Kwasi Obiri-Danso Reflecting on my life at Swedru Secondary School, I recall arriving on a cool evening to the school that was on the outskirts of Swedru town. Passing through the school gate, the main administration block was to my right, and into a quadrangle with House One on the immediate right on the bend to the left. Several students who were our seniors were waiting to help us settle into our dormitories. Honestly, I did not know why I was in the school, what I was there to do, what I wanted to achieve and most importantly why my parents will push me into a faraway place. I however quickly got used to the routine of the school and settled in nicely. In the coming weeks, Mr Wilson, our Mathematics teacher, counselled us in class on this journey of life and the need to be studious and look up to some of our seniors who were excelling and possibly emulate their successes. He particularly mentioned the name, Eduafo Augustus, maybe because he was also a Fante. The name got stuck in my mind but then, how do I approach this senior? I was young and small in stature. I could only eavesdrop on his many conversations with his mates. He was eloquent, endowed with the art of speaking and very convincing on issues being discussed. I do not know the origins of his nickname “Fantastic” maybe it was because of his brilliance both inside and outside the classroom. He was never a sportsman but was the Chief cheerleader at sporting events; athletics and football. Coincidentally, our paths crossed when I was in Form Three. He had heard of me as one of the supposed “sharks” in my class and that is how our friendship started. We’ve remained in touch through the years, but my biggest surprise was when unknown to me he flew all the way from Dayton in Ohio to KNUST in Kumasi to be part of my investiture ceremony as the 10th Vice Chancellor of KNUST in August 2016. He arrivedanight before, boardeda local flight andarrived in Kumasi just before 9.00 am for the ceremony at 10.00 am. He left Kumasi that same day with the 4.00 pm local flight to Accra and at 9.00 pmwas on board a Delta flight back to Ohio. What a surprise!!! Indeed, a Mentor, a brother, and a friend. Words cannot express my joy and surprise on seeing him. I was humbled. This is the special and amazing person Jennifer is privileged to be married to. On this special occasion, I celebrate you, my mentor, a friend turned brother. I continue to ask for God’s blessing, favor, long life and peace in your life. Dinah Paintsil Short true personal memories about Kweku Ampah at Mankessim day nursery and later Primary A school: As kids growing up in the Mankessim one of the biggest market centers in Ghana, not all kids were interested in going to school. Coupled with the use of the cane by teachers in forcing all children to be able to learn and absorbeverything they taught equally, some children stopped schooling or played truant. But for the likes of Augustus Eduafo and few others who were endowed with exceptional intellectual skills, school was a delight because we bragged with our performance at the end of the academic year . It was the norm that the whole school will assemble and class by class, teachers would call the results of class , starting from the first pupil to the last and rest assured that Kweku Ampah will be first and Dinah Ekua Paintsil would be second. We enjoyed school so much that we never missed any sessions Eduafo as we called him was cool and respectful by all standards so no wonder God Almighty has been merciful and by dint of hard work has gotten to where he is now. To God be the glory and pray your latter days will be better than your former in theMighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen Dr. Kofi Kutsoati From Saltpond to the United States, our bond remains strong. Dr. Fanta, my dearest friend, turning 65 today, has been a constant source of inspiration and joy in my life. We met in our early years in Saltpond, innocent and full of dreams.Fantawasalwaysseriouswithhisbooks,buthenever forgot to have fun with his friends. Even in his professional life, he hasmanaged to balancework and play so effortlessly. As we grew older, Fanta and I became closer. He would always come back to Saltpond during vacations, and we would have the time of our lives. Even when he moved to the United States, we remained in touch, and his visits back home were always the highlight of our year. Fanta’s impact on the world has been remarkable. He has always inspired people to be better, to strive for excellence. His knowledge and wisdom are unmatched, and he always shares them with others, hoping to make a positive impact on their lives. On this special day, I wish my dear friend all the blessings life has to offer. May he continue to be healthy, prosperous, and happy. May he live to see his greatgrandchildren, and may his home be filled with peace and love. And above all, may his legacy of inspiring others to be their best selves continue to flourish. Happy 65th birthday, Dr. Fanta! You are an icon and a true inspiration to us all. 50 The Birthday Journal
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