STU alumnus stronger than ever but has a long way to go

Kofi Ampong can’t cry anymore. After a stabbing incident outside a Moncton nightclub in 2007 left him paralyzed from the waist down, the Ghana native and 2005 STU alum has cried enough.

Since then, his life has been anything but easy. He has recently been selling some of his belongings in order to raise money.

“This last year has strengthened my outlook on life. I have now been able to finds ways to help myself.”

While recovering in hospital, Ampong’s Visa expired, leaving him without medical coverage and bills to pay. Adding to his worries, in 2009 he faced deportation. The STU community rallied around him with a petition that he be granted permanent residency in the country he loves.

Those three years tested his character, but the biggest test came on June 3, 2010 when the man accused of stabbing him was found not guilty.

During the trial Ampong’s credibility was tested.

“I’d be lying if I said that it didn’t hurt,” said Ampong. “At the end of the day [the] support of friends and family … showed that I don’t need to get a guilty verdict.”

After the verdict was handed down, Ampong spent some time on his own reflecting on the whirlwind his life hasbecome.

“[This last year] has strengthened my outlook on life. The positives did outweigh the negatives.”

International student advisor Judy Coates has kept in contact with Ampong throughout his ordeal and said that Kofi struggled with the verdict.

“It just raises questions that even though we have a legal system that is supposed to be just … justice isn’t always served.”

Ampong’s challenge now is to adjust to life as a paraplegic, Coates said. To make the adjustment easier, Ampong is living in a residence for people with physical challenges in Moncton.

The community has become Ampong’s support system. Friends of Kofi, started by former STU professor Richard Myers, has helped Ampong cover his expenses through fundraising.

Even though Myers is no longer on campus, Friends of Kofi has lived on through Coates and recruiter Duncan Gallant.

In addition to the annual STU Revue talent show, Friends of Kofi hopes to raise money for him by selling Ampong’s name brand clothes later this semester.

Devika Dadhe, president of STUISA, also wants to hold a coffee house for Ampong sometime this year.

“There’s not much we can do about his verdict, [but] we would still like to help in any way we can,” said Dadhe.

Even though Ampong graduated five years ago he is still a part of the STU family, she added.

“He’s very positive, he always keeps a strong attitude. He’s just a great person in general.”

The community support that has continued to pour in has meant the world to Ampong.

“It takes a village to raise a child, [and] I thank them for making a boy into a man.”

But even with a community behind him, Ampong has a long way to go.

“Every day is a struggle.”