What began as a quest for academic advancement has become a powerful story of perseverance, faith and personal growth for Andy Mintah Yiadom, who emerged as the Best Graduating Student in the MSc Procurement & Supply Chain Management programme at Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU) during the University’s 35th Congregation.
Andy entered GCTU with sheer determination. Balancing life as a branch manager, consultant and student, he committed himself to a journey that demanded resolve and sacrifice. For him, the university experience extended far beyond lectures and examinations.
“GCTU didn’t just give me a classroom; it gave me a mirror,” he reflects.
“It showed me what I feared, what I hoped for, and who I could become.”
A test of endurance
The academic path was anything but easy. Andy recalls waking up before dawn to study and staying up deep into the night while juggling multiple responsibilities. There were periods when financial pressures mounted and moments when self-doubt crept in. Yet, his purpose continued to push him forward.
“Every challenge refined me. Every sacrifice strengthened me,” he says. “There were tough days, but giving up was never an option.”
His perseverance culminated in a remarkable academic achievement. When results were released, Andy graduated with Distinction, ranking at the top of his class.
Double honours
His academic excellence earned him two major awards:
Best Graduating Student — MSc Procurement & Supply Chain Management.
Overall Best Student — Advanced Public Procurement (Sponsored by Riella Consult)
Holding these awards, Andy describes, was a moment filled with emotion and gratitude — a physical representation of years of effort, sleepless nights, and constant prayer.
“Excellence is a lifestyle,” he notes. “It follows you when you choose discipline over comfort.”
Supported by family and friends
Andy is quick to acknowledge that his success story is a collective one. He expresses deep appreciation to his mother, Madam Theresa Oppong (Mama Thess), whom he calls his “prayer tower.” He also extends gratitude to his mentors — including Dr. Lord Emmanuel Yamoah, Dr. Frank Loglo, Dr. Daniel Opoku Akyea, and Dr. Nana Agyemang Prempeh — as well as friends and colleagues who encouraged him throughout the journey.
He regards GCTU as a nurturing environment that shaped his confidence and prepared him for the next chapter of his professional life.
A transformation beyond thw classroom
Andy’s success is rooted in values forged through adversity. He highlights three core lessons he learned along the way:
Discipline surpasses talent when talent refuses to be disciplined
Sacrifice is the hidden currency of success.
When God is involved, limitations disappear
“Today, I stand as proof that faith, resilience and hard work can turn doubt into distinction,” he says.
Words Of Inspiration
To fellow students and professionals striving to balance life and learning, Andy shares a message of hope:
“Your path may be difficult, but don’t stop. One day, the struggle will become your strength, and the sacrifice will become your success. Nothing is impossible when purpose meets effort.”
As he looks ahead, Andy steps forward not only with an academic qualification but with renewed confidence, a strengthened spirit, and a commitment to pursue excellence in every sphere of his life.
His journey is a reminder that greatness is not accidental, it is earned through endurance, consistency and unshaken faith.