They say you go to certain schools not for the grades, but for the classmates. I see the logic in this. The best schools produce the best graduates.

The best graduates make the best workers, which means they are most likely to succeed, which means your friends will be successful people who can give you the advice, support and resources you may need in the future.

One of my favourite stories about having the right friends involves Dumsor and the President. No, not this Dumsor, and no, not this President. I'm talking about President Rawlings and the power crisis of 1998 - the year in which President Bill Clinton came on his Historic visit to Ghana. He came at a time when there was a massive load shedding exercise going on. Oh, and guess the timetable for the 1998 load shedding: Yep. Twelve hours on, 24 hrs off. Sound familiar?

Anyway, so the Clintons came to Ghana and had an amazing time. The Rawlings' were brilliant hosts, and our President was at his most charming and amenable. The American first couple still talk to this day about how much they enjoyed their time here. By the time they were ready to leave, the Clintons and the Rawlings' were close pals. So close that Bill is reported to have made one phone call to his guys in the American energy industry, and literally months later, Dumsor in Ghana was done.

Yep. One act of friendship between two men changed the fortunes of a nation.

My friends, never underestimate the value of friendship. Of all the things I left Augusco with - including my certificate, the most valuable thing I  I took away was my network of friends. Today, I have school mates who are successful in every conceivable field of Ghanaian endeavour. They give me advice, education and information on whatever I may wish to know. It's like my own little council of experts that I can call on at any time I wish. They also provide me with logistical assistance. My car breaks down, and I know just the APSU to call for a temporary replacement. I need to buy air tickets? There's an APSU in my phone book who will get me booked into a nice window seat on the cheapest direct flight. Of course I pay my way too. Every person in my network knows they can rely on me to do whatever is within my power to help them when they call.

The story about the two presidents made me wonder about our current Dumsor crisis and our current President. I wonder who his friends are. Does he have an international network of pals who exchange favours? Is there one person in his phone book who he can call and say, "Hello, my friend, How's the wife, did you get that kente  I sent you? Glad you like it. By the way, what are we going to do about this power crisis I've got on my hands?" Does he have such a friend? I mean he travels quite a lot, doesn't he? Who are his friends, and are none of them picking up their phones?

Anyway, none of that really matters. What does matter is that you learn to build your own network. Always make a great first impression when you meet new people. Give everyone the same level of attention, no matter how rich or poor they may be. Remember people's names. Always retain one personal detail about everyone's lives, so you can show them how thoughtful you are. Actively look for opportunities to do someone a favour. They will appreciate and remember you when you call on them in the future. Finally, never never  charge someone money for granting a personal favour. It defeats the purpose.

My name is Kojo Yankson, and every friend is the solution to a future problem, so choose them wisely.

GOOD MORNING, GHANAFO!