Ghana’s former High Commissioner earns PhD at 75, defying age and expectations

At an age when most people are settling into retirement and enjoying the fruits of their lifelong efforts, George Ayisi Boateng, Ghana’s former High Commissioner to South Africa, is still chasing dreams and breaking barriers. At 75 years old, he has defied convention by earning a PhD, a remarkable academic feat that highlights his resilience, passion for education, and determination to inspire others.

Appearing on the Asaase Breakfast Show on June 23, Ayisi Boateng described his journey as a “grace from God,” dismissing any worldly motivations. Yet, his path to success was far from easy. Born into a large family of 15 siblings, he faced hardships early in life, especially after losing his father, who died from pneumonia after returning from political detention during Kwame Nkrumah’s regime. With no support system, continuing education after secondary school was out of reach due to financial constraints.

He began working at a young age, taking up various jobs, including a clerical role. But he never abandoned his dream of furthering his education. In 1994, he completed his A-Levels while working, and at 54, he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from the University of Education, Kumasi. By age 67, he had obtained a Master’s in Business Administration.

His PhD journey took root in South Africa, where his eloquent public speeches, especially one honoring the late Kofi Annan at a UN event, caught the attention of university professors. Encouraged by these academics, he applied to the University of West Africa (WITS) in Burbank. There, he embarked on his doctoral research focused on “Political Regimes and Ghana’s Economic Development,” producing a rigorous 258-page thesis.

Ayisi Boateng emphasized that PhD work is less about attending lectures and more about conducting original research and critical analysis. He noted that while his Master’s studies were demanding in terms of coursework, the PhD required deep independent thinking.

Despite his impressive academic achievement, he remains humble. He rarely uses his PhD title and cautions against the misuse of honorary degrees. He praised leaders like President Akufo-Addo and former President Kufuor for their modesty in accepting but not flaunting such titles.

Even after being offered a “professorial” title recently, he respectfully declined, saying, “I haven’t attained that status yet.” His story stands as a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue one’s goals and that true achievement lies in persistence, humility, and authenticity.

To young people, he offers this advice: “Set a goal and pursue it. Be focused and resilient. Age is just a number.”