Renowned Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana (UG), Prof Ransford Gyampo, has shared a heartfelt account of his humble beginnings and how poverty shaped his life and career.

Speaking on The MASTER OF THE GAME Show, hosted by King Kwasi Kyei Darkwah (KKD) on Accra-based CTV, Prof. Gyampo detailed his journey from hardship to academic excellence.

At just seven years old, Prof. Gyampo was forced to make life decisions while living with his mother and siblings.

Growing up in Madina, a suburb of Accra, he took on various menial jobs to fend for himself.

“I sold pepper and other items, combing the streets of Madina,” he recalled.

“I am a thoroughbred Madina boy and lived there through all my hustling.”

Prof. Gyampo revealed that his path to academia was born out of necessity rather than passion.

After earning his first degree, he was appointed a Teaching Assistant (TA) in the Political Science Department at UG and simultaneously gained admission to pursue an MPhil.

“Without money and wanting to maintain some stability, I opted for lecturing, even though I truly wanted to be a soldier,” he said.

His dream of joining the military was dashed due to financial constraints and his stature. “I was told to go and see a soldier, and when I did, he looked at me and said, ‘Go back to school,’” he narrated.

Ironically, he noted, “I was taller than President Akufo-Addo, who became the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces.”

Despite his initial reluctance, Prof. Gyampo has thrived in academia. “I never set out to be a lecturer, but poverty pushed me into this path,” he admitted.

“Looking back, my performance as a lecturer has been phenomenal.”

He emphasized his principled approach to his work, underscoring his independence and integrity. “I’ve always done my work vociferously, without seeking favours for promotion or fearing opposition.

I let my output speak for itself,” he said.

Prof. Gyampo’s reflections offer a powerful testament to resilience and determination, illustrating how he turned adversity into an opportunity to leave an indelible mark in academia.