From Tragedy to Testimony: The Journey of Joseph Koufie
Life can be unbearably heavy without support — yet with the right help, even the deepest wounds can be transformed into hope.
Born in Breman Baako as the sixth child in his family, Joseph’s early years were marked by unimaginable loss. At just four years old, he lost his father. His mother bore the weight of raising them alone, but fate struck again when two of his older sisters passed away. Then in 2009, Joseph’s mother also died, leaving him and two sisters to fend for themselves. Tragedy deepened when his eldest sister fell ill a year later and passed away, not only because of her sickness but because they could not afford proper medical care.
Despite heartbreak, Joseph refused to give up on his dreams. He worked weekends in construction and supported his sister’s fish-smoking business to pay his school fees. He managed to complete basic and secondary school, but higher education seemed like an unreachable dream.
Struggles and Setbacks
Class of 2014 of Moree Catholic J.H.S.
Joseph with class mates and tutors
In 2017, a Social Studies teacher took Joseph in and promised to guide him toward nursing. For two years, Joseph worked tirelessly in his home, clinging to the hope of beginning his nursing career. But in 2019, he was dismissed, leaving with only GH¢300 (about $60) in his pocket.
Still determined, Joseph reached out for help. His resilience caught the attention of Mr. Abubakar Abdullai, who eventually connected him to the Moringa Community School of Trade.
A Seed of Hope
That connection led to something life-changing. Mr. Abubakar introduced Joseph to Dr. Tom, a visionary who believed in sponsoring students to pursue healthcare. Joseph became the very first beneficiary of Dr. Tom’s scholarship program.
Through their support, Joseph enrolled at the Central College of Science & Technology in 2020. His tuition, learning materials, and hope for the future were all secured. Today, Joseph is completing his one-year internship at the Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua — a dream that once seemed impossible.
Dreams Realized, Service Ahead
Dreams Realized
Joseph during nursing training
Joseph’s story is more than personal triumph; it is a testament to the power of compassion. Dr. Tom’s generosity and the Moringa Community Organization’s support transformed his tragedy into testimony.
Now, Joseph looks forward to serving his community with compassion and pledges to help other students realize their dreams. His journey proves that no dream is too distant when someone cares enough to help.
As Joseph and fellow scholarship beneficiaries like Inusah Musa (a future lab technician) prepare to serve the Moringa Community School of Trade — now Jeff-Tech Breman Baako — their stories shine as beacons of hope for generations to come.
Prepared to serve
Joseph and fellow scholarship beneficiaries like Inusah Musa (a future lab technician)
“No dream is too distant when someone cares enough to help.”