spotlight building his legacy

Kwadwo Osei-Akoto, P.E.

SOLVE Planting the Seed

Kwadwo firmly believes in sharing his knowledge and experience with AB employees. Something he is well positioned to do with over 38 years of experience in complex bridge rehabilitation. “Mentoring is important. We must get things done, and I’m trying to instill the need to train young people to be tough. We can’t wait a few days – Challenges can always be expected. You have to be flexible and solve problems.”

Resilience

From Ghana to New York City

Many miles and years away from that first dream of being a pilot, Kwadwo landed in NYC at the tender age of 19 – resolved to study engineering and fulfil his dream. After successfully graduating from Lafayette College in Easton, PA in 1984, Kwadwo went on to design bridges before joining American Bridge in 1989, where he would continue to grow and rise through the ranks.

Working in NYC, Kwadwo has been privileged to have seen many of NYC’s historic and storied bridges up close. “Not many people have had that chance,” says Kwadwo, expressing how fortunate he feels to have seen so much of the city construction, including the subway.

“NYC is one of the toughest places to work in. Failure is not an option on any job I have. One has to be resilient. Especially when working on a bridge that was built 100 years ago. If you have to change the plan, you do it!”

LEGACY Growth, Guidance and Surprises

Kwadwo and his wife and high school sweetheart Joyce, married after years of maintaining a long-distance connection. “She was living in London, and we talked from time to time. Then she moved here. Since then, we have had three children.” While Kwadwo wanted his children to pursue engineering, much like his mother had wanted him to follow medicine, his children had their own ideas. Although Kwadwo proudly acknowledges having had a hand in guiding his daughter into nursing. His two sons however chose careers in IT, a decision he is not unhappy with.

Kwadwo then announced with some excitement that his daughter is expecting, and that he is to become a grandfather in July, but is firm that he doesn’t want to know the gender, preferring the surprise. “I never knew the gender of any of my children,” he mused fondly, “till the moment they were born.”

A Message

When asked what qualities he most admires in people and what message he would pass on, Kwadwo responded easily, “Honesty, being a team player, working hard for what you want, and believing.” He explained “You must be interested in what you choose . . ., focus, be persistent, and not give up. Growing up in a third world country, I learned to not give in. To overcome challenges with a smile, a positive attitude and gratitude. Believe and you will achieve. ”

HOBBIES GOLF & POLITICS

“Golf has become a passion, and if I have any free time, I would rather play golf than do anything else.”

“I like to read about politics. I’ll take politics any day. It doesn’t matter whether it is Republicans or Democrats. I want to know what other people think about the issues of the day.”

Greatest Achievement

“I’m most proud that I have been able to raise my kids as I wanted to.”