The Northern Region of Ghana continues to produce some of the country’s finest academic institutions, shaping leaders and professionals across various fields. From historic schools with strong alumni networks to emerging institutions excelling in science and innovation, the region boasts a number of outstanding senior high schools.
Below is a look at some of the best secondary schools in Northern Ghana, their locations, and notable achievements.
1. Tamale Senior High School (TAMASCO)
Location: Education Ridge, Sagnarigu (Tamale)
Established in 1951, Tamale Senior High School is the oldest second-cycle institution in Northern Ghana and one of the most prestigious schools in the country.
Achievements:
- First SHS in Northern Ghana
- Reached the semi-finals of the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ)
- Produced prominent leaders including a President, Vice Presidents, and top government officials.
- Consistently strong performance in WASSCE and science education .
2. Ghana Senior High School, Tamale (GHANASCO)
Location: Tamale Metropolis
Founded in 1960 under Ghana’s Education Trust initiative, GHANASCO is widely regarded as the most consistent academic performer in the region.
Achievements:
- Winner of the Northern Zonal NSMQ Championship (2024)
- NSMQ quarter-finalists nationally
- Historic innovation: built and launched a rocket in 1970
- High academic pass rates over the years
3. Tamale Islamic Science Senior High School (TISSEC)
Location: Tamale (Sagnarigu Municipality)
Established in 1997, this institution focuses heavily on science, technology, and innovation.
Achievements:
- Winner of the Northern Zonal NSMQ Championship (2022)
- Strong reputation in STEM education
- Promotes female participation in science and technology
4. Northern School of Business (NOBISCO)
Location: Tamale
Founded in 1972, NOBISCO is known for its business-oriented education and leadership training.
Achievements:
- Ranked among the top-performing SHSs in the region
- Strong emphasis on entrepreneurship and commerce
- Celebrated 50 years of academic excellence in 2022
5. Kalpohin Senior High School (KALISCO)
Location: Kalpohin Estates, Tamale
Established in 1987, Kalpohin SHS is one of the fastest-growing schools in the region.
Achievements:
- Regular participant in NSMQ competitions
- Offers diverse academic programmes including science, arts, and agriculture
- Ranked among notable schools contributing to regional academic success
6. Tamale Girls’ Senior High School
Location: Tamale
Tamale Girls SHS is one of the leading all-female institutions in the region, promoting girls’ education and empowerment.
Achievements:
- Winner of the 2024 School Farm Awards for agricultural excellence
- Strong performance in academics and extracurricular activities
- Key contributor to female education in Northern Ghana
Conclusion
The Northern Region is home to several high-performing secondary schools that continue to raise the bar in Ghana’s education sector. Institutions like Tamale SHS and Ghana SHS have long-standing legacies, while others like TISSEC and Kalpohin SHS are steadily gaining national recognition.
Together, these schools are not only improving academic standards but also producing leaders, innovators, and professionals who contribute significantly to Ghana’s development.
Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of The Accra Daily Mail, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
