Professor Albion Mends III, affectionately known as ‘Albino,’ stands as a formidable embodiment of excellence, heritage, and transformative dedication. A proud product of the Mfantsipim Old Boys Association (MOBA) Class of 1967, Albino’s early life was marked by remarkable discipline and speed, evidenced by his once-held 100-yard sprint record at the school, a clear harbinger of his lifelong commitment to achieving greatness.
Rooted in the Foundations of Ghanaian History
Albino’s lineage is deeply interwoven with the narrative of Ghana’s independence struggle. His grandfather, Albion Mends I, was the visionary proprietor of Canaan Lodge in Saltpond, the historic venue where the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) was inaugurated in 1947. As a close friend and confidant of Paa Grant, Albion I played an instrumental role in laying the essential groundwork for Ghana’s political liberation. This rich heritage, further underscored by his father, Albion Mends II, who was the oldest MOBA until his passing at 103 in 2022, has fundamentally shaped Albino’s enduring commitment to service, leadership, and education.
Academic Excellence and Humanitarian Impact
Professor Mends carved out a distinguished academic career as Instructor Emeritus at the University of Central Missouri from 2007 to 2021. There, he profoundly inspired countless students across fields including Africana Studies, Religion, and Elementary Akan. His dedication to teaching was formally recognized with the prestigious Excellence in Teaching Award in 2018, while his deep humanitarian spirit earned him the MLK Humanitarian Award in 2005. His career serves as a powerful testament to his belief that knowledge, when coupled with decisive action, possesses the power to fundamentally transform communities. Beyond academia, he channels his passion into activism and mentorship, driven by a personal mission: “Motivate people and strive to change the negative narrative of Ghana and Africa, one person at a time; one family at a time; one community at a time.”
Patronage and A Call for Self-Sustainability
As the respected Patron of the Cape Coast Youth Development Association (CCYDA), Prof. Mends III represents more than just a figurehead; he is a living symbol of wisdom, resilience, and forward-thinking vision. He passionately advocates for self-sustainability, encapsulated by his mantra: #GrowWhatYouEat,
EatWhatYouGrow. This philosophy reinforces his core belief that meaningful, positive change must begin locally—within one’s home, community, and the hearts of individuals committed to positive action. His life, motto, and enduring legacy inspire the association to strive for excellence, embrace profound education, and actively commit to lifting others as they ascend.
