What could be your motivation to take up a career in the mathematical sciences? Could it be an encounter with an accomplished personality in the field or a desire from childhood as you fell in love with numbers? In this week’s edition of the #AlumoftheWeek, we bring you the story of a young man who had a combination of all of the above—his stay at the AIMS Ghana campus and how that has changed his career path. Our alumnus for this week is Benjamin Opoku Fofie.
Benjamin is a Ghanaian born who had his primary education at the Dalhi Sheli School in the northern region of Ghana. His early childhood education at the school exposed him to many fascinating applications of mathematics, which became his utmost desire to pursue. After his secondary education, Benjamin got the privilege to be admitted to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, where he offered an undergraduate degree in Mathematics.
“I chose to study mathematics because I have always loved it, even from basic school. Studying at KNUST was challenging, but it did enhance my problem-solving skills.”
During his tenure of the mandatory national service at the Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Benjamin got the opportunity to encounter his long admired mentor, Prof Francis Allotey, who exposed him to several pathways that come with his childhood passion and subject. Prof Allotey, who also doubled as the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences – Ghana founder, introduced him to AIMS and all the exposure it could bring him.
“AIMS was different from the usual form of learning I was used to. Though it was quite challenging and stressful, I enjoyed every moment. My experience at AIMS made me appreciate Mathematics so much and taught me to be open-minded. My problem-solving skills improved tremendously, and I also loved that I had to study with people from different backgrounds, countries, and cultures. AIMS taught me critical thinking and how to approach and solve problems. The environment taught me to work under pressure and be versatile. I even started picking up a few words in other African dialects.”
Currently working as an Investment Analyst with one of Ghana’s leading Pensions companies, Pensions Alliance Trust Limited, Benjamin seeks to use his analytical knowledge and exposure to mathematics to educate people on various ethical investment options and other productive ventures that draw home good returns. Educating people on other financial management skills and saving for retirement is also one of his ways to achieve SDG 1, “Ending Poverty,” in all of its forms.
During his stage at AIMS, Benjamin remarks on his kin interest in the entrepreneurship week courses, which exposed him to drafting business proposals and sound business plans. The effect of this training is the establishment of his restaurant and food delivery company called Bellys. Bellys is currently doing fantastic and is open up for expansion. This is to say that investors are welcome to join.
“The passion for pursuing mathematics and its applications can be challenging but a strong lead to several successes. All that one has to do is trust God, be open-minded, hardworking, and never give up.”