I was fascinated. GSTS was close to the harbour, and whenever I had the opportunity, I would walk over simply to watch. I wondered how such massive vessels could move across the sea and what it took to keep their enormous engines running. It soon became clear to me that behind these great ships were engineers. That discovery only strengthened a dream already growing within me. I wanted to study engineering. Little did I know, as I stood on the shore admiring those ships, that one day I would not simply be watching them. I would build a life and career at sea. In FormFive, as I approached the end of my time at GSTS in Takoradi, I began to consider what would come next. I sat several entrance examinations and applied to what is now the Kwame NkrumahUniversity of Science and Technology, as well as Winneba Teacher Training College. I also had the opportunity to continue my education at GSTS. I gained admission to Kumasi, but unfortunately, my mother and uncle could not meet the financial obligations, so I was unable to take up the offer. I was also admitted to Winneba but decided not to go. Then another opportunity presented itself. GSTS invitedme to join its Sixth Formwith a full scholarship and an additional allowance. It was an attractive offer, and I accepted, becoming part of the school’s pioneer Sixth Form class in 1961. At the same time, however, another door was quietly opening. I had also taken the entrance examination for the GhanaMilitary Academy (GMA) and attended the Young officer in Takoradi, 1966 16 The Birthday Journal
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