Below are comments from Mrs. Akyeampong’s former students, inspired by a post on Stephen Kodjo Kumako’s Facebook page that attracted the comment “What a great woman and mum!” from Ras Skelon.
The comments were compiled into Volume 1 of A Teacher’s Touch: Reflections of Former Students of Mrs. Charlotte S. Akyeampong, which was presented to her during a visit in January 2012.
Mrs. C. S. Akyeampong 
All I wanted was a part in a school play – just so I could hang around what I thought was the coolest group of people – Mrs. Akyeampong and her Drama Club. And then came Toledo Excel, a defining moment in my life. All I wanted was to act – and then I found a family.
I would like to add my voice to the many that have in the past said and written many great things about Mrs. Akyeampong. She is indeed a great human being. Before facebook made it hip to stay connected to your friends, Mommy was blazing a trail with her chain telephone calls anytime she visited North America.
Somebody said something the other day about how the Akyeampongs opened their homes to all of us – yes, they did. I remember making quite a few trips into their fridge. When I visited them recently, I felt at home once again. I even got chauffeured to the Legon bus stop by none other than the distinguished Prof. Akyeampong (in his state-of-the-art automobile). Now, that’s family! With how close all of Mommy’s students are with her family, I think we are the lucky few. Teachers, they say, ought to teach students not only about how to make a living but also about how to live life. Mrs. Akyeampong did her part and more. She remains a fine example of what it means to be part of a learning community.
While thanking Mommy for being who she is, I wish to thank all of you who made it glamorous to be a part of the Drama Club.
May the Lord almighty who created heaven and earth continue to bless you abundantly, may He never forget you in this life and the one to come(beyond)
I cannot just leave a “comment” about Mrs Akyeampong, because in essence, I was one of her children. I lived in her house for about 6 months to a year-I cannot even remember how long I lived there.
She dragged me into the Drama Club, because they needed girls in the play “The Search”. I reluctantly agreed, thinking it would be just a short stint. I don’t know how she got me to join, and to stay so long, but it is hard to say no to her.
She is one of the sweetest, kindest people I have ever met, and her generosity seems limitless. She was born to be a teacher, and I think she did it well.
I hope that we all remember what she has done and gone through for us. We should not allow her to ever want for anything. Let us make it a point to check on her, those who are abroad and in Ghana, and make sure that she is not in need of anything. What I would do for my mother, I would do for her. Mrs. Akyeampong, I would very much like to say “thank you,” to you and to your family.
For me, Mrs. Akyeampong was an exceptional teacher. I was not part of Drama Club or for that matter writers and debators clubs back in Presec.
I had my own blog in school where I scribbled some words from time to time. It was when I was aspiring to become the SRC president that I met Mrs. Akyeampong. One day on my way to the staff common room, I met her and she said “GBEASOR, I hear you are going for SRC president”. I was shocked because she had never taught me and I was bemused more at her knowing my name.
At the teachers’ vetting, she turned out to be one of the teachers who really gave me the encouragement to go on…
Mrs. Akyeampong is blessed. She made such a great impact on the lives of all odadees….
Thank you, and thank you very much….
This woman is a blessed mother of many, not just her nuclear family. She has carved a niche for herself that transcends even the boundaries of the Great Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School.
I have always longed for a day like this when I could express my profound gratitude to you for the role you played in moulding me to become a young man with far reaching aspirations.
I have seen young, old and very old speak very honorably of you and told myself that all my opinions about you are very very right and true.
There is NO WAY I could quantify the substance and virtue you have imparted.
GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU WITH THE SATISFACTION THAT YOU HAVE PLAYED A VITAL ROLE IN OUR LIVES. IT WAS ALL FOR A GOOD CAUSE.
– A VIRTUOS WOMAN, WHO CAN FIND? –
How can I just comment about Mrs Acheampong. She’s my mum on Presec grounds. I don’t even know how I ended up in the Drama club but with her hospitality, warmth, kindness, smile and other attributes which time and space will not allow me to express, I somehow gravitated towards her and the Drama Club. I featured in ‘The Inspection’ at Arts Council and ‘Stella’ at the National Theatre in 1998 all under her direction.
