“Believe in what you stand for; even if you stand alone” – Dr. Ofori – Amankwah urges NSMQ participants
The Director of Medical Services and Head of Family Medicine at FOCOS Orthopedic Hospital, Dr. Gerhard Ofori-Amankwah took his turn to mentor participants of the National Science & Maths Quiz (NSMQ) competition on Wednesday, June 13, 2018, at the R.S Amegashie Auditorium at the old University of Ghana Business School.
Dr. Ofori-Amankwah was the first of two consultants on the day, speaking to participants during the morning mentorship and empowerment session, which aims to inspire students in their academic as well as professional journeys.
Addressing participants gathered at the auditorium, the Head of Family Medicine at FOCOS narrated his academic journey from the Achimota Secondary School to the University of Jos in Nigeria, where he qualified to practice Medicine. “Ever since my childhood, I had the conviction that I was going to be a doctor, however, when I got to Achimota I realized I was very weak in the sciences and I was leaning towards the Arts,” he said.
Dr. Ofori-Amankwah recounted his excellent grades in subjects English, Literature, History, Geography and Finances, courses which had no bearing in what he eventually became. However, he mentioned that despite his challenges in the sciences, he believed he was going to be a doctor and that was his frequent confession. His advice to the contestants was to have a conviction in whatever they aimed to achieve.
Dr. Ofori-Amankwah made a passionate appeal to the Ghana Education Service (GES) as well as the government to introduce or strengthen career guidance counselling in the various schools and advised participants to make use of it. He further added that to his disappointment he had to leave Achimota School after form two because his father had taken up a Professorship role in Benin, where he had access to a student’s counsellor. “I was invited one day by the student’s counsellor together with my parents and was advised on the kind of courses that would usher me into my desired carrier”. He showered praises on his former students’ counsellor because he felt his encounter with her was a huge turning point in his academic life and subsequently helped him to overcome his challenges in Science.
Bemoaning the recent abuse of Tramadol and the bleaching menace amongst the youth, he advised participants to stay away from them. “You should believe in what you stand for, even if you stand alone and resist any form of negative peer pressure from colleagues,” Dr. Ofori-Amankwah added.
Over the past two years, FOCOS has sent some of its specialists, to encourage young Senior High School students as well as graduates at the NSMQ. Last year, Head of Anesthesia, Dr. Irene Wulff contributed her quota in advising the young students on the same platform. Also, Head of Nutrition and Dietetics Harriet Adu-Amoah mentored participants at the regional qualifiers of the NSMQ.
