A Dream Redirected, Not Destroyed: The Inspiring Journey of Ephraim Ayeh Oracca-Tetteh, UG’s Overall Best Graduating Student

On the afternoon of February 11, 2025, the College of Humanities held the first session of five graduation ceremonies at the Great Hall. During the afternoon session, a young man was introduced as the Valedictorian. What became apparent was that he was the overall best student for the 2024 graduating class. This was because he attained a perfect Final Grade Point Average of 4.00 (FGPA) and, in the process, made history as the first undergraduate in ten years to achieve this feat.

The announcement of his name by the College Registrar, Mr. Benedict Fosu Adjei, who superintended over the ceremony, drew resounding applause inside the Great Hall and cheers from parents seated at the forecourt of the Hall. 

As his name echoed through the Great Hall, the valedictorian beamed with a smile as he walked to the podium, wearing a distinctive pair of glasses. Dressed in a brown kaftan, he exuded confidence and accomplishment. Behind those glasses lay a story of resilience, reinvention and an unbreakable will to succeed.

That valedictorian was Ephraim Ayeh Oracca-Tetteh.

Hailing from Prampram in the Greater Accra Region, within the Ningo-Prampram Municipal Assembly and Constituency, his journey to this moment was anything but conventional. He did not merely study hard and excel in exams. He fought through adversity and emerged as a beacon of perseverance and excellence.

For Ephraim, his was a dream redirected, not destroyed, since his academic aspirations were clear from the start. He studied visual arts at St. Thomas Aquinas SHS, winning a regional quiz competition in the subject. With this momentum, he initially gained admission to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in 2017 to pursue a degree in Painting and Sculpture. Then came an unexpected twist, his eyesight began to deteriorate due to a medical condition.

“I spent about six months at home, trying to find medical solutions to my eye condition,” Ephraim recalls. “But I knew people had completed school with visual impairment. If they could do it, then I could do it too,” and that is how he motivated himself to seek solutions. 

Determined not to let his condition define his future, he sought help from the Ghana Blind Union, where he learned Assistive Technology. This game-changer introduced him to screen-reading software, which converted text into speech and would eventually allow him to read course materials, conduct research and complete assignments independently.

Equipped with these skills, Ephraim applied to the University of Ghana and embarked on a new academic journey in Political Science, Philosophy & Classics and Archaeology in 2020.

Ephraim’s transition to this new academic path was nothing short of remarkable - he graduated with a perfect 4.0 Final Grade Point Average (FGPA). Prior to this achievement, Ephraim received the Alumni Prize for Best Level 200 Humanities Student at the 2021/2022 Vice-Chancellor’s Awards.

His achievements went beyond personal success and reflected resilience and adaptability, anchored in the strength he drew from a supportive community. At the heart of this support system were his parents, Rev. Peter Mensah Oracca-Tetteh and Mrs. Naomi Oracca-Tetteh.

“My parents were the foundation of my support system. They made sure my fees were paid and even bought me a laptop worth over GHC10,000 to aid my studies,” he shares.

Ephraim also found strength in his siblings, Priscilla Oracca-Tetteh and Rhoda Oracca-Tetteh, who stood by him throughout his journey. Faith was also an integral part of his journey. Through it, he received motivation and support from the Christ Apostolic Church and the Living God Temple in Accra.

Beyond family, he received assistance from the Scholarship Secretariat, Kimathi and Partners Annual Book Grant and student groups such as Phoenix Unity Club and Smart Life Solutions, which provided emotional and social support.

Ephraim acknowledges the crucial role the University of Ghana played in making his academic journey smoother beyond financial support. The institution provided key resources and accommodation that helped him navigate his studies effectively.

“The University supported me in many ways,” he shares. “Through the Centre for Disability Studies and Advocacy, they converted hard copy books into soft copies so I could read them using speech software on my laptop. This made studying much more accessible for me.”

In addition, he highlights the ease of securing on-campus accommodation, which provided a stable and conducive learning environment. “Living on campus was important for me. The process was made easier, allowing me to focus on my studies without worrying about where I would stay,” he explains.

Another major benefit came from one of his required courses, ICT for Persons with Disability, taught by the Head of the Assistive Technology Lab, Mr. Alexander Bankole Williams, which enhanced his digital skills. “That course gave me valuable insight into using a computer as a visually impaired student. It helped me become more independent in handling academic work,” he adds.

The journey to the podium saw Ephraim managing his daily campus life, moving between classrooms and halls of residence with the help of friends, colleagues and assistive technology, all while maintaining a well-structured routine.

Ephraim’s success was not limited to academics. He made a deliberate effort to contribute beyond the classroom, dedicating his time and energy to initiatives that created a lasting impact.

