An 86-year-old evangelist, Rev. James Raymond Acquah, says he returned to the classroom because he believed God had instructed him to become a “learned evangelist” who could minister to secondary school students with a deeper understanding of Scripture.

According to him, the assignment required formal learning, so he enrolled at Central University to advance his knowledge after years of studying Sociology. 

He admitted that the decision came with discomfort, but he embraced it as part of his calling.

He described his intelligence as a gift from God, one he felt obliged to develop further despite his age. His academic journey, however, was not without setbacks, including an incident that nearly derailed his progress.

Rev. Acqah recalled a situation during exams in 2020 when a delay in school fee payment from his child abroad placed him in a difficult position. As he tackled the final question of a four-question paper, an accounts officer entered the exam hall demanding proof of payment. He pleaded for patience, assuring the officer that the payment was being processed. The officer then seized and crumpled both his question paper and answer sheet.

“It was painful. I was on the last question, about to finish. But I told myself that nothing God has assigned me to do will be stopped by any human action,” he said. 

His journey, characterised by persistence and faith, has drawn national interest.

On 24th November 2026, he appeared on Joy Prime, where he recounted the experience during an interview with host Roselyn on Changes. He spoke about the obstacles he faced and the commitment that keeps him focused on ministering to young people with both spiritual insight and academic grounding.

For Rev. Acqah, schooling in old age is not a pastime but part of his mission. 

“I am not a roadside evangelist,” he said. 

“God told me to be a learned evangelist so I can guide the next generation with excellence,” he noted.

His story continues to inspire many who see him as proof that purpose has no age limit and calling does not retire.