Bubbly and determined, Herman Odoi Okpoti Ashong sat with 262 candidates who sat the just-ended 2019 Basic Education Certificate Examinations at La St. Paul’s Basic School in Accra.

The 18-year-old has cerebral palsy. It means he endures movement disorders and poor coordination of muscles. Practically, he can neither speak nor walk normally. 

Herman’s life and condition was profiled extensively in the JoyNews documentary ‘Born Special’. Despite his limitations, he has not succumbed to a life without education.

His mother, Mavis Yemotiokor Tetteh was there to support her son write his first paper last week Monday.

And JoyNews’ camera’s played supporting role to her mother and the teenager’s efforts.

‘’I’ve always looked forward to this day and I thank God, by the grace of God, he will pass this exam and become the medical doctor I want him to be’’, Herman’s mother told JoyNews.

Herman, a student of Justice Nii Armah Ollenu Memorial Basic School, emerged from his first paper in his wheelchair grinning and expressed confidence he will do well and get his first choice school.

But there was also a surprise supporter for the teen - Deputy Minister of Education Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum. He said he had seen the JoyNews documentary and at the start of BECE Monday, the deputy minister met Herman.

“I saw you on TV and I was amazed, I saw how you were excited about school and how you want to become the best person the world has to offer in medicine and other subject area’’ he said.

‘’I want to commend Mr. Ashong for your determination to succeed; I also want to thank your parents for supporting you all the way’’- He said

The Deputy Minister was accompanied by the La Dadekotopon MP for the area Vincent Sowah Odotei and other officials from the Ministry.