While excelling in his studies, he also took on leadership and mentorship roles that empowered others and promoted inclusive learning. His commitment to service was evident in the various positions he held, each reflecting his dedication to making a difference in the lives of his peers.

As Organiser (2022) and Public Relations Officer (2024) of the Campus Association of Students with Special Needs (CASSN), Ephraim worked tirelessly to advocate for accessibility and inclusion on campus. He played a key role in ensuring that students with disabilities had the necessary resources and accommodation to thrive academically and socially. His efforts helped bridge gaps in support services, fostering a more inclusive learning environment.

Beyond advocacy, Ephraim also championed intellectual engagement as the Co-ordinator of the Writers and Readers’ Club under the Association of Philosophy and Classics Students (2023). A passionate advocate for critical thinking and academic discourse, he spearheaded initiatives that encouraged students to explore new ideas, analyse philosophical concepts and engage in meaningful discussions.

Additionally, Ephraim extended his leadership to academic mentorship as a Co-ordinator at Smart Life Solutions. In this role, he guided and mentored students, helping them develop effective learning strategies to achieve academic excellence. His dedication to peer support and knowledge sharing created an environment where students could grow intellectually and personally.

Through these leadership roles, Ephraim demonstrated that education extends beyond the classroom. His commitment to service, mentorship and advocacy has left a lasting impact, inspiring students to strive for excellence while ensuring that no one is left behind.

For Ephraim, leadership was more than a responsibility, so he acknowledged that it was a transformative experience that shaped his character and perspective. Taking on leadership roles allowed him to develop critical skills, navigate challenges and contribute meaningfully to his community.

“Choosing not to do anything about a situation is also a choice,” he reflects. “And a choice that can cost you. We are captains of our ships and if we fail to take the helm, we will suffer the consequences.”

Ephraim’s journey was not one he walked alone. Alongside his determination and hard work was a network of individuals who provided guidance, encouragement and support. From lecturers who challenged and inspired him to friends who walked beside him, his success was a shared victory.

Ephraim is the first to acknowledge that his success was not achieved in isolation. He credits several mentors and lecturers for guiding him through his academic journey, including Dr. Nancy Myles Baffour Gyamfi, Dr. Richmond Kwesi, Dr. Steven Morgan, Prof. Majeed, Prof. Wazi Apoh, Prof. Fritz Biveridge and many others.

His gratitude also extends to close friends and mentors such as Mr. Jerry Steven Ferguson, Mr. Sylvester Acquah, Ms. Nina Efedi Okoroafor, Ms. Sarah Kekeli Akunor, Ms. Priscilla Kubi Appiah and many more who provided unflinching support throughout his studies.

Speaking on one of his motivating factors, Ephraim had this to say, “When I set my sights on earning a first-class degree, it was not just about academics for me. It was about a dream,” Ephraim recalls. “I had heard that first-class graduates get the opportunity to shake hands with the Vice-Chancellor at Congregation and I told myself, ‘I want to experience that moment too’.”

Although he missed the Vice-Chancellor’s handshake during his graduation session, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, later, had a one-on-one interaction with him at the New Council Chamber. There, he received more than just a handshake; he was met with a warm, motherly embrace.

Talking about what the future holds for him beyond graduation, he foresees a future of advocacy and innovation. In this regard, Ephraim is already working on his first book, Imaginative Learning for A+ Performance, which will be published by March 2025. The book aims to redefine learning, making it engaging and accessible.

"In this age, learning should not be difficult but fun," he explains. "That way, we have enough time to focus on other important aspects of our lives. The book is inspired by my own journey and in it, I have put together strategies and insights that helped me excel academically despite the challenges I faced. I believe that with the right mindset and learning approach, anyone can achieve academic success. I invite everyone to join me for the launch and also purchase a copy when it is available."

Looking further ahead, he also plans to pursue postgraduate studies in either Law or an MPhil in Philosophy, with a keen interest in human rights, inclusion and cognitive science.

Ephraim found Philosophy and Archaeology to be among the most challenging yet rewarding courses he pursued. These disciplines shaped his thinking in profound ways.

“Philosophy helped me think upwards, while Archaeology helped me think downwards,” he explains. "When you think critically, you tend to look ahead and explore new ideas. But when you study the past, you dig deep to uncover hidden truths. These two fields pushed me to think differently and I’m proud to have studied them."

His professors ensured that his visual impairment did not limit his fieldwork experience and made every effort to include him in Archaeology trips and activities.

Ephraim Ayeh Oracca-Tetteh's journey is one of resilience, determination and the power of a supportive community. His story proves that challenges can be overcome with perseverance and the right people by your side.

Now, as he steps into a new chapter of his life, his achievements stand as a reminder that success is possible for anyone willing to push through adversity.

“If they could do it, then I could do it too. And if I could do it, so can you,” he says.