MR. HAHAYI ISRAEL : MY JOURNEY AS A KUFUOR SCHOLAR

Whenever you come across the traits of being patriotic, innovative, a problem solver, and a creative thinker, what comes to mind? Do you know that combining the objective definition of all these depicts who I have always aspired to be? Talk about a person with the passion to become a leader who is not only a trailblazer but also has success and excellence as hallmarks and you will look no further than the one from whom you are hearing now. Thinking of who I am? I got you covered! I am a Kufuor Scholar, and my journey as a Kufuor Scholar is one of transformation, growth, and a deep-seated commitment to making a positive impact on the world. The Kufuor Scholars Program (KSP), founded by former Ghanaian President, His Excellency John A. Kufuor, is a prestigious initiative that aims to cultivate a new generation of leaders imbued with a strong sense of patriotism, innovation, problem-solving skills, and an unwavering commitment to serving their communities and beyond. As someone with the edge to make a positive impact, on November 26, 2020, I was privileged to be officially inducted into the the prestigious Kufuor Scholars Class of 2023, standing among the 30 outstanding selected applicants from over 2,000 nationwide. A sagacious moment with the Chairman, H.E. Former President John A. Kufuor, on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, which was preceded by a power-packed zoom meeting on ‘Confidence and Assertiveness with the Program’s Coordinator, Dr. Pascal Brenya, intensified my journey of transformation and growth. As a proud Kufuor Scholar, I have embarked on an extraordinary journey of personal and professional growth, one that has increased my understanding of leadership and its profound impact on society. From the moment I stepped into the KSP community, there was a rise in my intellectual curiosity, unwavering determination, and a deep sense of responsibility to make a positive difference in the world.The KSP curriculum is meticulously designed to challenge and inspire young minds, providing us with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of the 21st century. Through rigorous leadership trainings and camps, hands-on experiential learning, as well as mentorship and coaching from esteemed leaders, we are honed into critical thinkers, effective communicators, and visionary problem solvers.Beyond the leadership trainings and camps, KSP fosters a spirit of camaraderie and collaboration, creating a network of like-minded individuals who share a passion for making Africa and beyond a better place. We engage in community service projects and organize thought-provoking seminars, all while forging unbreakable bonds of friendship and support. SOME MEMORIES FROM THE PROGRAMWithout mincing words, I would gladly and simply describe our leadership camps as astute and awesome, commendable and catalyzing, gorgeous and groundbreaking!The teaching and interactive sessions, coupled with the program's astute approach, have boosted my understanding of leadership principles. The camps are meticulously designed to sharpen cognitive acuity, fostering not only knowledge but also the keen perceptiveness necessary for effective leadership. These transformative experiences have equipped me with a perspicacious outlook, poised to navigate the complexities of leadership with discernment and strategic insight.The community outreach to the hinterlands re-affirmed my perspective that there is more work to do as a leader who believes that it is not enough for a few people to prosper. My experience from the outreach stirred up my unquenchable determination to make a difference in improving the living conditions of people living in what could be described as 'first-class poverty’. My desire to one day help these and many other communities with basic amenities like advanced schools, clean water, and electricity, among others, never stopped growing. Being the leader of the day in one of the camps from January 4–10, 2020, also gave me hands-on experience in leading young, great minds. I remember how that particular day, January 6, 2020, one of our guests digged, digested, and delved into the topic ‘Innovation and Creativity’. This deeply refined my outlook as a leader, as I learned to continue being not only a conventional leader but also a lateral leader.Most book reading sessions, zoom discussions, and many other activities from the Kufuor Scholars Program have been on my mind because they have all been incredible and outstanding!SOME LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE PROGRAMI have learned a lot, from President Kufuor, the Chairman, to Prof. Baffour, the CEO, to Dr. Nana Ama, the deputy CEO, to Dr. Pascal, the Coordinator, and from many other impactful voices, to be a trailblazer, an innovative leader who is not only a pathfinder but also leaves a legacy while manifesting the values of excellence, integrity, and courage, among others. Being humbled under the feet of all these great personalities to pour out their wisdom and knowledge in me has really been a