From the son of an uneducated parent to the Minister for Education: The story of Dr. Adutwum

Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Minister for Education and Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe, is reportedly one of the leading contenders for the vice-presidential candidate position of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

During an interview with veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr on Pan African TV’s Talk Time program on May 4, 2024, the education minister confirmed his interest in the position, describing it as "an opportunity of a lifetime."

He expressed his gratitude for being considered as a possible partner for the NPP flagbearer, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

Dr. Osei Adutwum then shared his life story, recounting his humble beginnings as the son of an uneducated farmer to becoming Ghana’s Minister for Education.

He remembered how his father struggled to raise money for him to attend Senior High School, and it was his younger brother who sold his pig to help him raise the needed funds.

Growing up in a humble background as the son of a cocoa farmer, he recalled the hard work and sacrifices made to pursue his education. Despite the challenges, he persevered and eventually became a prominent figure in the Ghanaian community in the United States.

He emphasized that his journey from poverty to success is a testament to his dedication and resilience.

"I grew up from a very humble background, the son of a cocoa farmer. During vacations, going to weed around the cocoa trees, we plucked the cocoa, packed it in one location, broke the pods, fermented it, and carried the fermented seeds onto the drying pad. God willing, one day, it dries up and we take it to the shed to sell so that your father would get money.

"When I passed the common entrance and was supposed to go to secondary school, it wasn’t cocoa season; there was no money. My dad was struggling, he took me along from village to village, begging his fellow cocoa farmers if they could lend him something (money) so that he could accumulate 40 cedis for me to pay my deposit to go to school. Luck was about to run out on me until my younger brother decided to sell a pig he had.

"With that, I was able to go to school, from there I went to Kumasi Senior High School (6th form) to Tech (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology) and then found myself in the United States of America, where I became not just somebody participating in the American system but very much involved in the Ghanaian community, where I became the president of the Ghana Association of Southern California after being the secretary. I always tell people that it isn't ironic that the son of an uneducated father and mother is the minister for education."

Dr. Adutwum also shared how he met President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who was impressed with his work in California's education system. This led to his involvement in transforming Ghana’s educational system through initiatives like the Free Senior High School program.

Despite opportunities in the US, Dr. Adutwum chose to return to Ghana and serve as a parliamentarian to contribute to his country's development.

His decision to become an MP was driven by his desire to make a difference and catch the attention of President Akufo-Addo, showcasing his commitment to public service.

Brief Profile of Dr. Adutwum:

Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum is a Ghanaian politician representing the Bosomtwe Constituency in the Ashanti Region on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party.

Born on April 9, 1964, in Jachie, Ashanti region, Dr. Adutwum holds a bachelor's degree in Land Economy, a master's degree in Education Management, and a Ph.D. in Educational Policy, Planning, and Administration.

He founded New Designs Charter Schools and has a background in teaching Mathematics and Information Technology, focusing on academic and social development.

Dr. Adutwum has made significant contributions to education in Ghana, setting up STEM schools and universities across the country. He currently serves as the Minister of Education, overseeing pre-tertiary education.

On January 21, 2021, he was appointed Minister of Education after serving as Deputy Minister for four years, showcasing his dedication to improving education in Ghana.

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