I made it through teachers’ vetting when aspiring for Senior Prefect all through the support and good report she gave about me to the rest of the staff in the common room on that day. I ended up as ASP (Domestics). Who can ever forget Mrs Acheampong!
I could talk to her about anything even more than my natural mother. ‘OBAATAN PA YE NA’.
May God richly bless you, MUMMY. Definately a PROVERBS 31 VIRTOUS WOMAN- WHO CAN FIND?
THANK YOU A MILLION TIMES!
I don’t believe in chance so I wouldn’t say my meeting Mrs Akyeampong was by chance, I believe it was more by fate. Being the “twin sister” of Nadia, we hung out together so I was always around Mrs Akyeampong. Also, staying the last term of my Presec days with Jemi at Prof Dolphyne’s home, we made many a trip to Mrs. Akyeampong’s home.
So it wasn’t a wonder that when they were searching (pardon the pun) for an understudy for Nadi’s part in “The Search”, I ended up being the person she chose. That opportunity absolutely opened several doors, brought me into contact with some of the most funny, talented, generous and loving people. Mrs. Akyeampong by far is one person who definitely made an impact in my life. Her life has always been an inspiration to all of us but I think more so for us the females in the group… She is a great teacher, professional, wife, mother and mentor and I think most of us strived to emulate her. Even when she was upset with something the guys (I have to blame the guys:) did, she reprimanded with a smile…Not sure how she does that. She sees the best in everyone and always has a word of encouragement.
There are very few people in the world like her.. She is truely a gem in the vast ocean and we should all celebrate and honor her.
Few people leave indelible marks on the hearts and minds of the individuals they meet. Even fewer people genuinely inspire, challenge and nurture young minds to strive for something bigger than the world around them. Mrs. C.S. Akyeampong was all of these to many people, of whom I am grateful to say that I am one. The memories from Literature classes to Drama Club rehearsals remain some of the cherished and defining moments of my life, and I am thankful for a teacher who cared like a mother would, and a mother who cared like a friend would.
For the many people whose lives she touched but who may not get the chance to articulate her profound impact on their lives, I am humbled by the simple ways Mrs. Akyeampong made me believe that I can also do extraordinary things.
With my leading roles in “When the Child Fell Ill” and “Through a Film Darkly” – although those will be my last time on a stage and with an audience – I am always reminded that our lives unfold around us like performers on a stage, and what we give back to the people we meet in life will go much farther than we ever can. Such is the example you have set for all of us.
For some, she will be Mrs. Akyeampong, for others, Auntie Charlotte, and for many others, Madam. She is a teacher and a friend whose love we will never forget. Presec is a distant memory for most of us, but the warmth of teacher who smiled when we smiled lives with us every day and every waking moment. The man I strive to become is a product of many self-sacrificing and exceptional people like Mrs. Akyeampong who made a world of a difference in my life. I thank you.
You guys have said it all. Mrs Akyeampong has positively touched so many lives. She transformed me, made me believe I could achieve whatever I set my eyes on. And she does all these things in the most gentle manner you could ever imagine. Now, that’s a gift! God bless you mum! We love you!
Mrs. Acheampong has always being a mother to all of us. A caring mother who touch all of our lives with her kindness and advice. I really appreciate her and thank her so much.
Madam, may God bless you all the days of your wonderful life.
This is brilliant. Mrs. Akyeampong will be very proud to have invested 30 years of her life in students at this great school.
In lumine tuo videbimus lumen!
One of the best teachers I have ever known. Very loving and inspiring.
God bless you, mum.
I was never in Mrs. Akyeampong’s class nor the drama club but I surely have witnessed her influence and how she had made gentlemen out of some school boys (close friends). I have felt her grace from a distance; that charming smile and cheer which made me smile at her in admiration and said to myself, “what a wonderful woman.” This is just a gist of how you are revered by some of us you might not even remember nor know, but we know you anyway. You have no idea of the enormity of respect and love you have in some secret hearts.
I say Ayekoo, and enjoy God’s blessings.
My aspirations early on in my PRESEC life was to be one of the best Science students there. Mrs Acheampong showed me that to actually achieve that goal, I need to master the English language in both its written and spoken forms. I never was in the drama club or in any theater production but she was the source of my nickname, ‘Shakespeare’.
