Augustus Eduafo (Dr. Fanta) Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit. Unknown 2 The Birthday Journal
Contents The Quest to Medicine The Tragic Loss of my Father The Influence of a Mentor The Sting of a Broken Heart University Love A DreamCome True In the Land of Milk and Honey Tragedy Light at the End of the Tunnel Family Career Passions Giving Back Inspiration Final Thoughts The Renaissance 06 09 12 13 16 18 20 26 28 30 33 34 37 38 39 41 14 33Life Illuminated 3 The Birthday Journal
“Hey! Stop! Don’t move!” A voice boomed at us, and we all froze in our tracks. It was Mr. C. O. Johnson, our Senior Housemaster, and he had caught us red-handed. I felt my heart pounding against my chest, and I knew there was no way out of this one. As the flashlight shone in our faces, I couldn’t help but wonder how we had gotten caught. “Where are you four coming from?” Mr. Johnson bellowed, his eyes scanning our faces for any sign of guilt. One of the seniors tried to lie, but it was a weak attempt. It was a Friday evening, and I had been invited along by my seniors to watch an Italian actioncomedy movie outside of campus. But as a first-year student, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I had no idea we were “breaking bounds.” By the time Mr. Johnson was done with us, we were all confessing, telling him that we had sneaked out of campus to watch the latest movie in town “The Three Fantastic Supermen.” It was a movie about three extraordinary men who used their powers to fight crime and save the day, and we had risked punishment to see it. FANTASTIC ANTA The next day, punishments were doled out to the seniors by the Assistant Headmaster. But I was the one who was singled out for my reckless behavior as a freshman. “And you,” he said, pointing a finger at me, “look at his face. A common Form 1 boy, and you have already started sneaking out of campus.” I couldn’t utter a word. As I walked back to class, I heard a voice shout, “Fantaaastic!” And then another, and another. It caught on quickly, and soon everyone was shouting “Fanta! Fantaaastic!” From that day, “Fantaaastic” became my nickname for life, later shortened to “Fanta.” It was a reminder of that fateful night when we got caught sneaking out to see a fantastic movie. And over the years, the name has stuck with me. Some friends even call me “Fantastic Fanta.” And you know what? I’ve done pretty well for myself. I’ve lived up to my fantastic name and achieved great things in life. 4 The Birthday Journal
5 The Birthday Journal
TheThreeWhys The Tragic Loss of my Father The Influence of a Mentor The Sting of a Broken Heart The Questto Medicine 6 The Birthday Journal
7 The Birthday Journal
8 The Birthday Journal
The Tragic Loss of my Father I stood in utter shock as news of my father’s death hit me. How? He was only fifty-eight years old. And he was a good father. How could he die just like that? True, he had been ill, but only for a fewweeks, and had never received proper medical attention, except for infrequent visits from his doctor friend. Despair, sadness, and confusion washed over me at the same time. For days on end, sleep seemed impossible. Who was going to look after me now? The worst part of it all was that I was beginning my secondary school education in a few months’ time. My dad had been responsible for my education. For me, education seemedtheonlywayoutofpoverty, and I was a brilliant student, but here I was now, fatherless, in an absolutely hopeless situation. What was I going to do? I was born in Mankessim on 30th March, 1958, to the late Mr. Edgar Eduafo and the late MadamMary Anderson. Actually, my father was from Krofuw, a smaller village about three miles away from Mankessim. Ours was a blended family; my mother already having had three children from her previous marriage, and my father, having four. My father was prepared to marry my mother, however, since he was still married at the time, my grandmother disapproved of the relationship. He went on to marry someone else later on, with whom he had three more kids. This made us eleven children in all, between my mother and father. Initially, I lived with my mother and started school at Mankessim Day Nursery School, and later, the Urban Council Primary “A” school. In those days, it was not strange to see my mates and I in oversized school uniforms, our belts; thin strips torn out of old cover cloths, our feet bare, our skin shining with shea butter. Most often, in spite of how well we set off from home, by the time we got to school, our legs and feet would have accumulated dust, shirts that our mothers had carefully tucked into our shorts, would only be half tucked in, our shaven heads gloriously shining in the morning sun. We loved school; at least, my friends and I did. We enjoyed school despite the fact that many of the children preferred commercial activities over school, because Mankessim was a market town, and despite the fact that our teachers resorted to the use of canes to force us to learn. Many pupils opted for truancy, but for 9 The Birthday Journal
