From a poultry barn to a campus

The story of Emperor Academy is one of faith, provision, and the lasting impact of people who chose to serve. What began as a simple desire to help children and families in Ghana has grown into a ministry that continues to touch lives today.

The original poultry barn where Emperor Academy began in 2013

Where it began

It started with a barn and a promise

Emperor Academy began on 1 October 2013 with just thirteen children — nine boys and four girls — in a former poultry barn. The building had no roof at first, and the ministry had to replace it before classes could begin. In those early days the classroom was simple, and goats often shared the space with the students.

There were no proper classrooms and no guarantee of tomorrow. There was only a conviction that these children deserved an excellent start. Yet from that humble beginning a strong foundation was laid — and that conviction still drives everything we do.

Serving Christ Ministries founder with a friend and ministry partner in Ghana

Why the school exists

A need that could not be ignored

Serving Christ Ministries was established in 2011 as a partnership connecting Belize, Ghana and the United States in a shared mission to serve children and families in need. In Belize, the ministry began by providing breakfast to children before school — a work that continues today.

In Ghana, the vision that would become Emperor Academy began to take shape in 2012 through efforts to help women and their children by supporting poultry farming. During that time it became clear that many children were unable to attend school because their families could not afford the required fees.

Out of this need, the idea was born to establish a school where children could receive an education, two meals a day, and a safe place to learn while their mothers worked during the day.

Our journey

13 years, building on faith

2013

Emperor Academy opens

The school begins on 1 October in an old poultry barn with thirteen children — nine boys and four girls — taught in English.

2014

Our own land — and the first building

Through the support of generous donors the ministry acquires land and secures the deed. Under the leadership of Dr. Anthony Akunzule, construction begins on a permanent site — one building at a time.

2015

Two buildings on our own land

Block walls rise under a new roof. By the end of 2015, two small buildings stand completed on land the ministry owns — and still the children keep coming.

2016

A real campus takes shape

Classrooms are completed — flying the flags of Ghana and of our friends abroad. Electricity arrives, and a hand pump brings water onto the campus.

2020

Uniforms, growth and pride

Rows of children in their maroon uniforms line up before school. Emperor Academy is now an established fixture of the community.

›

2021 – Today

A secure, established school

The perimeter security wall is completed and Junior High classes continue. The school stands firmly established under its Managing Directors, Dr. Anthony Akunzule and Mary-Claire Agamba, on land that was once open scrub.

A former Emperor Academy student who returned years later to thank the school, standing with Dr. Anthony Akunzule

The proof of the work

They come back to say thank you

One of the greatest testimonies of Emperor Academy's impact has come from former students who have returned eight to ten years after leaving the school to thank the staff for the foundation they received. Their stories reflect the lasting value of education, care and Christian service in the lives of children and families.

Enrollment has risen and fallen over the years — well over a hundred students in the fullest seasons, twenty or thirty in leaner ones. Even so, the facility has endured and continues to hold an important place in the community. It has also been used at times for Sunday worship services, strengthening its role as a place of gathering, encouragement and hope.