• No 9, Sixth Circular Rd, Accra
  • +233 303969615 +233 502275820
  • No 9, Sixth Circular Rd, Accra
  • +233 303969615 +233 502275820

Profiling The Kufuor Scholars: Rita Osei Adjei

Interviewer: Tell us more about yourself.

Rita: Rita Osei Adjei is my name. I am twenty-four years of age. I did my national service with the management unit of the Ministry of Health in Accra. I am a Home Economics graduate from the University of Education, Winneba main campus and also a 2017 Kufuor Scholars Program Fellow. I attended the Seventh-Day Adventist Senior High School in Bekwai where I read Home Economics. I grew up at Kromoase in the Atwima Kwanwoma District in the Ashanti Region. Life growing was not easy. There were times I had to sell with mum at the Kumasi Central Market for our upkeep both at home and school. I challenged myself to be motivated through the struggle for a better future. Combining leadership roles with education was a bit of a challenge as you can be called anytime to attend to a special assignment. I was however lucky to receive grooming on time management and that made me manage my time for my studies.

 

Interviewer: How did you get into the Kufuor Scholars Program?

Rita: A friend back in school drew my attention to the Kufuor Scholars Program and encouraged me to apply for it. I was excited that it is a leadership, development and mentoring opportunity for future change agents like myself because I saw myself as one. I have come a long way and I give the credit to the Kufuor Scholars Program faculty and board for granting me this life changing opportunity.

 

Interviewer: Tell us about your memorable moments in the program.

Rita: There have been some fun and memorable moments in the program. I recall we once visited the Kumasi Prisons where we shared literature with the inmates and learnt from their experiences. I recall a trip to Yendi in the northern part of Ghana to learn and see some interesting places. I also remember the numerous mentoring and coaching sessions where I was motivated and groomed into a more responsible citizen. And the numerous camps I attended built my social capital. They were amazing. Also, trips to communities like Behenase to sensitise them on dental health were very enlightening. Sitting under the feet of Former President J. A. Kufuor was a privilege. Through this program, I also got the chance to meet great personalities like Bernard Avle, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Nana Aba Anamoah, Samuel Koranteng Pipim and Stephanie S. Sullivan, the US Ambassador to Ghana.

 

 

Interviewer: What have you been able to learn in the course of the program?

Rita: The Kufuor Scholars Program has taught me a lot. I’ve learnt that as an individual, you need to thrive to always improve upon yourself, make mistakes and learn from the mistakes, and grab promising opportunities that come your way. Also, I have come to learn that communication is key for one’s progress; never underrate oneself; and have patience just as the tortoise moves in paces. Don’t rush in life. Before joining KSP, my ideas on career path were bleak and I had little information on what I can do with my life after school.  With the series of career path coaching and seminars, I can boldly say that I am working out to be a well-known nutritionist in Ghana. KSP mentorship and leadership programs have shaped me into a responsible, adventurous and desirous young lady with focused goals in mind for the betterment of the society.

I have been able to expand my social network tremendously. Before KSP, I never desired to take up a leadership role considering what I went through back in school. However, now I serve on several committees in my workplace. KSP sparked the fire to aspire to be a leader of good influence and that is taking me far. I am now able to make known my thoughts on issues vividly for constructive arguments and final decision taking. I will continue to take up any leadership role that would require my inputs for attainment of organizational goals and vision. I am never relenting. I am versatile now. I do sew dresses in my free times. This free loving hubby normally do consume a lot of my time. However, KSP has groomed me into a good manager of my time. I have learnt how to prioritise. This has made me very productive both at work and home.

 

Interviewer: Any final words?

Rita: I am very grateful to the Former President John Agyekum Kufuor for establishing the Kufuor Scholars Program to train and equip persons like myself with leadership skills for our future role as change agents. My wish is that KSP gains more supports from development partners, corporate Ghana and donors.