Stories That Led to Ashesi
For some, it started with a visit to campus. For others, it was with a reflection of shifts in needed skills after time spent in industry, a conversation with an alum, or learning about a faculty member’s journey. The stories that follow introduce our new students; undergraduates in Cohort B of the Class of 2029, and incoming master’s students. They describe what drew them to Ashesi and how they are beginning to explore the next phase of their journeys.
We welcomed the second cohort of the Class of 2029 to join their peers in Cohort A, bringing the class’ total size to 522 students.
Among them is Nathalie Adu-Gyamfi ’29. Now studying Computer Science, she’s eager to dive into research, innovation, and student initiatives, inspired by role models in Ashesi faculty and driven by a desire to make the most of every opportunity.
Cohort B of the Class of 2029, includes 272 students from 16 countries across Africa, Europe, and the Americas. 37% of the cohort received some form of scholarship, and 47 percent are women.
Christine Banson ’29 on Rediscovering Law
Starting her studies in Switzerland, Christine Carol Banson ’29 made the bold decision to return to her first passion. Now studying Law and Public Policy at Ashesi, she’s focused on combining legal knowledge with a human-centered approach.
Etienne’s Commitment to Accessibility
From learning sign language to co-founding a charity that supports deaf students, Niyonshuti Etienne ’29 is driven by a commitment to inclusion and social impact. .
Alfreda Ofori ’29, a Future Biological Engineer
Moved by the impact of cocoa disease on Ghana’s economy and smallholder farmers, Alfreda Ofori ’29 chose to study Biological Engineering at Ashesi to help protect the nation’s most important crop.
An Encounter that Changed the Path of Christopher Gefli ’29
During a conversation with a fellow high school alum during his mall security shift, Gefli ’29 learned about Ashesi’s dual intake calendar, applied, and got on an unexpected path into Cohort B of the Class of 2029.
Teaching, Learning, and Aspiring: Azangina’s Story
Seeing many pupils struggle with written English, Azangina volunteered with Northern Voices Ghana Project Read to teach phonetics and build reading confidence. Now a Mechanical Engineering student at Ashesi, her passion for education is stronger than ever.
Lynn Mudzengerere ’29 on Engineering and Service
While at the African Science Academy, Mudzengerere and her team built a Farmer Aid Robot prototype to make livestock management easier for farmers. Now pursuing Mechanical Engineering, she is focused on turning more ideas into practical community impact.
Elim Essikpe ’29 on Finding Confidence
An unexpected nudge into public speaking helped Essikpe express himself stronger, and discover confidence he did not know he had. Along the way, learning sign language opened new ways to connect, and taught him the importance of inclusion and accessibility.
” I look forward to building lifelong friendships and making the most of everything Ashesi has to offer. I am excited about the journey ahead and all the experiences that come with being part of this amazing community.”
Isaac Bekoe ’29 reflects on his first week at Ashesi, sharing his fears, expectations, and early experiences of adjusting to a new environment.
As the Class of 2029’s Cohort B settles into campus life, we asked members of Cohort A, who have completed their first semester, to share reflections and practical advice with their peers. Here is what they had to say.
Alongside the undergraduate intake, Ashesi also welcomed 23 students into the Master’s in Mechatronic Engineering Class of 2028, representing six African countries. This cohort will be the final group to join the program’s three-year pathway, which is being phased out for a two-year format. Over the months ahead, these students will focus on robotics, automation, and control systems, joining colleagues to build the technical depth required to address practical engineering challenges.
