpong - Lawyer,Historian & politician
• Prof. Kwame Adom Frimpong - Former President of Public Interest & Accountability Committee (PIAC)
• H.L Justice Alexander Osei Tutu - Appeal Court Judge
• ESQ. William Kusi - Dominion Chambers
• Prof. George Nyarko - Former Principal of Nyankpala Campus (UDS)
• ESQ. Bernard Twumasi - Lawyer & Director of APEX Health and Progress Savings and Loans
• Mr. Isaac Kodom - Executive Chairman OASIS Africa Resource LTD.
• ESQ. Festus Nyame - Assistant Registrar, KNUST
• Mrs.Lydia Martin - Assistant Headmistress Academic, Adventist Senior High School
• Mr. Kofi Baah Agyapong - CEO,Youth Employment Agency
• Mr. Kwaku Appiah Mensah - Dep.CEO, National Schools Inspectorate Authority
• Dr. Isaac Crentsil - Former commissioner, Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority
• Prof. Isaac Boateng - Pro Vice Chancellor, AAMUSTED
• Mr. Kwasi Agyemang - CEO, Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG)
• Prof. Dr. Isaac Owusu - Cardiologist, KATH & CEO, Precise Hospital, Kumasi
• Prof. Chris Mensah-Bonsu - President & CEO, MB Energy Consulting Inc., California
• Dr. Awuru Rauf - Former,Registrar Pharmacy Council,Ghana
• Mr. Francis Owusu - Former Dep. CEO, Finance and investment, NHIS
• Rt. Rev. Prof. Joseph Obiri Yeboah, PHD - Moderator of Presbyterian Church of Ghana, chairman of the Christian of Ghana
• H.L. Justice Anthony Oppong - Appeal Court Judge
• H.L. Justice Agyenim Boateng - High Court Judge
• Dr. Patrick Kwaku Ofori - CEO, Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors
• Mr. Owusu Bempah - Dep. Regional Commander (KASOA)
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