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Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey writes: The ‘fall’ & rise of Dr. Okoe Boye

Early subdued professional uncertainty overcome by rising political success! Which, perhaps, is as it should be. Or so, the sages will have it when the fascinating story of Hon. Dr. Okoe Boye, MP for Ledzokuku is told.

A medical doctor at 25, a winning parliamentary candidate at 34, chairman of the governing Board of a teaching hospital at 36 and this week, nominated by the President to the prestigious position of deputy health minister at 38, the stars of the young politician are baring their irrepressible incandescent glow. Circumstances, as they say, maketh the man.

And yet, the stars have not always aligned. At least the future did not look so promising when we first met over seven years ago; I, a national executive of the medical association, and he, an ambitious young doctor whose boisterous handling of certain affairs had rubbed off certain senior colleagues in the wrong way.

On the basis of certain utterances made by the young doctor, perceived as embarrassing, a senior colleague had stoutly refused to support an administrative procedure that would officially usher the young man into a young career.

Subsequent urgent pleas fell on deaf ears, with said senior colleague turning down an apology and an opportunity for in-person meetings and resolution. Without the administrative procedure, Okoe Boye’s young professional career in medicine seemed all but snuffed out before it could even begin.

In the end, we resorted to other mechanisms to demonstrate that his conduct, however unpalatable, could not constitute sufficient grounds for denying him a fairly earned administrative procedure. To his credit, he remained unbowed, pursuing a masters degree in public health.

And here we are today, with Okoe Boye in the seniormost echelons of the very system that had once sought to suffocate him. And therein lie the key life lessons worth assimilating. As Lucky Dube succinctly put it, be good to the people on your way up, for you will meet them on your way down.

For Okoe Boye, I would hope that far from gloating in personal triumph or vindictiveness, his appointment by the President at a time of Covid-19 health crises would be received as a call to higher duty and an opportunity to serve.

Certainly, the appointment of a medic to the high office of deputy minister may once again revive debates about whether the place of doctors ought not to be in consulting rooms rather than in the policy making space.

Fortunately for Okoe Boye, Victor Bampoe, his colleague and immediate predecessor in the Mahama presidency, is generally perceived to have played a commanding role in the management of a similar Ebola epidemic in the sub region and more.

On the basis of that and other examples, he is encouraged to approach his role with confidence, diligence, and humility.

Thirdly, in our setting where some might irreverently dismiss him on account of his youth even before hearing him out, his is to remain focused, deliver on the mandate, and take solace in the likes of Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwah, similarly appointed by President Mills into a deputy ministerial position at the age of 28.

Finally, a word to experienced senior professionals who sometimes lose sight of the distinguished opportunity to coach and mentor young ones, often yielding to over personalization and vindictiveness. In transient power centers, some see themselves as career crushers instead of career enablers, only grasping a tad too late that the steps of good men and women are ordered by God, not by men.

Years ago, as spokesperson of junior doctors leading various agitations for improved house job training and welfare, some senior colleagues in management positions would shamelessly ask, “Which part of the country does he come from? Is he interested in furthering his career through a residency program in this institution?” Alas! Who could have predicted the globalized career paths that God would open up for the son of man?

The unvarnished truth though is that all of us ‘troublemakers’; student leaders, activists, spokespersons of junior doctors, aspiring national politicians, party foot soldiers etc.; at our very core simply want fundamental design adaptations to the status quo for better outcomes.

And by constantly pushing the limits of existing systems, we become the faces of inevitable feather rufflers. As to what that makes us –affirmative disrupters or demons – your guess is as good as mine.

Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey

40 Comments
  1. Kofi Dei-Tutu says

    Great stuff…we pray for more successes.

    1. Yawo Ofori says

      Aye ma small bro…….can see u dey upkeep up!!!
      Link up n hook up

  2. Rich says

    Inspiring

    1. Adjoa Mansah says

      The stars have lined to twinkle in his glow.

      1. Anonymous says

        Inspiring

        1. Anonymous says

          Nice write up.I am inspired by Okoh Boye! I just want him to excel 🙏🙏

      2. Anonymous says

        We need men of such mettle to improve the society. Doc may God grant you the wisdom and fortitude to serve Ghana especially in this hour of need.

