Date: May 14, 2026. Sampa – Jaman North District, Bono Region

St. Ann’s Girls Senior High School Celebrates 12th Annual Day with Call for Value-Based Education.

The event, held on the school grounds, was graced by the Most Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sunyani and President of Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, as Chief Guest. Also in attendance were the Reverend Mother Anthonamma Pyreddy, Superior General of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Ann (CSSA), and Rev. Sr. Theresa Marie Yeruva, Procurator General of CSSA, alongside the school’s Headmistress, Rev. Sr. Aruna Prassana Kumari, faculty, students, benefactors, and donors.

Homily Highlights: Education Beyond the Syllabus.

In his homily, Bishop Gyamfi congratulated the school on 12 years of existence and paid special tribute to the pioneering batch of students whose sacrifices laid the foundation for today’s success. He acknowledged the invaluable contributions of teachers, benefactors, donors, and especially the Congregation of St. Ann Sisters.

Reflecting on the theme of Ascension, the Bishop stated: “Jesus, who came from the Father, taught us many things, and before departing, instructed His disciples to go and teach all nations. That is why we have schools, not just to teach subjects, but to teach about life, to equip you with skills for a meaningful existence.”

He emphasized that the most critical lessons are not found in any syllabus: “Sisters here will teach you about life. Know that without human formation, all academic skills are useless. That is why we have highly intelligent people in prison, and great scholars who mess up in life. At St. Ann’s, a school of Jesus, human formation is added to your programme, be happy.”

Daily Discipline and Moral Courage.

The Bishop explained that human formation is woven into daily routines: dressing well, speaking politely, waking up on time, respecting others, seeking permission, maintaining neatness, and practicing honesty. “Even these are more important than academic stuff. That is why this school was established, because in government institutions, you may not have the mandate to teach all these things.”

He urged students to pray continually,  morning, afternoon, evening, and before sleep, and to listen attentively to teachers, Sisters, and Priests. “Many things I learned in high school and university, I hardly use today. But the advice, the dos and don’ts from my teachers—those I use every day.”

Warning Against the Sexual Revolution and Social Media.

Addressing contemporary challenges, the Bishop cautioned students about the dangers of the sexual revolution and unregulated social media use. “TikTok, WhatsApp, and social media—instead of forming us, can be used to hurt us. You will even find leaders who convince you to follow bad teachings, like saying gay and lesbianism is ‘my right.’ That is very bad teaching.”

He stressed that freedom only becomes meaningful with restrictions. “Light is purposeful only when it dispels darkness.”

A Pastoral Warning on Identity

In a poignant example, Bishop Gyamfi spoke of a young woman who was ill-advised by her parents and underwent transition to become a man, later regretting the irreversible change. “Even over-pampering by parents can be harmful. As a teenager, many things are going on in your head. Take care of your emotions and pray before you make decisions. I have been a teenager too. I correct you based on my experiences, successes, and failures.”

Closing Message to Students

The Bishop concluded by celebrating the students’ choice of St. Ann’s: “There may be schools with better infrastructure elsewhere, but you chose this place. It is the best because of its value formation—spiritual, moral, and human.”

School Background

St. Ann’s Girls Senior High School is a public, Grade A, girls-only institution located in Sampa, Jaman North District, Bono Region. Founded by the Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church 12 years ago, it offers General Science, General Arts, and Home Economics programmes under the leadership of Rev. Sr. Aruna Prassana Kumari (Headmistress).