Obed Amoafo
I’m Obed and I come from Ghana, where I received my bachelor’s degree in materials engineering. I have been actively involved in the country’s sanitation sector, working for a number of years in solid waste management with the overarching goal of making my community healthier and more sustainable. At IE University, I am making the most of the many opportunities to meet inspiring professionals whose careers and positive impacts I hope to emulate.
“The best aspect of IE University…is how frequently it provides me with infinite possibilities to meet role models.”
Leveraging his learnings to create sustainable changes at home
Obed Amoafo knew that the opportunity to study his Master in International Development at IE University would be a life-changing one. After earning his bachelor’s degree in materials engineering in 2014, he worked as a manager in Ghana’s sanitation sector for over six years. Leading a team of 15 employees, Obed dedicated his career to solving the complex problem of improving the health and sustainability of the country’s most vulnerable communities.
Obed has been intrigued by IE University for a long time. He first came across the university at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and was fascinated by its innovative approaches to ensuring continuous learning throughout that challenging time. And although he initially believed that studying here would be out of his reach, Obed’s hopes were realized when he was selected for the Ghanaian Young Talented Leaders Scholarship Program.
The Ghanaian Young Talented Leaders Scholarship Program is an award offered in a unique partnership between IE Foundation and the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat. It’s aimed at Ghanaian citizens who are committed to making concrete efforts toward building a successful future for their country. Obed speaks of the fund fondly, noting that it was specifically created for people who want exposure to multicultural interaction while also gaining all of the tools necessary to become a changemaker on the global level.
Pursuing the Master in Development has allowed Obed to better understand the importance of his role and the work he has been engaged in for most of his career. His favorite aspect of studying at IE University is how frequently he is able to meet his role models. In fact, Obed explains that he struggles to choose which events to attend. That’s because each one is specially designed to both develop him as a professional and to facilitate meetings with key mentors who may otherwise seem inaccessible.
“IE University has truly been a life-changing experience for me.”
So far, Obed has had the opportunity to meet representatives of the United Nations, the World Bank, and many other prestigious organizations—fulfilling a goal he could have only dreamt of just a few years ago. He is determined to continue building his international network as he progresses through his master’s program. Gaining worldwide contacts and exposure to the myriad approaches different leaders take to solving challenges has broadened Obed’s understanding of how to address global issues.
Alongside networking, Obed’s academic work has reinforced his devotion to his work, transformed his view of what the world needs and reinforced his confidence in his ability to meet those needs. He cites the Adaptive Leadership module as his favorite so far, where he has learned to discard any preconceived notions about leadership and authority. He is also acquiring the ability to recognize when to exercise leadership and how to solve difficulties as they arise.
Obed encourages anyone who is thinking of attending IE University: “Seize this opportunity and prepare to take ownership of your future,” he advises. To him, Madrid is not only “stunningly gorgeous,” but it’s also a city that awaits new students with open arms—hospitable people, reliable public transport and safe streets to explore and enjoy.
To best prepare for all IE University has to offer, Obed recommends that students prepare themselves mentally by reading on a variety of topics, particularly those dealing with international issues. In this way, they can dive straight into this life-changing adventure.
