In the bustling heart
of London, far from the vibrant lecture halls of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Sarah Seyram Arhinfu, the 2023 Best Student, is living a life many only dream of. Her days now involve academic research, cultural exploration, and international exposure—all the rewards of years of hard work, discipline, and resilience.
Sarah's journey from the serene town of Winneba to one of the world’s most iconic cities is not just a story of academic success; it's a powerful testimony to what determination and focus can achieve. As she now thrives in London—both personally and professionally—her story continues to inspire students in Ghana and beyond.
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Sarah Seyram Arhinfu made her mark at UEW not only through academic performance but also through her leadership qualities, dedication to service, and vibrant personality. A top-performing student from her first year, Sarah consistently demonstrated a thirst for knowledge and an unshakable commitment to excellence.
Graduating in 2023 with first-class honors from the Faculty of Social Sciences Education, Sarah earned the coveted “Best Graduating Student” award, becoming a household name across UEW’s campuses. Her academic record was spotless, with multiple distinctions in her major and a final GPA that topped her class.
She was actively involved in student groups, mentoring programs, and academic forums, often tutoring others and volunteering her time to assist with departmental events. Many lecturers described her as “a leader in the making” and “a rare academic gem.”
Speaking about her time at UEW, Sarah once said, “I came with a mission—not just to graduate, but to make an impact. I knew where I wanted to go, and every step at UEW was preparing me for something bigger.”
Seizing the Opportunity: A Move to London
Sarah’s graduation opened a world of opportunities. Due to her exceptional performance, she was nominated for several international scholarships and academic exchange programs. One of these, the Chevening Scholarship, a prestigious UK government award for global academic leaders, was her golden ticket.
By late 2023, she was offered full sponsorship to pursue her Master’s degree in International Development at University College London (UCL)—one of the UK’s top universities.
“Getting that scholarship felt like a dream,” Sarah said. “It was the result of years of hard work, sleepless nights, and sacrifices. I knew it was my chance to grow, to explore, and to prove that African students can thrive anywhere in the world.”
She landed in London in September 2023, ready to embrace a new chapter.
Life in London: Thriving Beyond the Classroom
Since her arrival, Sarah has embraced London with open arms. From the iconic skyline of Tower Bridge to the scholarly halls of UCL, she has seamlessly blended into her new environment while holding tight to her Ghanaian roots.
She currently lives in the vibrant Camden area, not far from her university, and enjoys the diversity of cultures, people, and food. “London is busy, yes—but it’s also beautiful in its chaos. Every corner holds a story, every person has a different background. I learn something new every day,” she shared.
Outside the classroom, Sarah participates in student-led panels on African development, cultural inclusion, and education policy. She’s been invited as a guest speaker to several events hosted by the Ghanaian Students’ Association in the UK and is already gaining a reputation as a rising voice for youth empowerment and education in Africa.
On weekends, she explores London’s museums, attends theatre shows, or relaxes in local coffee shops with a book or journal.
Her favorite place so far? “Hyde Park. It reminds me of the calmness of Winneba—just with colder air,” she joked.
Academic Excellence Abroad
At UCL, Sarah has maintained her academic brilliance. Professors commend her analytical thinking and in-depth understanding of socio-political issues in Sub-Saharan Africa. Her dissertation, which focuses on educational equity and curriculum transformation in developing countries, is already gaining attention from policy think tanks.
Her goal? To eventually return home with practical knowledge and solutions that can shape Ghana’s education system for the better.
“Education changed my life. I want to make sure others have the same chance—especially young girls in rural communities,” she said.
Sarah is also part of a research assistant program under a global NGO that designs sustainable learning systems for under-resourced schools. Her work bridges theory and real-world application, giving her a strong foundation for her future advocacy.
Staying Connected to Ghana
Though she’s miles away from home, Sarah’s heart remains deeply rooted in Ghana. She stays in touch with friends and lecturers from UEW and continues to mentor students online.
In December 2024, she launched a virtual mentorship initiative called “Brighter Paths”, aimed at helping final-year Ghanaian students apply for scholarships, prepare research papers, and plan international academic journeys. The program has already reached over 300 students across the country.
“I never want to forget where I came from,” she said. “I believe success is more meaningful when shared.”
She also plans to establish a scholarship foundation in Ghana by 2026 to support brilliant but financially challenged girls in the Central Region.
Looking Ahead
Sarah Seyram Arhinfu’s story is far from over. With her master’s program set to conclude in mid-2025, she’s already receiving job and PhD offers from top institutions around the world. But wherever she goes next, she’s clear about her long-term mission.
“I want to be a changemaker. I want to be in spaces where decisions are made—decisions that affect the African child, the African woman, the African classroom,” she said.
Her journey from a modest background in Ghana to international platforms in the UK stands as a beacon of hope for many. She continues to prove that with vision, discipline, and faith, greatness is not just possible—it’s inevitable.
Conclusion: A Role Model for the Next Generation
Sarah Seyram Arhinfu, the 2023 Best Student of UEW, is more than a name on an award plaque—she is an example of what it means to dream big and follow through. Her story is not just about traveling abroad or earning degrees; it’s about inspiring others to believe in themselves, even when the odds seem high.
She represents the thousands of talented Ghanaian students whose potential, when nurtured, can change not only their own lives but the world around them.
From the quiet town of Winneba to the global stage in London, Sarah continues to rise—and she’s just getting started.
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