Prof. Afua Hesse Headlines June 2025 PAIS Ghana Brain Gain Webinar
Accra, Ghana – On Thursday, 19th June 2025, PAIS Ghana hosted its June edition of the Brain Gain Webinar Series, bringing together African international students and returnees for a powerful dialogue on the theme: “Brain Gain: The Impact of Diaspora Returnees | The Return: To Conform or To Reform?” The keynote speaker was Professor Afua AdwoJectey Hesse, Ghana’s first female paediatric surgeon and a pioneer in medical education and administration.
A Story of Return, Reform, and Resolve
Prof. Hesse shared her compelling journey from the United Kingdom back to Ghana after seven and a half years. Despite holding permanent residency, she and her family chose to return home to preserve their values and raise their children with Ghanaian identity and Christian principles. She recounted challenges they faced, including school admission rejections, and how God orchestrated favorable outcomes. She reflected on her early career at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where she led WardP1with firm discipline and integrity, eventually being appointed to top leadership roles. Anchoring her message on Romans 12:2, she emphasized her personal vow never to conform to worldly pressures and spoke about the importance of seeing the workplace as a mission field.
Building a New Generation Through Medical Education
In a passionate segment, Prof. Hesse discussed the founding of Accra College of Medicine. Inspired by the needs of Ghanaian students who lacked access to traditional medical schools, her family responded with prayer and initiative. The college, which she fondly calls a “wounded birds hospital,” is committed to raising morally upright and competent medical professionals. She also mentioned a $60,000 scholarship awarded to one National Science and Maths Quiz winner annually, and acknowledged that although full scholarships for missionary children are not yet available, conversations are ongoing under the college’s Endowment Foundation.
On Raising Children While Leading
In response to a question about raising children while pursuing a high-stakes career, Prof. Hesse credited God’s provision, discipline, and intentional planning. She shared how her children would sometimes accompany her during ward rounds and how structure at home enabled her to manage both family and work. She advised parents not to procrastinate but to plan ahead, stay organized, and trust God’s help to make it work.
Insightful Exchanges During Q&A
During the interactive Q&A session, Prof. Hesse addressed questions about whether she ever considered staying in the UK, what it’s like to be laughed at for her zeal, and how she manages to instill Christian values in a secular work environment. She noted that every experience we go through has valuable lessons that shape us. She also encouraged aspiring reformers that making a difference will not always be easy, but staying faithful to God is key.
A Call to Return and Reform
The June 2025 edition of the Brain Gain Webinar closed with a clear message that returning is more than relocation; it is a call to reform, serve, and lead. Prof. Hesse’s legacy of resilience and purpose inspired attendees across Africa and the diaspora. A full recording of the session will soon be available on the official PAIS Ghana website: https://panafricanintstudents.org/resources
