“The most important work Ashesi does is in maintaining high standards of education and challenging students to be problem solvers,” Joe Dadzie.

Originally from Ghana, Joe Dadzie attended Achimota, a co-educational boarding school in Accra with Patrick Awuah. Many years later, while working at Microsoft, he was inspired by Patrick’s plan to start a university focused on developing critical thinking skills in Ghana.

Since then, Joe has been an advocate, donor, and mentor for Ashesi. We are grateful for his enthusiasm and tireless outreach efforts on behalf of Ashesi.

What inspired you to first get involved with Ashesi?
I got inspired to get involved with Ashesi after hearing Patrick’s plan to start a university focused on developing critical thinking skills in Ghanaian students based on a liberal arts core. The plan resonated with me because I could see the potential impact to Ghana given my high school education in Ghana and my liberal arts college education in the U.S.

How do you describe Ashesi to others?
I describe Ashesi as a unique university focused on developing problem solving future leaders for Ghana and Africa that is comparable to the best universities anywhere in the world.

What motivates you to stay involved?
I’m motivated by the consistent progress in achieving the vision and the caliber of students being developed. Whenever, I visit Ghana I hear glowing tributes from business professional about the impact that Ashesi students are making and that is rewarding. The vision is being achieved.

In your opinion, what is the most important work that Ashesi does?
The most important work Ashesi does is in maintaining high standards of education and challenging students to be problem solvers. In particular, I love the fact that students have to complete a real community project in their local area as part of their graduation requirements.