“God instructed me to be a learned evangelist” – 86-year-old graduate shares his journey

Eighty-six-year-old Rev. James Acquaah, who recently graduated from Central University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology, has opened up about the divine instruction that inspired his return to the classroom at such an advanced age.

Speaking on Joy Prime’s Changes show with Roselyn Felli, Rev. Acquaah revealed that his decision to pursue higher education once again was rooted in a spiritual revelation.

According to him, God directed him to deepen his knowledge of Scripture so he could become a “learned evangelist” rather than remain merely a practicing one.

Recounting his early life, Rev. Acquaah said he began his secondary education at Mfantsipim School in 1954 and completed in 1958.

He later studied French at the University of Cape Coast in the early 1960s. After graduating, Ghana’s harsh economic conditions at the time compelled him to travel to Nigeria, where he taught French in public schools before transitioning into private tutoring for wealthier families to earn better income.

He remained in Nigeria for several decades until 2018, when he strongly felt led to return to Ghana. Upon his return, he said God instructed him to begin evangelising in secondary schools, guiding and inspiring students with the Word of God.

While carrying out this mission, he said another revelation came—this time directing him to pursue formal theological education to strengthen his ministry.

“God told me I should not be an ordinary evangelist but a learned one. To be learned, I had to go to the university and study the Word of God. That is what took me to Central University in 2020,” he explained.

Despite being long retired, Rev. Acquaah said he obeyed the instruction without hesitation. His children, he added, fully supported his decision to return to school.

When asked how he managed to cope academically at his age, Rev. Acquaah attributed his success to divine grace.

“My intelligence is a gift from God,” he stated confidently.

He also shared that the journey was not without hardship. At one point during his Level 300 examinations, he was stopped from completing a paper because his school fees had not yet been paid due to a delay from his sponsor—his son.

“They seized my answer sheet while I was on the fourth question and squeezed it in front of everyone. I was deeply hurt,” he recalled.

However, the fees were eventually settled, allowing him to complete the examinations successfully.

Graduating at 86, Rev. Acquaah said, brings him immense joy and gratitude to God for granting him the strength, mental clarity, discipline, and perseverance to complete four years of university education.

He graduated during Central University’s 24th Congregation Ceremony on November 19, where he was also honoured as the Most Resilient Graduate.