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| Isaac Coffie |
Ashesi University, a prestigious private university in Accra has guaranteed him a MasterCard Scholarship worth Gh¢ 72,000.
A copy of the scholarship award
Stuck in a town in Mumford near Apam in the Central Region, Isaac Coffie faced a gloomy future painted by poverty as the 18 year-old chap was found wasting away and unable to further his education - despite racking up 7 A's and a 'B'.
Several blue-chip companies, individuals in Ghana and abroad and highly placed government personalities lined up to support Isaac.
Their sentiments became a chorus - 'a boy with 7 'A's, 1 'B' must never stay at home'.
Ashesi University was quick enough to offer a life-changing opportunity to Isaac Coffie to join an elite group of brilliant students at Ashesi.
He gets a hat-trick of free things - free accomodation, free meals - a free laptop. He will also be getting a monthly stipend.
Isaac in an exclusive interview with myjoyonline.com said he was shocked to find Ashesi University officials storm his home last week with paperwork for this admission after his story broke in Accra.
Isaac who was totally unaware of what was happening in Accra was moved emotionally and later moved (physically) to Accra to complete the process.
He told online journalist Edwin Appiah about his life -- which includes brilliance with numbers.
His benefactor Ruth, whom he stayed with while in Accra and myjoyonline correspondent, heard him immediately recollect two phone numbers off the cuff even after 24 hours after Ruth had asked him to keep the numbers because her phone was off.
He says he was sent home several times in Form Three after his father began facing serious difficulties in paying his fees. He was sacked from writing some mock papers. Some other days, some of his teachers had to beg on his behalf to be allowed to write.
He finally sat his final exams with 690 students at Methodist Senior High School in Mumford - and pulled off a stunning feat.
Isaac's dream of becoming a banker is back on track as he is set to join the 2014 Matriculation class this August.
The question that still remains is, how many more are as brilliant as Isaac but, unlike him, are unfortunate to get the opportunity to pursue their dreams. Isaac tells me, he knows more.
Isaac (in white shirt) with Ruth Botsio (3rd from left), Mr. Koomson, his assembly man (2nd from right). To his right and the extreme left are his relatives.
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