UG Valedictorian Ends 10-Year Wait With 4.0 FGPA, Urges Shift in Learning and Legacy.

Genevieve Mensah / September 15, 2025

Ephraim Ayeh Oracca-Tetteh, University of Ghana’s 2024 valedictorian, has urged society to rethink how people learn, live, and leave their mark. He made history by graduating with a 4.0 Final Grade Point Average (FGPA), the university’s first in ten years, despite being visually impaired. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University with Rev. Albert Ocran as part of the Thinkathon anniversary series, Mr. Oracca-Tetteh said his achievement was rooted in deliberate strategies that went beyond memorization. He revealed that he studied over 100 books on learning and applied techniques such as chunking, visualization, and the memory palace to master complex ideas. “Learning is not just storing facts. If you can imagine a concept, you can own it,” he explained. Beyond academics, he emphasized the importance of self-awareness and legacy. Drawing from the Latin phrase memento mori, he added that life is short and that every person must think about the change they leave behind. He also referenced memento homo, which means “I am only human,” stressing the need to accept personal limits while striving for excellence. The scholar advised young people to focus on growth rather than excuses. He encouraged young people to utilize technology as a tool for advancement and to view challenges as opportunities to expand their capabilities. “Be a learner. Put yourself forward. Improve what you have,” he urged. Looking ahead, He announced that his book on imaginative learning, already approved by the National Council on Curriculum and Assessment, will soon be released to help students and educators alike. He added that he hopes his journey demonstrates that determination, the right methods, and faith can open doors once thought impossible. About Springboard, Your Virtual UniversitySpringboard, Your Virtual University is a weekly motivational and personal development broadcast hosted by Rev. Albert Ocran. It airs every Sunday at 7 PM on Springboard Channel (YouTube) and Joy FM, and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. The ongoing Thinkathon series brings together thought leaders from various fields to explore the power of ideas in shaping society. By Faustina Yeboah

Turning Waste Fabric into Stuffed Toys: MBA Mode’s Innovative Path

Theresa Maame Baduba Ansah, Founder of MBA Mode, a fashion design institute in Adenta, Accra, is transforming Ghana’s waste fabric problem into an economic opportunity by creating stuffed dolls and other products from discarded textiles. Speaking on Ghana Grows Edwuma, with host Araba Koomson, she explained that the idea was born during the COVID-19 pandemic. With her fashion school shut down, she began experimenting with fabric scraps that would have otherwise been discarded. “There were children at home, schools were closed, and we had leftover fabric pieces. That became the inspiration,” she said. The founder, who originally trained as an accountant before venturing into fashion, has since expanded her work to train apprentices and integrate waste-to-product innovation into her institute’s curriculum. She highlighted the difference between upcycling and recycling, explaining, “Upcycling means I can take this piece and directly turn it into a product without breaking it down. Recycling, on the other hand, requires breaking it down before producing something new.” She emphasized the environmental impact of her work, citing worrying figures about waste generation in Ghana. “Every day, over 12,000 tons of waste are produced. Between 2022 and 2029, it is estimated to rise to 16,000 to 20,000 tons daily,” she noted. “Just like an animal kingdom with different species, I want to build a place where you will find all kinds of stuffed animals,” she explained. Madam Theresa urged young entrepreneurs to take initiative. “You cannot sit for somebody to feed you. Create an environment for yourself. Start with what you have, I started in my living room,” she said. About Ghana Grows EdwumaGhana Grows Edwuma is a nationwide broadcast aired on TV and radio, aimed at encouraging young people to take up career opportunities in the agribusiness, agriculture, and ATVET sectors. By Faustina Yeboah