George Ayisi-Boateng, a distinguished Ghanaian diplomat and entrepreneur, has proven that age is no barrier to education. In a remarkable journey of persistence and academic pursuit, Ayisi-Boateng earned a Bachelor’s degree at 64, an MBA at 67, and a PhD at 75, inspiring countless individuals with his story.
Ayisi-Boateng’s academic journey began in 2005, when, at nearly 60 years old, he made a personal vow to return to school and earn higher educational qualifications. Though many in his age group would have been preparing for retirement, Ayisi-Boateng, a self-made businessman, remained active in his career and focused on self-improvement. Raised by a single mother after his father’s death during his early childhood, Ayisi-Boateng overcame adversity to chart his path to success, a path that included not only a thriving business but also a commitment to education.
Before returning to school, Ayisi-Boateng made it a priority to ensure that his children received the education he was unable to pursue earlier in life. By 2005, his children had completed their studies, with his eldest daughter teaching at St. Louis Secondary School in Kumasi, and his younger children at universities and nursing schools in Ghana and abroad. With his family’s education secure, Ayisi-Boateng turned his attention to fulfilling his own academic aspirations.
In 2009, at the age of 64, Ayisi-Boateng graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Education, Winneba (UEW). Not content with just one degree, he enrolled in a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and completed it in 2011, at age 67. But even then, he was not satisfied.
In 2017, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo appointed Ayisi-Boateng as Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa. His time in South Africa presented another opportunity to further his education. At the age of 75, Ayisi-Boateng graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Political Economy from the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa. His dissertation focused on “Political Regimes and Ghana’s Economic Development in the 4th Republic”, a topic reflecting his dual passions for politics and economic development.
Reflecting on his educational journey, Ayisi-Boateng attributes much of his motivation to the desire for intellectual growth and the belief that education trains individuals to think analytically and communicate effectively. Despite the challenges he faced in life, including the loss of his father and the struggle to complete his early education, Ayisi-Boateng’s perseverance never wavered.
Throughout his career, Ayisi-Boateng has balanced multiple roles, including his work as a politician, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. As one of the founding members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), he has been a key figure in shaping Ghana’s political landscape. His entrepreneurial spirit, cultivated during his early career at AGIP SPA Ghana Limited (now Ghana Oil Limited), helped him transition into private business, where he established a successful petroleum retailing, imports, and exports enterprise.
Ayisi-Boateng’s contributions extend beyond his personal achievements. As Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, he played a significant role in attracting major automobile companies, such as Volkswagen and Nissan, to set up assembly plants in Ghana. His dedication to his country and its development has earned him a reputation as a visionary leader.
Looking back, Ayisi-Boateng is proud of his educational accomplishments, but he remains humble. In an interview, he expressed his gratitude to President Akufo-Addo for the opportunity to serve as High Commissioner and to pursue his PhD while in office. “Had it not been him, I’d not have been able to pursue that career,” he said.
Now in his late 70s, Dr. George Ayisi-Boateng continues to inspire others with his unwavering commitment to education and personal growth. His story serves as a powerful reminder that it is never too late to chase one’s dreams, and that age should never limit anyone from achieving their fullest potential.
Dr. Itumeleng Baloyi, a determined South African scientist, recently celebrated a monumental achievement—earning her PhD in Microbiology from the University of Pretoria after overcoming numerous challenges, including the rejection of her research publication five times. Her academic journey, which began in July 2018, was not without obstacles, but her resilience and determination ultimately led her to success.
On May 9, 2023, Baloyi’s PhD was officially conferred, marking the culmination of years of dedication and perseverance. Reflecting on the day, she expressed her gratitude for the love and support from her family, friends, and supervisors, stating that their encouragement played a crucial role in her success. The journey, however, was far from smooth. One of the most significant hurdles she faced was the multiple rejections of her first research publication, which focused on antibiotics.
In a LinkedIn post, Baloyi candidly shared the emotional toll the rejections took on her, admitting that they made her feel incapable at times. “At that moment, those rejections somehow made me feel like an incapable person. However, all I knew was that this particular manuscript needed to be published,” she wrote. But rather than giving in to the discouragement, she pushed forward with unwavering determination. Her perseverance paid off when her manuscript was eventually accepted by MDPI_Antibiotics, a journal with an impact factor of 5.22. Read more about the amazing Dr. Itumeleng Baloyi.