Dr. Akwasi Amponsah

I was born in Ofinso, Ashante Region of Ghana. I however spent my formative years in Kumasi until my sojourn to United States of America. I came to America for further studies after completing form five at Prempeh College, in 1977. My family lived in the Garden City at various times in different areas of the city of Kumasi such as Mbrom, Adum, Oforikrom, Akwatia line and New Tafo - 4 miles.

Our moves were basically determined by what my parents could afford in those days. My primary education was at Kajetia Methodist, middle school was at State Boys and then secondary school at Prempeh College which was my first choice.

During my first year in boarding school, I did not take kindly the senoirs who hassled us because we were 'homos'. One senior in my dormitory, Freeman House, wanted me to introduce my dear sister to him on my first day at school! I refused and for a week or so I spent my siesta under his bed! He was one of the prefects. He subsequently gave me my nickname, Jimmy Logo. I hated that name and insisted that he and all the 'big boys' called me by my real name, Charles Akwasi Amponsah! Of course that did not work and some Amanfoo still call me Jimmy Logo to-day! During my Methodist Church confirmation, I dropped my European name 'Charles'. My awarenes of my African identity was in conflict with that name! I was studios and competitive in scholarly matters and well respected by my peers. I was almost always on top of my class throughout primary and middle school years.

At Prempeh it was a challenge, I was on top of my class a few times. I remember when our headmaster TAO used to on occassions, drive us out of Katanga classrooms where we were mining in the middle of the night. We truely believed that "the height that great men archieved were not attained by sudden flight, but they whiles their friends were a sleep were toiling upwards in the night". The problem was that we were not getting enough sleep! Our drive to excel in all fields of study was great and the competition for the number one position in my class was fierce and brutal! Among my close friends, our motto was ' primus, velcum primus'- "either the first or among the first!" both in the classroom and in competitive sports. It was a challenge which we enjoyed. I studied science and like most of my mates in the science class I wanted to be come a physician. Nonetheless, I enjoyed cutting my friends hair, photography and singing in the choir. I still enjoy the same hobbies in my middle age!

Now as a physician, scientist and teacher in an major American medical school, I can say that Prempeh College influenced me a great deal and prepared me well for my career and life as a scholar, a leader in my field and a cultured well rounded African.

Long live Prempeh, your best products are yet to come!!!