Thank you for your interest in the boy who wanted nothing to do with your department and just wanted to do science. I am a better scientist because of your time and effort!
Indeed, words cannot describe the impact Mrs. Akyeampong has had on me as an individual and also as a member of Drama Club of PRESEC. There has not being a single day when my personal issues that she is made aware of is never addressed. So many other students can attest to this outstanding and commendable character, hence we refer to her as our Mum.
Besides that, she was always monitoring the academic performance of all her students, especially those in the Drama Club. This was to ensure that no one gave excuses for poor results. I could go on and on, but I will sum it all up in a prayer – “Mum, may God bless you!”
Sometimes, people just say things because they are compelled to. You don’t have to be promted to tell the world who Mrs. Akyeampong is and how she has affected the lives of many individuals (of course, including me.)
I joined THE Drama Club in 1990. This was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, because of who created the Club and the special friends I came across. I was actually part of two different “plays”: Kongi’s Harvest and The Search.
Mrs. Akyeampong (we call her Madam) made the club seem like a family, and she always made sure the acting was secondary to the reason we were in school – to educate ourselves.
I could go on and on about the opportunities the exchange program between the PRESEC 93/94 Drama Club and Toledo Excel program created for a lot of us. I believe if not for that, some of us would have been wallowing the coigne of absolute despair somewhere in Brofoyedur…
Let me say “thank you so much, Madam. May God richly bless you and your family.”
Madam is surely one of my most unforgettable teachers. No doubt the most encouraging and engaging teacher I have ever had.
She nurtured my love for words, through various classes I took with her – especially Literature in English (Not English literature, mind you!).
Her encouragement to perform an impromptu role in Chanticleer definitely prepared me for public speaking.
With the success of her former students as the yardstick, if every teacher in Ghana had a little bit of Madam’s teaching spirit in her, imagine how much better Ghanaians would be doing!
Long may you live. Your legacy will never be forgotten.
TDK – Toronto.
No matter the length of what I write or say, it cannot and will not be enough to describe who Aunty Charlotte is, what she stands for, what she has done and is still doing for many people.
She forever remains our mum both in and out of school. I urge us all to make it a point to be communicating with her as much as possible for her to know that her ‘children’ are doing well. She enjoys every visit and every phone call.
If all teachers could have a tithe of Aunty Charlotte’s nature in them, we would not have any failures in our schools and we’ll be producing complete students – both in academics and Christian moral living.
For the men who’ll have the opportunity to read this, look at her life and treat your wifes well. For the ladies, look at her life and learn how to be a fantastic career person, excellent wife and wonderful mother to all the ‘children’ who’ll pass through your life.
Aunty Charlotte, God bless you and keep you. May His face and grace continuously shine upon you. Grow in strength and grace. Receive strength in your body, bones and continue to rely on God for everything.
We love you.
It is extremely difficult trying to find the right words to describe a woman who was as all-encompassing as Charlotte Sally Akyeampong.
For the years that I ‘sat at her feet’ in her Literature in English class, it was hard to tell if she was the teacher sometimes. She was more of a mother to her class and I never saw her angry or annoyed with any of her students.
She was quick to laugh and to encourage, and she saw potential in every student. When other teachers told us the mountain was too high to ascend, she prodded us gently and said, “Go climb, because you can”.
Mrs. Akyeampong, please know from the depth of my heart that it was a complete and utter privilege to have had you as a teacher, a mother and a mentor. God doesn’t make your kind any more.
Thank you, thank you, thank you and God Bless!!
Thank you. This opportunity is a special moment for me.
Your personality and professionalism held such an enduring calming and restraining influence over the whole of Presec. As a completely rare individual, you were so popular for your good nature as against other teachers who became popular for their meanness.
You made every student feel that you had a special eye for them as individuals, and a vested interest in their success. You made every single student feel special and safe. No one ever saw you angry or lose your temper, yet you consistently delivered success; and well, so effortlessly. You created fame for both students and your fellow teachers.
Well now to my own personal experience.
I have never forgotten you
You have always remained with me
I will continue to adore you as the most exceptional positive influence I gained from PRESEC.
Thanks to you I got my best grades from English Literature
Thanks to you I have been called an actor in my life
I am so proud to have known you.