those of us who were academically inclined, school was an absolute delight. We studied very hard in order to be able to show off our grades at the end of the academic year, to the extent that it was almost a competition. The normal practice was for the whole school to assemble by class, as the teachers called the results of the class, starting from the pupil who had excelled the most, to the last in the class. I was always the first in my class. When I was eleven years old, I went to live withmy father, andthereIbecameveryclose with one of my brothers from my father’s side. We were the only two people living with my father at the time. My father was then the manager at GNTC at Komenda. I started my middle school at British Komenda LA Middle and subsequently moved to Saltpond, where I continued at Saltpond Methodist School. I wrote and passed my common entrance examination at Form 3. At that time, my brother was at the secondary school, therefore I was the only person staying with my father. After my father died there was no one to pay my fees. I had qualified to attend Swedru Secondary School. My father had bought my trunk, my white shirt, everything before he died. All that was left were the school fees, but the uncle who inherited my father refused to look after any of us. It was therefore decided that I should go to Accra, to live with one of my aunties in New Town, from where I could be enrolled into an accountancy school called the Royal Academy of Accountancy. However, to the glory of God, one of my elder brothers, Matthew Kwesi Forson, who was an elementary school teacher, intervened. Being very much aware of my academic prowess, he insisted that I attend secondary school instead. He had already applied for the Cocoa Board Scholarship, and he knew I would be selected, and even if I was not awarded a scholarship, he was determined that I should attend secondary school as a day student. In fact, Matthew and my elder sister, Veronica Forson, put their resources together, and paidmy school fees for the first term. Sister Veronica even topped up the amount by selling her sewing machine. I was eventually awarded the scholarship, and this catered for my seven years in secondary school. My father died of pneumonia. Even at a young age, I knewmy father would not have died if he had received proper medical care. I made a vow to myself to become a medical doctor so I could help prevent needless deaths. My father died of pneumonia. Even at a young age, I knew my father would not have died if he had received proper medical care. I made a vow to myself to become a medical doctor so I could help prevent needless deaths. “ 10 The Birthday Journal
Swedru Secondary School (Swesco) was one of the best things that happened to me. It is interesting, because I never wanted to attend a co-ed school. It was my father’s choice. At that time, I thought Swesco was like Mfanstipim or Adisadel College, and so when I first got there and saw this slim girl in a checked house dress, I wanted to cry. However, not only did I discover that it was a great institution, but I made such good friends, many of whom I still keep in touch with, up till today. Whilst in secondary school. I was very active, both academically and socially. I was part of many clubs including the Student Christian Movement, the Debating Society, the Science Society, and the Math Society. I started the school’s Red Cross Club and was the Team Manager of the soccer team. Boarding house was a great eye opener, there was so much to learn; like how to use the cutlery set, etc. Actually, I first sat at a dining table in boarding school; at home, we sat and ate anywhere we liked. I studied very hard in secondary school, buoyed on by an iron clad determination tobecome amedical doctor, to keep the promise I had made to myself after my dad died. It was easy to say that I wanted to become a medical doctor, but it was another thing imagining that someone like me, from such a poor and deprived background, could ever become one. In my mind, it was reserved for a select few, and I knew that if I was to succeed, I would have to scale a very high and almost impossible hurdle. It scared me somewhat. However, that notion was completely erased when in 1975, an old student, Dr. William Ankobiah, the first one in the history of our school, to bag all ones in his O’ Levels, came to give us a speech. Knowing that he was in medical school, my friends and I rushed to see such a person, expecting to be overwhelmed by him, by his personality, but when I saw him, he was a regular person! Yes. He was just likeme! It blewmy mind, especially when he said to us that we could all achieve our aims if we studied really hard. That was such motivation. It made me aware that my goal was attainable. The Influence of aMentor 12 The Birthday Journal
