Rising Beyond the Pen: Ghanaian Poet Kearls elected as FGMSA's 32nd General Secretary

In a defining moment of leadership and tenacity, Samuel A. Issifu, renowned by his creative alias Kearls The Poet, has emerged victorious as the 32nd General Secretary of the Federation of Ghana Medical Students' Associations (FGMSA).

This remarkable feat, achieved during the 31st FGMSA Annual General Congress at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), not only underscores his leadership capabilities but also reinforces his ability to transcend traditional boundaries, excelling both as a medical student and a literary luminary.

Under his pseudonym Kearls The Poet, Samuel, a Level 300 medical student from the University for Development Studies (UDS), has consistently defied conventional boundaries, proving that one can excel in both the sciences and the arts. His identity as a poet is as integral to his persona as his role in the medical community. Known for his eloquence and artistic prowess, he has national recognitions such as the Spoken-Word Artiste of the Year at the 8th Northern Ghana Entertainment Awards, captivating audiences with his thought-provoking poems that explore deep human experiences and social issues.

Yet, it is not just his artistic talent that defines him. Kearls' rise in the leadership of the FGMSA comes after years of dedicated service and a demonstrated ability to lead. As the former Organizer and Head of the Organizing Committee for UDS Medical Students’ Association (UDS-MSA), he played a pivotal role in steering high-impact initiatives and fostering a sense of community among his peers. His leadership journey speaks of someone who has never shied away from responsibility, blending vision with action.

Kearls’ journey to becoming the General Secretary was anything but easy.The competition was fierce, as he faced Appiah Lordia Konadu, a Level 500 student from UCC. Despite a closely contested vetting process that saw Kearls narrowly trailing his opponent, he proved that leadership is not merely measured by experience, but by vision, determination, and the ability to galvanize support. Out of 91 total votes cast, Kearls secured 59 votes representing 64.8% of total votes cast, a commanding victory that silenced any doubts about his leadership abilities. His victory is particularly significant as it marks the second consecutive time that the FGMSA General Secretary has come from UDS, a rare occurrence that

This victory is made all the more remarkable considering that Kearls, a Level 300 student from the University for Development Studies (UDS), is the second consecutive General Secretary to be elected from UDS. His predecessor, also from UDS-MSA, passed the torch, making Kearls’ election a rare occurrence in FGMSA history. For two students from the same school to assume this prestigious role in back-to-back elections speaks volumes about the leadership talent emerging from the institution.

The Federation of Ghana Medical Students’ Associations (FGMSA) is the premier umbrella body for medical students across Ghana, serving as a platform for fostering collaboration, leadership development, and advocacy. Comprised of seven member schools — University of Ghana (UG), University of Cape Coast (UCC), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), University for Development Studies (UDS), Accra College of Medicine (ACM), and Family Health University College (FHUC) — FGMSA plays a critical role in uniting medical students from diverse institutions under a common purpose.

The annual election, held during the General Congress, is a rigorous process that demands not only intellectual acumen but also the ability to inspire and mobilize peers toward a shared vision. Kearls’ victory, therefore, is a testament to his impactful leadership qualities, which have been forged through years of service and commitment to both his craft and his community.

Kearls’ campaign was driven by his PEN Agenda—an ambitious vision that encapsulates his leadership philosophy. PEN stands for Progress, Empowerment, and Network, a triad that reflects his commitment to enhancing student welfare, engaging stakeholders in meaningful dialogue, and nurturing the next generation of medical leaders. His agenda is both forward-thinking and rooted in the belief that leadership should be inclusive, responsive, and transformative.

As he steps into the role of General Secretary, Kearls is poised to bring a fresh perspective to the FGMSA. His unique combination of artistic expression and strategic leadership places him in a position to not only address the immediate concerns of medical students but to inspire a movement of creative and bold thinkers who will lead the medical field into the future.

Kearls’ election marks the beginning of a new era — one where creativity and leadership are no longer seen as mutually exclusive, but as complementary forces that can drive change. His journey from a celebrated poet to the highest echelons of student leadership within the medical fraternity is nothing short of extraordinary. It serves as a powerful reminder that leaders are not born from privilege or entitlement, but from passion, perseverance, and a relentless commitment to serve.

As Kearls steps into the role of General Secretary, he carries with him not only the hopes of medical students but also the weight of expectation from a wider audience — those who look to him as a symbol of what is possible when one dares to transcend boundaries. His journey, thus far, has been one of breaking barriers, and all signs point to a future where he will continue to do just that.

As he takes up this new mantle as the 32nd General Secretary of the FGMSA, the medical student community and the creative world alike will be watching closely, anticipating the impact of a leader who, through his words and actions, has already begun to redefine what it means to serve.

Source: Kearls The Poet