A beneficiary of the Naa Dedei Botchwey (NDB) Foundation, Sophia Selali Quashigah, who is a single mother, has emerged as the valedictorian of the 2024 graduating class of Accra Metropolitan University (formerly Laweh University College).
She earned a standing ovation for her emotional and inspiring story of resilience.
Sophia graduated with First Class Honours in Business Administration, attaining a final Cumulative Grade Point Average (FCGPA) of 3.73 out of 4.0.
She had also consistently represented the university in the prestigious Tertiary Business Sense Challenge.
Delivering the valedictory address at the university’s graduation ceremony, she took the audience through a moving journey of her life; one that began in hardship and ended in academic excellence.
“Four years ago, I was in wonderland. A place that attempted to break me,
“It was a place where I was discouraged from any form of self-improvement, including education. Thankfully, my journey to this University freed me.” She recalled.
According to her, the turning point came in early 2021, when a friend forwarded her a flyer about a scholarship opportunity at the then-Laweh University College.
The initiative, a collaboration between the university and 2020 TV3 Ghana’s Most Beautiful Queen, Naa Dedei Botchwey, eventually gave Sophia the chance to rewrite her story.
“I initially ignored it. I feared applying would only cause more conflict for me. But months later, something shifted. Fear got out of the way, and I realised it was what I had always wanted,” she said.
Before receiving the scholarship, Sophia earned a living by selling fried yams at Kasoa.
A single mother of three, she had completed Senior High School in 2008 at Keta Secondary School and spent the next 12 years navigating hardship.
“Today, I say, ‘Ebenezer—thus far the Lord has brought me,’” she declared to loud applause.
Expressing gratitude to her lecturers, peers, and the NDB Foundation, Sophia urged her fellow graduates to reject fear and embrace perseverance as they step into their next chapter.
“Perspective shapes life. Belief fuels growth. Remove fear—it blocks dreams. Never let others stop you. Success should be measured by how we uplift others,” she said.
Another beneficiary of the foundation, Cordelia Naa Yartekai Sampson, also shared a similarly heartfelt testimony.
She recalled how a friend’s recommendation changed the course of her life.
“A friend recommended Laweh to me and mentioned that Naa Dedei Botchwey was giving scholarships to girls. At the time, I had given birth and was home while all my friends were in school. I had no hope of going back,” Cordelia said.
She explained how her mother encouraged her to try.
“Even though I was hesitant, my mom kept pushing me. I submitted my application—online didn’t work, so I came to the school physically with my auntie. I remember the interview day—there were so many people. The competition was tough, but I got selected, and that’s how my journey began.” She said.
Balancing school, work, and motherhood was no easy task. “It wasn’t easy being a mother of one, studying, and working. But I did it—and here I am today with my First Class degree,” she said, beaming with pride.
Cordelia expressed heartfelt gratitude to the NDB Foundation.
“If not for them, I wouldn’t be here today. I say thank you to the Naa Dedei Botchwey Foundation, and also to Accra Metropolitan University.”
She also offered words of encouragement to young mothers like herself: “Giving birth doesn’t mean your life is over. There’s still hope if you’re ready to rise, learn, and go after what you want. You can still get there.”
The Acting Vice-Chancellor and Co-founder of Accra Metropolitan University, Professor Goski Alabi, lauded Cordelia’s strength and praised Sophia’s numerous accomplishments.
“Sophia has repeatedly represented the university in both national and international competitions.
She’s represented us in the Graphic Business Challenge and Tertiary Business Sense Challenge, where in both instances they reached the quarterfinals. Even today, the confidence, assertiveness, and transformation she displayed were exceptional.”
The Vice-Chancellor expressed gratitude to all partners who made the journey possible.
“A big thank you to Naa Dedei for that initiative. And thanks also to TV3 for Ghana’s Most Beautiful and the value it brings. This is proof that it’s not just a beauty pageant—it’s a developmental tool and a vehicle for transformation.”
She emphasised the university’s commitment to flexible and quality education.
The beauty queen behind it all
For Naa Dedei Botchwey, the results of the scholarship are nothing short of divine.
“Professor Goski called me and said, ‘Guess what? Sophia is the valedictorian,’ and I was speechless. I think God used me, GMB, and Professor Goski to create this opportunity,” she said.
The NDB Foundation, established in 2020, focuses on inclusive education, supporting individuals who might otherwise be excluded from formal learning, such as young mothers.
“We wanted to prove that pageantry can be a vehicle for transformation,” she noted.
Beyond scholarships, the foundation also provides mentorship and donations to schools and youth-focused institutions.
“When we mentor, we scout. We don’t just talk; we take action,”
“What Sophia and Cordelia have achieved is evidence of what support can do to a girl child’s dream.”Naa Dedei explained.
