Sulemana Mohammed ’07

In 2003, when Sulemana Mohammed completed Ghanaian secondary school he did not think he was going to go to university. It was not that he did not do well in school; in fact he was one of the best students at his school. Though they desperately wanted to support their bright son, his family, farmers near the city of Yendi in northern Ghana, could not pay for Sulemana’s tuition. Even the fees at Ghana’s public universities would have been too high for Sulemana’s family. After hearing from a friend that Ashesi offers scholarships to needy students, Sulemana made the decision to apply.

Ashesi accepted Sulemana on the basis of his academic record and leadership potential. He became the first person in his family to attend college.

Sulemana graduated as one of the top students in his class with a degree in Business Administration and was presented an award at graduation for being the top finance student in his class. During his time at Ashesi, he has participated in student government, worked as an intern at two of Ghana’s top financial services firms, and led several community service projects in rural communities outside Accra. His thesis, an analysis of risk assessment practices at six microfinance organizations, is his attempt to help these institutions lower loan rates for their clients – the urban poor.

A month before graduation Sulemana was recruited by several of the top financial management firms in Ghana, finally deciding to join IC Securities.  His future is bright.

“After studying at Ashesi you realize that the job market has a lot of opportunities. I have to decide where I want to go . . . Ashesi has allowed me to distinguish myself, to become outstanding. I am sure I will find a good job and will be able to help others in my family. Two of my brothers also are interested in furthering their education. I hope I am able to get them the right materials and help them hire a tutor so they too may get to go to a university.”