Perhaps what sealed my determination to become a medical doctor, was my first girlfriend’s rejection of me, for a medical student. While at secondary school, I had been sort of ‘anti-girls.’ It wasn’t because I hated girls, but because I still remembered how on the day before I started secondary school, my mother had called me into her room, her face serious and her eyes wide open, as she warned me in a stern whisper, “herh! Let me warn you. If you make a mistake and impregnate any girl while you are in school, you would leave school and come back to the village to farm. Do you understand?” This threat kept ringing inmy ears for the first five years I was at school, and this defined the kind of relationship I kept with girls. However, when I got to lower six, I decided that it was time to enter a responsible relationship with a girl. I met this beautiful girl that I really liked, but I didn’t have the courage to tell her. However, we exchanged love letters and pictures. One day, I got a package from her: a big, yellow manila envelope. Opening it up in excitement, because of its bulky nature, and surrounded by my excited friends, I wondered what she had sent me. To my shock however, it was a bundle of all the letters and pictures I had ever sent her, together with a note which read, “I do have a new boyfriend, who is a first-year medical student, so please move on with your life.” That was my first heartbreak, and I had diarrhea for two weeks. However, it strengthened my resolve to go to medical school, I had to prove a point. The Sting of a BrokenHeart 13 The Birthday Journal
The Renaissance 14 The Birthday Journal
15 The Birthday Journal
The period after A-Levels were filled with anxiety, as we all waited for our results. I really wanted to find out if I had made it to medical school. In those days, the normal thing was to publish the names of successful applicants in the dailies, after which one would be invited to attend an interview at the University of Ghana. However, the year 1979 was a bit different because the A’ Level results were delayed. An official announcement wasmade in the newspapers and on radio that all applicants for medical school should report to the University of Ghana for an interview. I remember they were only taking approximately 85 students out of the 350 to 400 students that came for the interview. It was a tense period for me indeed. Immediately after the interview at the Great Hall, in Legon, the list of successful candidates was read out. Would my dream of becoming a medical doctor ever materialize? It was music to my ears when I heard my very own name, Augustus Eduafo - Medicine. It was such a joyful day for me; a very proud moment, that someone like me, from Swedru Secondary School, had rubbed shoulders with students from Achimota, Mfantsipim, Holy Child, and the likes of them, and had succeeded. It was a very great achievement for me, indeed. In all fairness, we were extremely lucky because the medical school in Ghana was free at that time. Had this not been the case, I wouldn’t have been able University 16 The Birthday Journal
to attend it. You also got a loan from Ghana Commercial Bank to buy books. However, the challenges in medical school were almost the same as today. Not only was it difficult to get the necessary books to study, but the library was also ill equipped, so it was tough for some of us, but the rich kids had books being bought from the UK for them. All the same, I had a great time in medical school. It maturedme; some of our classmates were married, and some even had kids and I really learnt a lot from them. Besides, I was lucky to have some friends from the UK, who helped me by sending me some of the books. My last two years in medical school were great, in that, I discovered my influential aunt in Accra. My mother’s cousin, Mrs. Comfort Engmann, was the proprietress of North Ridge Lyceum, and former headmistress of Mfantsiman Secondary School. She took great care of me during this period, bringing me food, provisions and money on weekends. 17 The Birthday Journal
Love During my fourth year of medical school, I was walking the streets of Accra, one day, eager to catch a bus back to school. As I walked, I thought of all the things that needed doing; I had to clean my room, wash my clothes and then finish my assignments. As I paused briefly to look absentmindedly at the teeming crowd around me, a familiar face flashed before my eyes. I did a double take and looked at her again. Yes. It was Tina, a beautiful girl, who was my junior at Swedru Secondary School. “Tina!”. I called, hoping that she would hear me, but she had already seen me, and was hurrying towards me with a shy smile, “Senior Fanta!” “Aaah, don’t call me senior, we are no longer in school,” I said, trying to make her feel comfortable around me. Soon, we were chatting about old times at school, and catching up on gossip. She was really attractive. I invited her to visit me at the medical school at KorleBu, but she was acting all coy, as if she wasn’t interested. Eventually she did visit me and later became my girlfriend. Tina helped me a lot, when I was in medical school, visiting with food and money as well. After medical school, I was posted to the Effia NkwantaHospital inTakoradi, whereTina also worked as a teacher; this really strengthened our relationship, ultimately leading to marriage. A year later, and I was pacing the corridors of thematernity clinic, at EffiaNkwantaHospital. Tina was in labor, and even though I was a doctor, I was sweating. This was going to be my first child. How I longed for a daughter. In my mind’s eye, I could see my little girl, with many ribbons of different colors in her hair. In those days there was no ultrasound, so we had to wait until the delivery to know the baby’s gender. Imagine my joy when the doctor came out and said, “Congratulations, Augustus! You have a beautiful baby girl.” There were tears of joy in my eyes as I rushed into the ward and held my baby in my arms, I knew that she had stolen my heart. 18 The Birthday Journal
