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

Victoria Antwi Writes: The Kufuor Scholars Program Journey So Far

On both 5th February 2018 and 6th May 2018, I received calls that changed my life forever. The first call was from my tutor, drawing my attention to the call for application for the Kufuor Scholars Program (KSP). Reservedly, I responded yes to his question asking; “will you give it a try?”. I subsequently got a call from the KSP, informing me of a scheduled interview which I passed successfully. There was excitement written all over my face when I finally received a notice of congratulations from the John A. Kufuor Foundation that I had been admitted as a scholar. That marked the beginning of this amazing journey.

 

The journey has been nothing but great. At each point of the journey, I have been reminded to be the transformative leader who does what is right at the right time. We usually say; “doing what is right at the wrong time is a sin and doing what is wrong at the right time, is a sin.” For example, although sleeping is good, sleeping while in class is a sin. This lesson has stuck with me for the rest of my life.

 

“Change and impact” were terms that were mentioned alongside leadership and service on daily basis during our training. We were taught not to be just leaders but people who cause positive change and make an impact. On the campus of the University of Ghana, I rose through the ranks and became president of three student organisations. I also served as secretary of another campus organisation and Speaker of the Student Representative Council (SRC) general assembly. I can say that thanks to the training received in the program, I did not just occupy these leadership positions. I made a great impact and caused a positive change that have outlived my tenures as a student leader.

 

 

Whilst serving in those positions, there was always a family known as the Kufuor Scholars to return to whenever I faced challenges and discouragement in my work as a student leader. KSP coordinator Dr. Pascal Brenya never stopped giving me the opportunity to step up and speak, and my friends Walker and Vanessa never stopped reminding me of my better parts and how best I could do it. Their actions, words, and encouragement made me realize the need to always do better. Thank you Grandpa Kufuor for giving me this wonderful family.

 

I graduated from the KSP the same year I graduated from the University of Ghana. That was in the year 2020. Just when I thought I was done with the KSP, the program presented another opportunity for me to study law without having to pay tuition at MountCrest University College. I began the law journey last year and it’s important to point out that there has been great progress.

Having the Kufuor Scholar tag alone has also created diverse opportunities for me and my colleagues. I am grateful for the opportunities and I intend to do more.

 

By Victoria Antwi

(Kufuor Scholars Program Class of 2020)

 

If you are touched by the experience of this young person and would want to support former President Kufuor’s vision to train more young people into effective leaders, please email the coordinator of the Kufuor Scholars Program Dr. Pascal Brenya at drpascal@kufuorscholarsprogram.com, or call +233 264 538 538