The week just past, I downloaded the works of Shakespeare on my phone whilst on a train journey. Whilst I watched the program streaming down, it was your name and face that my mind saw.
Last year my wife (a non Presecan) returned from America with what she thought was inside information on my past. This is what she said – ‘I HEARD YOU WERE Mrs ACHEAMPONG’S LITTLE BOY’. I proudly looked at her and responded –‘that’s the coolest accolade’.
So you see, for over 2 decades you continue to be part of my life to inspire me.
Yet, through all my time in PRESEC, I was full of mischief.
GOD BLESS YOU MRS ACHEAMPONG.
Apenteng
Mum,
You taught me patience; you taught me to believe in myself, and above all, you helped me nuture my acting talent.
It started with a cameo role in Kongi’s Harvest (I have not forgotten the trip to Holy Child; it was a real first for me in Presec). It continued with a more prominet role in Chanticlear. Guys like Nana Yeboah, Richard Wireko, Caesar, and Canfor Dumas who starred in that play will forever mention your name.
Isn’t it intersting that you were the only teaher who addressed your students by their nicknames. I guess it was your way of making us feel loved and at home.
As you live the next stage of your life (as a full-time grand-mother), may I quote a popular phrase of our own Reverend Ofosuhene (Bolo) –
Happy are we…to have had such a great “Mother”.
Mrs Akyeampong, May the Good Lord continue to bless you for all the wisdom you have imparted to us and for making us true Christian Gentlemen.
You uncovered true artistry in the PRESEC Drama Club
particularly in “The Search” and I wish I could relive the memories.
WE LOVE YOU!
Madam…
Where do I begin? Where do I end? So many thoughts, so many memories, so much fun!!!
So for me it’s simple: THANK YOU.
THANK YOU for your believing in me; thank you for believing in all of us.
THANK YOU for your role as a Teacher, Mentor, Leader, Mother.
THANK YOU for caring so much about us as you do your own kids.
THANK YOU for loving each and everyone of us.
THANK YOU for making me a part of history with the PEACE Project.
For the times we spent at your home, you welcomed us and fed us and embraced us like one of your own…for that I THANK YOU on behalf of all Odadies and non-Odadies who have had the pleasure of YOU at various points in their lives.
My life would definitely not have taken some of the significant turns it has taken without you in my life…for that I also THANK YOU.
THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!
MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY!
NII OTU OKUNOR
(Odadie Strong…’94)
In 1992, you inspired and motivated the cast of mainly lower 6 students (males and females)including myself, to stage a hilarious adaptation of Chaucer’s “Chanticleer”, on our campus, the University of Ghana drama studio and the national theatre. Of course, before than you had so inspired the speaking and writing of correct English in many of us, such that although I was not a Literature student in the 6th form, I attended many a literature class taught by you, and learnt a few lines of English poetry – in the very temple of delight, veiled melancholy had her sovereign shrine.
I still remember your excellent reading of “Wuthering Heights” that brought Emily Bronte’s work to life right in our classroom in Form 2, and the rapt attention and absolute silence even in that windowless classroom. Fact is, whether you were speaking English or Fante, it was poetic and attention-grabbing in a special way. Very few teachers inspire respect and awe in students without carrying a cane around, especially in a boys’ school, and in my 8 years (including national service) in PRESEC, I do not remember you carrying one, even as a blackboard pointer. It was simply almost impossible to misbehave in your presence, and if one tried it, one’s colleagues were most likely to discourage one with the kind of peer pressure that can only be motivated by a desire to ensure that no one desecrated what we considered our own special icon of pride.
Although many of the teachers played their roles quite well, I believe that PRESEC would have been much better if we had a few more teachers with your style, approach and dedication – you clearly stood out. I am glad that I finally have this opportunity to let you know what a special academic, literary and social influence you were on me – you personified the word “lady” in all respects – and I wish you many more years of happiness and God’s special protection and providence as you continue to inspire your grand-children.
By the way, ma’am have you considered writing your memiors?
I knew about Mrs. Acheampong even before I actually met her; an older sibling had taken Literature classes with her. So I had heard all the stories of this warm and inspiring woman. Then I got to meet her at Presec and confirmed all the stories. She truly is a rare gem–combining caring kindness, patience, humility and a warm smile into one unforgettable package.