I stood in the queue, feeling very apprehensive. What if my visa application was denied? Would the Consul Officer give me, a poor Mankessim boy, a visa? I had submitted everything as I should; my admission letter, proof of scholarship, and all other documents that were expected of me. However, I had heard many stories of people being denied visas in spite of the genuineness of all their documents, in spite of their fulfillment of all required obligations. Although I already had a job at the Effia Nkwanta Hospital in Takoradi, I desperately wanted to further my education abroad, and the US and the UK were the only two countries that appealed to me. As soon as I heard my name on the intercom, I knew that this was it. What would happen if I didn’t get the visa? My tension was so great, but I put on a brave face, and followed the Consular Officer to a room for my interview. I needed not to have worried. The interview went smoothly, and as the officer stamped the visa in my passport, and congratulated me, it felt like the heavens had opened. So, I had crossed this hurdle too. As I walked out of the Embassy doors, feeling very proud of myself for such an achievement, I could already see myself, in the US, walking on lush green lawns. Me, a poor boy from Mankessim, who had attended Swedru Secondary School. Actually, ever since I was in Form 4, I knew I would go to the United States of America. I used to go to the US Embassy’s Educational Advising Center in Accra to read, and go through US schools, and then, Iwouldwrite correspondence with governors to give me a scholarship. I was way ahead of my time. It is true that you arewhat you think about all day long - me and four other friends would walk from Lartebiokorshie to the airport, every Friday evening, only to watch the arrival of the PANAM plane at the Kotoka International Airport. This was our closest encounter with the US, but that experience gave us motivation that one day we will sit on an airplane to the US. Interestingly, all five of us are in the US now. In theUS, I started off at theAlbany Medical College in New York, where I graduated with a Master of Science degree in Pharmacology. I subsequently completed my Internal Medicine specialization at the State University of New York downstate followed by a sub-specialization in kidney diseases and transplantation at the prestigious Cornell University Medical Center, all in New York. A Dream Come True 20 The Birthday Journal
Actually, ever since I was in Form 4, I knew I would go to the United States of America. I used to go to the US Embassy’s Educational Advising Center in Accra to read, and go through US schools, and then, I would write correspondence with governors to give me a scholarship. I was way ahead of my time. “ 21 The Birthday Journal
However, in spite of the busy schedules, it was really fun; and I had a great time, made lots of good friends with both students and teachers, and studied very hard. “ 22 The Birthday Journal
I had a very big culture shock when I first came to the US. For one thing, I was the onlyblackstudent inthegraduateschool at Albany Medical College, however, I didn’t experience any discrimination. Almost everything was a shock really; the accent, the food, the infrastructure, even the weather; in fact, the winter drove me nuts. During my fellowship at Cornell, I had no car, but my house was close to the university, so I would dress up like someone going to the moon and go to work. There was no time to brood, though. My fellowship was very busy, we were always on call. Final year was better, and the fellowship was even better. However, in spite of the busy schedules, it was really fun; and I had a great time, made lots of good friends with both students and teachers, and studied very hard. I only had one bad experience, when two black men mugged me, In the Land of Milk and Honey and collected all my money and everything else I had on me. They put a gun to my face, and a knife to my neck, and then, they cut my face. I was so shocked. I remember telling them that they were a disgrace to the world, ignorant of the fact that my life was in danger. I never believed a black man would attack another black man. When I got home, the part of my face that was cut was so swollen that I tookmyself to the Emergency Unit. When my American friends saw me, they all shouted, “Welcome to New York!” 23 The Birthday Journal