      3. Anonymous says

        I

    2. Anonymous says

      It’s a call to serve God and country
      Hon I wish you well but remember Dr Sodzi’s admonishment , be good to people on your way up, for you will meet same people on your way down
      I wish you God’s strength and wisdom to excel in serving the nation and humankind
      So proud of you
      Chief attah
      Regional manager , dvla, greater Accra

  3. Anonymous says

    I have really missed reading your write-ups. You blend it so well, Doc. My congratulatory message to your colleague, DR Okoe-Boye

  4. Gershon Amenyitor says

    You coined your words so well. They are inspirational,motivational and admonition to we the youths. Well done Doc.

  5. Kwame Boakye-Yiadom iadom says

    A deserved congratulations to Dr. Oko Boye. Doc, keep up the good work of informing us with lucid authorship. From your friends at BYK & KRAAF LIMITED.

  6. Frederick says

    Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, Where have you been all this while?

  7. George Nartey says

    inspirational indeed

    1. Anonymous says

      Dr. Okoe-Boye is a great guy ordained by God to succeed. I wish him God’s guidance.

  8. Anonymous says

    You are born to be great & nothing can stop you from greatness. Do ur politics with de fear of God & you will surely go far. Congratulations to you Dr Okoe Boye

    1. Alfred says

      Interesting to read
      Never use your position to mafia someone.
      The people you meet going up is the same you will meet when coming down
      Such is life

  9. Anonymous says

    Better luck in advance Dr okoe boye

    1. Anonymous says

      More achievement in the better years ahead, congrats Doc

  10. Anonymous says

    Insightful write up.
    May the Good Lord be your guide and direct you in all your paths, Dr. Oko Boye. Keep up the good work. Congratulations!

  11. Captain says

    Well written. Source – authentic.
    Oko Boye congratulations.

    1. Osei Kwame says

      Can l say more? Maybe a prophecy. He is destined to be a vice president. Congrats Dr Okoe Boye

  12. Abdul-Razak Baba Akella says

    Just love this write up Doc. Congratulations to your colleague Dr. Oko Boys.

    1. Mustapha says

      We need men of such mettle to improve the society. Doc may God grant you the wisdom and fortitude to serve Ghana especially in this hour of need.

  13. Anonymous says

    Great piece

  14. Sylvanus says

    In fact a very inspiring write up of goodwill about Dr Okoe Boye. The writer is well knowledgeable of his colleague. Thanks Dr Sodzi Sodzi

  15. Ernest Offei says

    Great piece, inspiring and interesting to read, Thanks for the write up and Congrats to Dr. Oko Boye

  16. P. K. Fosu says

    Great piece Snr.

    1. Anonymous says

      Food for thaught

  17. Raymond says

    Great piece Dr. Sodzi

    1. Anonymous says

      God has plans for us all

  18. Anonymous says

    Yes Ghana legal council should learn and stop this cartel of legal profession in the country… Or else some of people will use alternative path to crush them like oko boye did.. Good luck Dr.

  19. Anonymous says

    Great and very inspiring piece . I’m inspired by my learned colleague Dr. Oko Boye. Good luck. May you excel to the highest level

  20. Sam. says

    I am Sam.
    Good stuff from Dr. Sodzi Sodzi Tettey. Very inspiring and encouraging. We should all learn from the young Dr. Cos many of us suffer same in the institutions we work. God be the glory .

  21. Lamini Harunah says

    inspiring!

  22. Anonymous says

    Insightful piece woven together with impeccable writing skills.

  23. Francis Gibson says

    I didn’t know Dr Oko Boye but I when he started to come on radio even before this covid-19 when I listen to his contributions what I said to my colleagues is this man has a bright future. He is the one I listened to when covid-19 pandemic broke out whose explanation calved my nerves and put away fear from me but abide by the protocols I say congrats

  24. Fred Amanor says

    Awesome, witty saying by Dr. SodziSidzi Tettey. This is an admonition to us all. Maturity and godliness at display.

  25. Anonymous says

    Succinct.
    You deserve the double mentioning of name

  26. Anonymous says

    Dr. Sodzi Sodzi Tettey well said. Congratulations , Dr Oko Boye

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