meritorious endeavor, increasing my vibrancy in initiating, inspiring, and innovating. The Kufuor Scholars Program has taught me to continue being a catalyst for progress, prosperity, and peace. I therefore look forward to being an embodiment of the needs of people, contributing to education, policymaking, and ultimately helping to enhance the welfare of people as an educator and a politician. I hope to continue building a network of like-minded individuals even beyond the confines of Ghana so that together we can promote quality, assessible, and affordable post-secondary education and also alleviate the problems of poverty, homelessness, discrimination, and inequality, among others, especially in the hinterlands. I envisage the transformation of Success Center, an online school initiative, into a fully fledged university that will help awaken the great giants within the present and future generations. I also envisage serving and making positive impacts in Ghana and at international levels as an educator and a politician. My passion to make tremendous contributions in the field of education and politics grows deeper and deeper each day.EARLY LIFE AND LEADERSHIPEven though I was born in Mankessim in the Central Region of Ghana, I started my basic education at Bishop Herman Basic School at Keta in the Volta Region of Ghana, where I hail from. I, however, continued and completed my basic education at Ejura in the Ashanti region of Ghana. I moved back to Volta to complete Keta Business College, but my undergraduate education was at the University of Cape Coast in the Central Region of Ghana. I believe the experience in the different regions has exposed me to different people, practices, and perspectives, which I believe has built my sense of tolerance, among other values necessary for me as someone with the passion to enhance others’ welfare through effective leadership.Growing up, I found myself possessing a charisma that not only drew many people to me but also made people give me the mandate to serve them on most occasions. It still amazes me when I remember how my kindergarten teacher made me the class captain on my first day at school. I believe that role, coupled with my desire to enhance the welfare of others through effective leadership services, ignited an unflinching and an indefatigable leadership passion within me.This ignited passion surfaced all year round, wherever I found myself. As a result, during my pre-university school years, I served in nine different roles crowned by the Student Representative Counsel (SRC) President and National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) Club President at Keta Business College in the 2017–2018 academic year. At the University of Cape Coast, I have served in eight different roles, also being crowned by the President of the Kufuor Scholars Program and the President of the Assemblies of God Campus Ministry Men of Valor for the 2022-2023 academic year. Several experiences outside the school setting have also increased my passion to make a positive change. My endeavors as a Royal Rangers Trainer at Mount Olive Assemblies of God, a Social Studies teacher at Keta Business College, and in other institutions have enhanced my leadership development and progress. My network from these and other endeavors has also helped raise my leadership bar.Having served as an administrative assistant in the Office of the Dean of Students at the University of Cape Coast from October to December, 2023, I am currently a Social Studies teacher at Keta Business College, a KSP Alumni leader, and the CEO and founder of Success Center, an online school initiative to provide practical, affordable, and quality education, especially to the financially disadvantaged. These roles are the natural evolutions of my passion. In my continuous journey as a catalyst for positive change, hoping to be an unceasingly transformational leader in the areas of education and politics, I look forward to welcoming opportunities to learn more, be more, and serve more. The KSP has increased in me my profound sense of civic responsibility and the burning desire to contribute to the socio-economic development of Africa and beyond. KSP has strengthened my fundamental believe that leadership is not merely about holding a position of authority; it is about empowering others, inspiring change, and making a lasting impact on the world around us. Graduating from KSP in 2024 and reflecting on my journey as a Kufuor Scholar, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities and mentorship I have received. I am committed to upholding the values of the KSP and using the knowledge and skills I have acquired to serve my community and contribute to the transformation of Africa and the world beyond. I am confident that the KSP will continue to produce generations of exceptional leaders who will shape a brighter future for our continent.Long live the JAK Foundation,Long live the Kufuor Scholars Program!Long live Ghana.

MR. HAHAYI ISRAEL : MY JOURNEY AS A KUFUOR SCHOLAR

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