A year later, my wife joined me here, leaving our daughter, Augusta, with her mother, who was then the queen mother of Upper Axim. The following year, our second daughter, Christa was born, followed by our third daughter Velma. Augusta joined us when she was five years old. At that time, I was pursuing the fellowship at Cornell University. We were now a complete family. It wasn’t until eight years later that our son, Justin, was born. 24 The Birthday Journal
I gripped the doctor’s table, holding on with all my might, my head spinning, my thoughts everywhere at the same time. I got up but sat right back because I felt so dizzy, I thought I would fall down. No! This was not happening. This was just a bad dream; everything would return to normal when I woke up. But it was not a bad dream. The news the doctor had just given me. Even though Imyself was a doctor, I wasn’t prepared for this, even though all the symptoms had pointed to this, I had closed my eyes to them, had refused to entertain the thought of it, but here it was, me in front of the doctor, he telling me that Tina’s test results were back, that it was cancer with poor prognosis. This couldn’t be happening. The year was 2008, and she was only forty-five. Our kids were still so young. This was not how it was meant to be, how I had dreamt it. No. She was supposed to grow old with me, to be the mother of our kids until they were done with school, were married, had kids. Our grandkids were supposed to come and visit every weekend, us spoiling them to the annoyance of their parents. I felt shattered. At the same time, I had to be strong for her. I picked up my faith and called upon my God, enlisting the help of our pastors, including my friend and brother, the Reverend MensahOtabil, who called and prayed with us every Saturday morning, for a whole year. In the meantime, Tina began chemotherapy. I needed a miracle. I knew she would die eventually, but I prayed for God to give us some more time, at least until the children were all done with high school. Besides, this was America. It wasn’t even Ghana where there wasn’t enough medical technology. America was the land of possibilities. And yet, in spite of all the advanced treatments, in spite of all my prayers, all my hope for a miracle, Tina died, five years later, at the young age of fifty. It was devastating! Who would be the mother to my children? Who would be there when I came back from work? Who would be there to laugh at my jokes, to be angry at my inconsistencies, to encourage me through my failures and disappointments, to be a shoulder to cry on, on the days I needed one? Just like that, and my best friend was gone. So, I gave up on God and I almost gave up on myself, all my former confidence going down the drain. What was the use of being a doctor, if I couldn’t even save my own wife? I was in a dark place for a long time, only managing to keep my sanity for my children’s sake. Tragedy 25 The Birthday Journal
Contact Devtraco For Your Dream Home
Did you just mention “Fanta” and have in mind the popular non-alcoholic beverage produced by the Coca-Cola Company? Well, as long as you had that in your mind, and in your mind only, you may be excused. But don’t go to Mankessim and ask for “Fanta”, just like that and expect to be served with that popular drink, which in our childhood and youth was mainly reserved for or availableduringChristmas celebrations. No, the inquiry will immediately shift to our own and only “Fanta”, the one you now know as Professor Dr. Edgar Eduafo. But, please, don’t try to look for him with that name in Mankessim since only a handful, a privileged few, particularly his elementary school mates and some close pals may be familiar with that name, which has since been in the safe custody of a portmanteau somewhere inMankessim. Even within that community of close pals, your best attempt would be to refer to Kweku Ampah, who later became Fanta, not the drink! So allow me to join the chorus to celebrate the life and times of Professor Dr. Augustus Eduafo, the Mankessim Fanta, for a life well-lived and worthy of emulation. I am particularly excited and elated because, unlike the typical so-called “celebrations of life” organized as part of funeral ceremonies, we are doing this in his lifetime and on an occasion worthy of celebration, namely, his 65th birthday. Speaking of my decision to render this oration, I will assure you that it was not by accident. I will not pretend that Fanta was, as we say in Ghana, my “buddy-buddy”. In everything, age-wise and academically, he was my elder as well as my senior. If at all, I feared that too much familiarity with him would breed the concomitant contempt that we are always warned of. However, it is due to his good and honorable nature as well as his unparalled modesty and humility that he allowed me and many others the space to warm ourselves and to bask in his goodwill and good nature. One T-shirt I ever saw bore this inscription: “Improve your image. Be seen with me”. I guess that is the invisible T-shirt that I wear on this occasion in celebration of his birthday. It was from those humble beginnings that the legend we now call “Fanta” or “Dr. Fanta” ,as appropriate, started. Like the American Basketball Team at any Olympic Games, the top academic spot or first