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Personality of the Week: Mr Philip Ankrah

Mr Philip Ankrah, our maiden personality of the week

In our maiden Personality Dialogue, we meet Mr Philip Ankrah, a final year Metallurgical Engineering student who tells us more about himself and shares ideas with us. Learn and Enjoy.

Who is Mr Philip Ankrah?
Philip Ankrah is a God-fearing, industrious and passion-driven stalwart.

What was your experience like in secondary school?
High school was great and very challenging but I was highly determined to make it to KNUST, so we fought for it desperately. Sometimes, I had to spend the whole night in a classroom. I was tagged with certain uncomfortable names because I loved to be behind my books most of the times but we never heeded to people's noise.

Metallurgical Engineering, were you given the programme or you really wanted to do it? What informed your decision if you chose it?
Metallurgical Engineering was the programme I wanted to read. You know, my mentor made me understand that Metallurgical and Materials Engineering are the future and pivots of Engineering Technology.

How has the programme been so far?
 The programme has been very interesting.
The programme has really broadened my scope.

Why KNUST among all the other institutions in the country and beyond?
KNUST is the Tertiary institution I had always wanted to attend. Moreover, it's one of the few tertiary institutions that offer the programme I wanted to read.

How has KNUST and Kumasi been all this while? (The people, the culture, environment)
KNUST is one of the best tertiary institutions to realize and maximize your potentials; KNUST has shaped me into a more needful and responsible citizen.
I have met a lot of people and have learnt how to tolerate people from different backgrounds.

Has there been any challenge pertaining to Metallurgical Engineering?
Yes, there have been challenges pertaining to Metallurgical Engineering. It has not been easy since day one.
 The Department has done so well with the introduction of the Arizona State University Scholarship; and making it possible for first-years to go on field trip.
But there is a need for the refurbishment of our lab and the difficulties with regards to internship opportunities for students in the Department.

What positions have you held so far in your academic life?
 I was the President of MATESA for the 2018/2019 academic year. Currently, I'm the GESA Senate Speaker.


Speaker of GESA Senate. Please tell us briefly about your work as Speaker?
A Senate Speaker is the main administrator of the GESA Senate who works hand-in-hand with the departmental heads and GESA Executives to make GESA a better place for the next generation.

What are some leadership skills you possess?
I believe I have the spirit of leadership; I'm a selfless and an industrious leader who cares so much about the success of others.

Please tell us how you are able to manage social and academic responsibilities?
In order for one to manage their social and academic responsibilities, they have to plan their activities daily.

Any achievements or special awards?
I won the student leader of the year in my association, MATESA, and I also won the best departmental President in my College (Engineering) for the 2018/2019 academic year.

What or who inspires you?
My source of inspiration is this: I believe I have a great responsibility to take care of people in my country and Africa at large, and to make Ghana a highly recognized country in the world.

What is your vision and mission in life?
My vision is to fulfill my purpose in life and my mission is to help others (Africans) maximize their potentials and help serve my country.

Which extracurricular activities do usually engage in?
I like football and I can play football. I like playing FIFA; I love dancing  and I love to be in the House of God.

Any favourite motivational quote?
"This world is a very dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing." ~ Albert Einstein

How do you see the Department so far? Are there any improvements you would want to see?
The Department has improved, especially with the introduction of the Arizona State University Scholarship opportunity, and making it possible for first-years to go on field trip. In terms of academic performance and scholarships, there should be permanent internship slots, and the training skills we are yet to receive from Newmont Ghana.

What is your take on campus relationships as a student?
As a university student, you must know yourself very well; whether you can be in a relationship and still focus on your academics and be sound-minded. If you can't do that just, don't go into it.

What do you think about the way we are taught here in the university?
I wish much attention would be given to practical, project works and a focus on making our educational system more technological.

The Core of Engineering Technology, what does this mean to you?
The Core of Engineering Technology simply means the pivot, the central point, the fundamentals and the most vital aspect of technology.

What should we expect from you in the next few years?
I would like to get settled and then start giving back to society, establish my own company and get ready to serve my motherland, Ghana.

Please share with us your last words.
Now, this message goes to everyone, let's not give up on our dreams and visions. Imagine that Bill Gates and Aliko Dangote, who have employed more than 100,000 people, gave up on their dreams and visions; and again imagine that Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who played a great role in fighting for the independence of this country gave up on his vision.

These people wouldn't have only terminated their visions and dreams alone but they would have ended up killing the vision and the dream of a nation, so never give up on your dreams and visions.

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