Vice-Chancellor Of GCTU Shares Inspiring Life Journey With Students

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, has said that, if you want to be great and successful in life, you must cut down on your hours of sleep to be productive.

He made the comment while interacting with students recently in a captivating and inspirational session titled “Time with The Vice-Chancellor.” The Vice-Chancellor shared his incredible journey from humble beginnings to becoming a beacon of inspiration for aspiring academics and entrepreneurs alike.

The interactive session, aimed at providing a platform for the VC to impart his wealth of experience and insights, motivating and inspiring the GCTU Community.

During the session, Prof. Afoakwa reflected on his challenges growing up, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. Born into a family of means, Prof. Afoakwa’s early education was disrupted by the turbulence of the 1979 and 1981 coup d’état which significantly impacted his family’s fortunes. However, through entrepreneurial acumen, academic brilliance, and the support of mentors and scholarships, he charted a course that had led him to the pinnacle of academia.

Prof. Afoakwa’s journey took him from the streets of Sunyani to academic institutions in Europe, where he pursued his passion for science and research with a focus on cocoa. Despite facing numerous obstacles along the way, including financial constraints and societal expectations, Prof. remained steadfast in his pursuit of knowledge and personal growth.

Reflecting on his early academic endeavours, the VC shared how he worked tirelessly to excel in his studies, often sacrificing sleep and personal time to pursue his goals. He emphasized the importance of hard work and dedication, urging students to embrace the challenges they face and strive for excellence in all their endeavours.

Prof. Afoakwa revealed his initial aspiration to enter the food processing industry. Yet, he was inspired by a mentor, Prof. Samuel Sefa-Dedeh, to pursue further education, eventually attaining a PhD in Food Science from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.

With over 200 publications to his name, including peer-reviewed journals and books, Prof. Afoakwa embodies the character of scholarly excellence.

One of the pivotal moments in his journey came when he was awarded a Cocoa scholarship to study abroad, opening doors to opportunities he had never imagined possible. He spoke passionately about his experiences studying and conducting research in foreign lands, highlighting the invaluable lessons he learnt and the friendships he forged along the way.

Throughout his career, Prof. has remained committed to giving back to his community and inspiring future generations of scientists and entrepreneurs. He emphasized the importance of mentorship and support networks in helping young people braze the challenges of academic and professional life.

Beyond academia, Prof. Afoakwa underscored the importance of preserving Ghanaian culture and traditions, urging the youth to embrace their heritage amidst the invasion of foreign cultures and trends. As a testament to his multifaceted roles as Vice-Chancellor, paramount chief, and family man, Prof. Afoakwa highlighted the importance of meticulous planning in balancing responsibilities.

In concluding, the VC encouraged students to dream big and never lose sight of their aspirations, reminding them that success is achievable with hard work, determination, and a willingness to overcome obstacles. His story serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative impact of education in changing lives for the better.

Prof. Afoakwa left his students with the following quotes to inspire them:

“There is no easy way to greatness in life. You have to toil to be able to achieve it.”

“If you want greatness that can sustain you, then you have to earn it.”

“If you want to be great and successful in life, you have to cut down on your hours of sleep to do productive work.”

“A blow which is inevitably yours, when earlier encountered will extricate you from further hostilities.”