position in examinations was always reserved to the then Kweku Ampah (I don’t even know where the “Edgar” crept in), and all other positions from second down will be left to a medley crowd of class mates, with my sister sometimes taking the second spot. I came to testify of how, in spite of his greattalentsandexcellentachievements, our Fanta humbled himself and allowed himself to remain a human being and, in the process, impacted our lives and those of so many others in ways worthy of commendation, celebration, and emulation. It is this uncommon trait that I draw attention to, for which reason I personally celebrate him. For purposes of showing that this is not a mere pipe dream, you will permit me to illustrate it with my own experience, which I am sharing for the first time. For those who know, I joined the Nigerian bandwagon upon completion of sixth form in 1980 instead of entering the University of Ghana in the 1980/81 academic year when I had been offered admission. I did so under the pretext that it was only the law that I wanted to read (which I did not qualify for). In any case, I had written the November A-Level examination and was confident that I would be offered law the next academic year. Interestingly, based on my November results, I was offered admission to read law for the 1981–82 academic year. However, I still dodged for the second time running. You know the power of the naira in those days? Why am I recounting this? Because I recall vividly that of all the people who had surrounded me, it was only Fanta who was persistent and insistent that I should come back to university, so much so that when I eventually made up my mind to come in the 1982/83 academic year, it was as if I was doing Fanta a favor. Just imagine that! And yes, I was indeed doing Fanta a favor, to the point that when I arrived from Nigeria, I had nowhere to go but to him at the Medical School Hostel at KorleBu. And, very characteristicof him and true to his nature, Fanta welcomed me like the proverbial prodigal son, placed aside his heavy schedule, and personally accompanied me from Korle Bu to Legon to see to my registration, all over about a two-day period. So just imagine. Who knows? It is very well possible that, but for Fanta, I may not be whoever I am today. And talking about my experience, I can confidently say that even though the age gap between us and others of my Mankessimassociatesisnotreallymuch, Fanta has allowed himself to be used by God to become a big, big elder brother, mentor, and counselor to all of us. For that, we are all eternally grateful to him. Reflecting over these paranomic scenes in the chapter of Fanta’s life on the occasion of his 65th birthday today, I can recall no better words than the hymnist in the First Stanza of the Methodist Hymn No...., thus: NowPraiseWeGreatAndFamousMen Professor Augustus Kweku Ampah Eduafo, our own Fanta, we all celebrate you. May God create a thousand more of your type, and the world will not require another hero. God bless you forever more. The Real Fanta By Lawyer Paintsil Lawyer andMrs Paintsil
It’s funny how life can throw you a curveball when you least expect it. I never thought I would find love again after losing the love of my life to cancer. But fate had other plans in store for me. In 2013, I was looking to buy a property in Ghana, and that was howImetmysecondwife,Jennifer. She was the realtor for one of the properties I was interested in. There was just something about her that I couldn’t shake off even after the transaction was done. So, after a year, I decided to take a chance and called her up again, this time not as a potential buyer, but as someone interested in her. I sentheranemail askingher tocall me, which she did in devastation, thinking there was something wrong with the property she sold me. However, I dropped a bombshell onher - Iwas interested in a relationship. But you see, my Facebook profile still showed that I was married, and I had to clear the air. I told her that my wife had passed away to cancer. And then came the kicker - she wasn’t interested in a relationship with me because she thought I needed time to heal. So, she asked me to call her when that time came. And you know what I did? I called her back after fifteen minutes and told her I had healed. I mean, who does that? Apparently, I do. Icontinuedtopursueher,charming her withmy wit and humor. I knew that I had to be patient and take things slow. Jennifer was different. She understood my situation and was patient with me. We started dating and soon found ourselves falling in love. After two years of dating, I knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. So, I decided to pop the question. I remember the day vividly; it was a beautiful day Light at the End of the Tunnel at the beach in Puerto Rico, I told her I was ready to marry her, and we got married in 2017. Our marriage has been excellent. Jennifer brought a spark into my life once more. She was very understanding of my situation, and she helped me heal in ways that I didn’t think were possible. She restored my faith in God and brought me a new upliftment. She