I am very grateful for my time with the Presec Drama Club. The camaraderie and sense of family that was forged in that club year after year is a testament to the temperament of its patron. So many fond memories, formative moments and invaluable opportunities happened for many Drama Club alumni–all on the back of this very special lady.
THANK YOU, MADAM… for taking the time to be a mother and friend to so many. May God bless you with many years and good health so you can see—-and taste-—the fruits of your labor of love.
Victor Graves (1994)
I thank God for the life of Mrs. Akyeampong. For God has used her to shape, influence, direct and change my life, and I can never pay the debt of gratitude that I owe to Mrs. Akyeampong.
I first met her when she came to the School of Performing Arts to look for another director for a play that the drama club at Presec was doing. The director of the play had run away from it because it was a very difficult play. Yes, Oedipus Rex by Sophocles is a difficult play, and all the lecturers and TAs were running away from her because they did not believe Presec Drama Club could perform such a play. Then she asked me. I wanted to say no too, since I was only a second year student at the School of Performing Arts. But how could I say no to such an affable school teacher whose passion for drama and how good her students were were all that she talked about. So we did Oedipus Rex, Kongi’s Harvest, Chanticlear, The Search, and the Toledo PEACE Project, and more.
In all these. Mrs. Akyeampong gave me opportunities that most of my colleagues never come close. She introduced me to very influential people and treated me like family.
Mum, when you heard that I had been ordained as a pastor in Maryland, you made it a point to come and see me preach and to encourage me. Words can not express my appreciation of you. Oh virtuous woman, may heaven be open to you as you opened your home to many; may your seed be blessed as you have blessed, cultivated, and nurtured many a seed. My family and I just want to say thank you. Thank you.
A virtuous woman is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Mrs. Akyeampong. She is able to elicit the best out of everyone without the use of force or threat (especially in an environment – like among school kids – where that was the norm). Her love, good judgement, and intellectual prowess to see beyond and have the vision to do things out of the ordinary and mundane has afforded many of us various opportunities that we are thankful for. And because of that, I would like to say thank you Madam!!! You were a mother to all us and I love you.
Mrs. Charlotte Akyeampong, a teacher who left an impression on many lives including mine, a woman of great virtues that money cannot buy. With her compassionate and magnanimous nature and style, she won our hearts and raised us as her own.
Words cannot express how much I appreciate her for what she accomplished in my life. It is said that “A truly great person is the one who gives you a chance.” Indeed, Mrs. Akyeampong, “Madam” as we all call her gave me a chance.
You are a remarkable teacher. You have left indelible marks of great success on us. You taught and led us with great competence, courage and commitment. You determined to succeed with us, trimming the rough edges. You never let the problems we posed become problems. You loved us all. You taught us to be team players, hardworking and achievers. Working together we put up many performances in grand styles. Even when we felt it wasn’t possible, you held your head high and encouraged us on. Your strength and great courage pulled us through many days. The indispensable traits you have implanted in us will stay in us.
Zig Ziglar said, “inside every person, there are seeds of greatness. The responsibility of parents and leaders is to nurture and cultivate those seeds”. You did just that!
We became a family because of the great brotherly love and unity that you inculcated in us. Madam, God bless you. I am eternally grateful to God for you and will forever endear you.
Seth Asante
Mrs. Akyeampong holds a special place in my heart, and even though I run the risk of repeating what most of my colleagues have said already, I want to say that there are a few people like her. Members of my family who have never met her know her name, and they often ask, “How is Madam?”.
Presec has been good to me, and Madam has been one of the reasons. For this and more, I am eternally grateful.
Thank you, Madam.
I will never forget that day in 1986 when Mrs. Akyeampong chanced upon me weeping my eyes out somewhere around the school library. In her inimitable manner, she soothed, reassured, and gave me hope that perhaps my future at Presec would not be filled with the myriad terrors I had hitherto imagined.
Incidentally, my mother taught English too so in my then-childish mind, I somehow believed that Madam seemed like a mother to me because of that fact, but I soon discovered that she was a mother to all and sundry, including the so-called ‘hard nuts’ amongst us.
I cannot end this without mentioning the indelible impression left on my mind by the splendid Drama Club productions ‘Konji’s Harvest’, ‘Chanticleer’ and others.
