From KNUST to top of the bar: How Akosua Achiaa Sarpong became Ghana School of Law's best graduate

Akosua Achiaa Sarpong Esq has emerged as the 2026 Best Graduating Student of the Ghana School of Law, a milestone she describes as beyond her wildest expectations. In an exclusive interview on Joy Prime's Changes, the newly qualified lawyer opened up about her reaction when her name was announced at the 63rd Call to the Bar ceremony, revealing a mix of disbelief and gratitude for an achievement she had hoped for but never anticipated would materialise.

The moment she never quite believed would come

When asked if she expected to top her class, Sarpong was candid: she had hoped to win an award given her dedication to her studies, but emerging as the overall best student was something she never thought would happen. The sheer calibre of her classmates made the achievement feel improbable, even as she worked tirelessly throughout her legal education.

"To be honest, not quite. I did hope I would win an award, because I mean, I worked hard and I believed that God helped me through the journey, so I had great grades," she explained. She stressed that she did not expect to even place in the top five, given the exceptional minds studying alongside her at the Ghana School of Law and the broader legal profession in Ghana.

Sarpong attributes her success partly to the concentration of brilliant individuals at both the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, where she completed her first degree, and within Ghana's legal sector more broadly. Rather than viewing this as a deterrent, she appears to have drawn inspiration from competing alongside such talent.

Why it matters for Ghana

Ghana's legal profession remains a critical pillar of the country's justice system and governance. Young lawyers like Sarpong represent the future of the judiciary, legal practice, and advocacy in Ghana. The Ghana School of Law's rigorous training produces graduates who will shape courtroom decisions, advise businesses and government, and champion rule of law across the nation. Sarpong's achievement at the 63rd Call to the Bar ceremony is a testament to the quality of legal education in Ghana and the calibre of young talent entering the profession. Her ambition to work in the energy sector also reflects Ghana's broader economic priorities, as the country continues to develop its oil and gas industries and renewable energy infrastructure.

From admiration to ambition: The path to law

Sarpong's journey to the legal profession was not rooted in a childhood dream of becoming a lawyer, but rather in her observation of the profession's prestige and the confidence of those who practised it. She was never drawn to science, despite performing well in the subject during secondary school. The idea of becoming a doctor or engineer never appealed to her, so she looked elsewhere for her calling.

Growing up, she was surrounded by legal professionals who exuded a particular kind of confidence and status. "The way they carried themselves, the prestige that came with the profession made everything looked so glamourous," she recalled. From that early exposure, she made a definitive choice: she would pursue law.

Throughout her studies at the Ghana School of Law, Sarpong committed herself fully to her coursework, dedicating substantial time to learning. When reflecting on her success, she attributes much of it to divine intervention and her own discipline. "Everybody that has been called to the Bar has learnt, so me emerging as the Best Student is the special work of God," she said, emphasising that while hard work is necessary, she credits her achievement to faith and grace.

Looking ahead: Energy sector awaits

With her qualification now secured, Sarpong has her sights set on the energy sector. She has already begun preparing application letters to send to companies operating in this field, demonstrating the same focus and determination that earned her top honours at the Ghana School of Law. As Ghana's energy industry continues to evolve and expand, lawyers with her calibre and ambition will play a vital role in navigating regulatory frameworks, contracts, and corporate governance.