gave me a new perspective on life. And she fitted the slot of wife and mother perfectly, bringing a lot on board. Jennifer is very stylish, prayerful, welltraveled, hardworking, caring, loyal, honest, confident, a disciplinarian, strong willed that is sometimes very intimidating to others. She is fun and funny. Her passion to help the needy and poor is priceless. Very compassionate and goes above and beyond. One thing you certainly don’t want is to get on her bad side. We both love soccer, reading and watching movies. To Jennifer, I have been a good husband; I teaseher, eat all the foodshe makes for me, try to find time to speak to her during the day, evenwhen I have averybusyschedule.Most importantly I always discuss everything I do with her. It is very rare for me to say “no” to her when she asks for something, although I refuse sometimes. Of course, as a blended family, we’ve had our share of challenges, but we got through it, andwe’re stronger for it. 28 The Birthday Journal
29 The Birthday Journal
Our blended family is something I take great pride in. Jennifer and I have five children in total - a son from her previous marriage, and three daughters and a son frommy previous marriage. It hasn’t always been easy, but we’ve made it work. I’ve always been a family man at heart, despite my capricious nature. I believe in taking care of my loved ones, whether they are blood family or not. I take care of my wife, my siblings, my cousins, my nieces, and even kids who are struggling or orphans. Family is everything to me. When it comes to our children, I make sure they have everything they need in all aspects of their lives, socially and spiritually. I am a provider, and I always challenge them to be the best they can be. But I’m also the one who calms the waters when there is trouble. I have to admit that the women do a better job at disciplining the kids than I do. They are tougher in that area, and do not let the kids get away with anything. But every once in a while, I have to step in and straighten them up. After all, I am still the father, and I have a duty to make sure my children grow up to be responsible and respectful adults. By the Grace of God, our children are all doing well, and they get along with each other like they’ve known each other their entire lives. It’s not always perfect, but what family is? As long as we stick together and love each other, we can get through anything that life throws our way. I’ve always been a family man at heart, despite my capricious nature. I believe in taking care of my loved ones, whether they are blood family or not. “ Family 30 The Birthday Journal
Augusta Dear Daddy, Happy happy birthday to a wonderful human being. Your generosity, infectious laugh, zeal for life, and dance moves are unmatched. Not only are you a great physician, but also a style icon! Today we celebrate you!! You are appreciated beyond measure, and we hope you know the joy you bring to our lives. From conversations about medicine to you telling stories of your childhood to Felix and I, and now your interactions with Lyra, It is wonderful to see. As you come into this new age and era of your life, we pray blessings upon you. We pray God blesses you with many more years so we can continue to enjoy life with you. I hope this birthday is an amazing one. We love you and wish you all the best. We cannot wait to see the dance moves you bring out tonight! Stay blessed and happy at 65 years young!!! Love, Augusta, Felix, and Lyra Christa Happy Birthday Dad! Velma HappyBirthday to theBEST father in theworld! Thank you for always sharing your contagious, generous, and fun-loving spirit with everyone at all times! You are a constant source of happiness, love, and support, and we are so lucky to have a dancing king father like you! I am forever and always grateful to you! I love you, Daddy! Justin HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DADDY! I’m truly grateful to be your son and have you as someone that I can look to for inspiration and guidance. As the most stylish Eduafo, I can confidently say that I learned everything I know from you, and I’m shocked at how you were able to do it all these years. You also taught me how to be a Manchester United fan, and, although we haven’t been very good for a while, it has been and continues to be a truly humbling experience (at least we’re better than Chelsea). You always bring a wave of positivity into every room, and I know I can come up with anything because I know you will support me. I’mvery thankful to have you as a father and rolemodel, and I hope I can continue making you proud. I love you, Daddy. Adrian Dad, I’m so happy to have you in my life. Thank you for everything you have done for me and for making my mom happy. You have encouraged me and pushed me to do better for myself, build my confidence, and stay positive always. I like watching soccer together, andIwasgoingtosaythatArsenal is better than Manchester United, but the session is not over yet. Happy birthday, dad May God grant you long life, good health, financial blessings, and above all, peace of mind to do greater things. I will certainly make you proud of everything except your dance skills. Love you. Happy Birthday Daddy 31 The Birthday Journal
