Day Two of the Ministry of Health Training Institutions (MoHTI) 2025 Graduation Ceremony was marked by emotion, pride, and powerful stories of resilience. Among the hundreds who walked across the stage, three young women stood out; Love Affihemaa, Esther Ofori, and Rita Sarpong, each honoured as the best graduating student in their respective diploma programmes.

LOVE AFFIHEMAA – Best Graduating Student, Environmental Health (CWA: 77.50) From the School of Hygiene, Ho

Love Affihemaa describes her academic journey as “tough but filled with God’s grace.” When her name was announced inside the auditorium, she was overwhelmed. Behind her achievement lies a story marked by financial pressure, long hours of studying, and moments where she almost gave up. But she kept moving.

Environmental Health, she says, has taught her how directly the environment affects human wellbeing. Love plans to channel her training into improving public health outcomes in her community, especially during periods when diseases like typhoid spike.

“With the knowledge I’ve gained, I can survey food vendors, identify risks, and help prevent outbreaks. When the environment is protected, humans are safe,” she explained.

Her long-term dream is to become a pediatric doctor, a desire she hopes to pursue after national service.

Love expressed gratitude to her family, especially Mr. and Mrs. Uphill and Mr. and Mrs. Senya, saying their support sustained her through every challenge.

“With determination, perseverance, and God, all things are possible,” she said.

ESTHER OFORI – Best Student, Occupational Health & Safety (CWA: 79.50)From the School of Hygiene, Korle-Bu

For Esther, the moment her name was called felt surreal.

“I felt like crying. I didn’t expect it at all,” she recalled. “There were so many brilliant people in my class.”

Her journey, she shared, came with academic pressure, personal sacrifices, and moments of stress—but also growth.

Esther’s final-year project examined noise pollution among fishermen, an under-discussed workplace hazard in Ghana’s coastal communities. She found that although fishermen are constantly exposed to harmful noise levels, there are few safety measures in place.

Her research recommended stronger government attention, regular visits to fishing communities, and the provision of sound suppressive equipment to reduce long-term hearing damage.

Esther hopes to pursue a bachelor’s degree and later a master’s in Occupational Health and Safety, with the long-term goal of advocating for improved worker protection in both government and private sectors.
She credits her family for their unfailing support.

“Even when I stressed them, they still pushed me. I thank them  and I thank God for bringing me this far.”

RITA SARPONG – Best Student, Occupational Therapy (CWA: 78.00) School of Hygiene, Korle-Bu

Rita’s reaction to winning was a mixture of shock, excitement, and deep gratitude.

“Words cannot describe it. I didn’t know whether to stand or sit. It was a blessing,” she said.

For Rita, nothing about her journey was accidental. She approached her education with intentionality and faith, even praying at the beginning of her programme that she would graduate as the best student.

Her project focused on sensory integration in children with special needs, especially children with autism. She explored how children process sensory information differently and how therapy can help them participate more fully in daily life.

Occupational Therapy, she says, has shaped her into a more compassionate and understanding person.

“It has taught me humility and how to relate to people, especially those with special needs.”

Her advice to others is simple but powerful:

“Be intentional. Life doesn’t happen by chance. Work towards what you want with purpose.”

A Moment Worth Celebrating

Day Two of the MoHTI Graduation Ceremony was not only about certificates and handshakes, it was about stories like these. Love, Esther, and Rita represent the future of Ghana’s health workforce: skilled, compassionate, and driven by purpose.

As they prepare for national service and future academic pursuits, their journeys remind us that excellence is not accidental. It is shaped by resilience, sacrifice, and the belief that one’s life can be meaningful and impactful.

Story By: Abigail Ofori

Photos by: Edwin Scott