Why I shed tears in front of my students – Prof Gyampo

Political scientist Professor Ransford Gyampo shared two emotional moments in his career. Both instances brought him to tears in front of his students.

In an interview with Black Rasta on 3FM, he reflected on these experiences. The first was when he became an Associate Professor.

"When I entered the class, my students started clapping," he said. He asked his class representative why they were celebrating. The response was that he had been promoted.

Tears of joy filled his eyes as he realized how far he had come. It was a proud moment for him, celebrated by his students.

The second emotional moment occurred after a public controversy. Gyampo returned to teach, unsure of how his students would react.

On the first day back, he greeted them and received a loud response. Surprised, he asked why they were so enthusiastic.

A student shouted, "We stand with you!" Soon, the whole class joined in chanting this phrase. It became noisy, and Gyampo had to ask them to quiet down.

Once things settled down, Gyampo picked up his iPad but found himself crying again. "It was because of their support," he explained.

He dismissed claims that students hooted at him during this time. "I love my students, and they love me," he insisted.

Many students visited him at home and reassured him during tough times. They told him, "We won’t do this to you."

Gyampo emphasized that his bond with students goes beyond academics. "They are always there for me in difficult situations," he said.

"At the airport or hospital, my students help me." He recalled how they supported him when his brother was critically ill.

"I don’t treat them with contempt," Gyampo stated. He sees them as future leaders and important figures in society.