Indeed, we had great teachers at Presec, but you, Auntie Charlotte, shall forever remain the most fondly regarded by one and all.
We will always be grateful for the love and kindness with which you taught and guided us.
Thank-you, Ma’am.
Yaw Koram
“You conf or what?” This was the reaction I got from one of my jovial, free-spirited friends, when I switched from French to Literature in Form two third term at Presec. Many said it was academically risky. For others, it showed “lack of clear direction or focus.”
Not, Mrs. Akyeampong.
I will spare you details of what went into that decision except to say it was necessary for my own academic survival. Admittedly the SSSCE, that killer of an exam, was due the following year. Although I had an idea what I wanted to do, I was still a bit hesitant. However my worries were practically over by the time I finished speaking with Mrs. Akyeampong.
She didn’t just dismiss my change of heart as the indecisiveness of a seventeen year old. She didn’t berate me for toying with my future as some did. In a most calming manner, she listened to me, she really listened to my heart and once she caught wind of my dream, she was unrelenting in her support.
And that was vintage Mrs. Akyeampong: an exceptional teacher with a remarkable penchant for bringing out the best side of everyone. She was kind, she was patient, and she was caring.
Thinking about it now, here’s how I see it: she took hold of my unpolished sense of belief and turned it into something concrete. It was December1999, the year of the millennial buzz when the whole world was on the brink of a new century; there in the depth of my heart, she planted the seeds of confidence. Ten years have passed since those teenage days but that resolute sense of self confidence has never left me.
In a school built on strong Christian foundations, fabled Basel traditions and rigorous academic standards, C.S Akyeampong was the very acme of the Odade3 spirit.
That same sense of self conviction guided my colleagues and I in those interesting but anxious days as members of the Editorial Board. Together with Mr. Kofi Allotey they inspired us to produce the school magazine and Yearbook in an era where few secondary schools in the country could even manage one of these.
At the time, she would laboriously go through the articles for the publication, editing and correcting while providing a much needed link between us and the school administration. The Editorial Board, though exciting was extremely demanding and we would never have been successful without her wonderful support.
Personally, though I wasn’t conscious of it at the time, Presec was the first place I learned to report and write hard news by way of the Fila Board. I finally found my calling in journalism after graduating from college but it was under Mrs. Akyeampong’s tutelage that l learned to write my first leads and nut graphs.
Looking back now, it is impossible to overstate the importance of Mrs. Akyeampong’s mentorship in my life. On the issue of my change of subject, she became personally involved in getting me up to speed for the looming SSCE. In her free time she taught me everything I’d missed in the past year or so, tested, graded and answered my infinite questions.
When it was necessary, she opened the doors to her house for more tutoring. At home, her family was nothing but warm, receptive and hospitable. And so it was till the day of the mighty exam; all this was free of charge.
Mrs. Akyeampong is one of the warmest and most kind-hearted people I’ve ever known and I, like most of my friends admired her strength and character. My encounter with her was as a result of my interest in literary activities but in the end she was just like a mother to me.
I graduated from Presec, and went on to other things in life but none of that self-confidence has ever left. For this and so much more, I remain eternally grateful.
The fact that she wasn’t an old student didn’t matter to her. The fact that she wasn’t Presbyterian did not matter. No, you didn’t need to be a relative or a family friend or even to be her student. C.S Akyeampong’s legacy in Presec was that of selflessness. Here was a woman who took the Presbyterian dream, the one laid down by the likes Engmann, Datsa and the early missionaries and made it her own. A more complete teacher you never saw.
Just saw this by pure chance and thought I should leave a comment.
First off, I wasn’t a member of the drama club. I wasn’t that lucky. Mrs Acheampong taught me and put up with me for a term or two.
I am pleased you folks put this together for her. Well done.
May I write some pidgin now?
Kueh, U guys, u force paaa oooo. Ba lets b honest. U guys chill for PRESEC paaa oooo. Everyfin..drama club..everyfin drama club…Drama Club means no weeding for u…drama club meant some boys had too close an access to girls….jealousy b what!
hmmm…..
Best wishes u all.
Bedo, now seeing your comment…774 days later. Kindly post a new comment for the Vol. 2. Thanks