In a revealing interview with Black Rasta on 3FM, Professor Ransford Gyampo, a renowned political scientist, reflected on two deeply emotional moments in his academic career that brought him to tears in front of his students.
Prof Gyampo described how his promotion to Associate Professor and the overwhelming support he received from his students during a challenging period profoundly impacted him.
The first occasion took place when he was promoted to the rank of Associate Professor. The recognition, which brought overwhelming joy, came as a complete surprise during a lecture when his students began applauding him.
He recalled his confusion at first, asking his class representative why the applause was happening, only to learn that the students were celebrating his promotion.
“Tears started dropping. It was the highest moment—tears of joy—because I looked at where I had come from, and they were celebrating me,” Gyampo shared, clearly moved by the outpouring of support.
However, the second emotional experience came after a public controversy put him under scrutiny. When Gyampo returned to the classroom, unsure of how his students would respond to him, their unwavering support left him speechless.
“The first day I went to the lecture hall to teach after the incident, I greeted the students, and they responded in a thunderous manner. I was surprised, so I asked, ‘Why this?’” he recalled. A student shouted, “We stand with you!” followed by a chorus of others, chanting, “We stand with you!” The display of solidarity moved him deeply, and as he prepared to continue with his lecture, Gyampo realized he was crying once again. “It was because of the show of support I saw from them,” he said.
Dismissing claims that he was booed or disrespected by his students, Gyampo reiterated his strong bond with them, emphasizing that their relationship goes beyond the academic environment. “I love my students, and they love me. Several students came to my house, wrote to me, and assured me, ‘We won’t do this to you. We can’t do this to you,’” he explained.
Gyampo also highlighted how his students have supported him in personal matters, from helping at the airport to providing critical assistance during his brother’s illness.
He expressed deep gratitude for their loyalty and kindness, seeing them not only as future policymakers but as future leaders who deserve respect and care.