32 The Birthday Journal
Illuminated Life 33 The Birthday Journal
Career When I first came to the U.S, the first thing I did was a masters in Pharmacology, which I obtained from Albany Medical School. However, since that wasn’t what I really wanted to do, I decided to do my residency instead, so I went through the United States Medical Licensing Examination (U.S.M.L.E) process, and did my residency in Internal Medicine, at the State University of New York, Brooklyn. After that, I went to Cornell University to do a Fellowship in Nephrology. In 1997, Cornell University offered me the position of Assistant Professor of Medicine, which I declined. In the first place, the salary was inadequate for me, secondly, New York was expensive, and thirdly, I wanted to raise my kids in a much smaller city. After approaching the Chief of Nephrology at Cornell University, Dr. Manikkam Suthanthiramat, who had offered me the position, and laying out the reasons why I couldn’t accept his offer,hetoldmeofaTransplantNephrologyopening at Renal Physicians Inc. in Dayton Ohio. They were looking for a young, aggressive and efficient person to help revamp their Renal Transplant Program, and he had recommended me. It was the largest renal group in Dayton. I applied for the position, was interviewed and was successful. I joined the practice and rose to become the President of the Renal Physicians Inc., by dint of hard work only stepping down when my wife was diagnosed with cancer. While inDayton, I also joined the faculty at Wright State University Medical School as an Assistant Clinical Professor. Presently, I am a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine, aFellowof theAmericanCollege of Physicians and a Fellow of the American Society of Nephrology. I continue to teach medical students and residents on a daily basis. Subsequently, I was appointed theMedical Director of theKidneyTransplantProgram at Miami Valley Hospital, which became the most successful transplant program in the State of Ohio. At the Miami Valley Hospital, I direct the Nephrology Elective Program, teach internal medicine residents and medical students and give lectures to the surgical fellows. I have been recognized and won the prestigious Teacher of the Year award seven years in a row. I am the only Transplant Nephrologist in Miami Valley Hospital and in the whole Dayton area and thus follow large numbers of transplant recipients living in the Dayton area. Currently I am also the Medical Director of the Davita Dialysis Unit in Trotwood, Ohio, the Davita Home Dialysis Unit of the North and most recently the Medical Director of the in-patient dialysis unit (AKU) at Miami Valley hospital . 34 The Birthday Journal
35 The Birthday Journal
“ I always encourage my students to dress well, a patient would have more confidence in a well-dressed doctor than in a shabbily dressed one. 36 The Birthday Journal
I opened my car boot, picked out an elegant shoebox fromit, andthenopened it. In it was a pair of black and brown shoes. Top end shoes. Jennifer would be upset to see me holding them, there are already over four hundred good quality shoes in brilliant condition in my walk-in wardrobe. I had to devise a way to slowly release them without her knowing. The problem is that I am a shopaholic. I almost have to be restrained from shopping. My favorite items to buy are shoes and jackets. It is not surprising; I never got the chance to wear a pair of good shoes when I was growing up. I only had a pair of sandals in secondary school and one shoe that I hung unto until they were worn out. Even at a University of Ghana Convocation, I wore my sister Veronica’s clogs. I made a vow to myself that when I became somebody in life, I would buy myself all the shoes that I wanted to. I love dressing up too. In times past, I used to be subscribed to all the male fashion magazines in the US, and there were stores in New York, Atlanta, Miami and LA that would send me videos as soon as they got new stock, to see if I would be interested in them. I inherited my good fashion sense from my father. When he was alive, he took great care of me, and dressed me well. In secondary school, my friends and I would braid our hair on Friday so we could comb them out and raise them on Saturday, then we would put on our shirts with suspenders, and our bell bottoms. The only thing I missed then was a pair of guarantee shoes. There was once that I tried saving for a pair of guarantees, but any time I thought I had enough money, the price went up. I remember my first day at Miami Valley Hospital, I was so well dressed that my colleagues asked me if I was traveling. But that was my normal way of dressing. Soon, I noticed that the other doctors began to be more conscious of their appearance, it changed the culture in the unit. I always encourage my students to dress well, a patient would have more confidence in a well-dressed doctor than in a shabbily dressed one. I also read in my pastime. I am an avid reader. I read espionage. I have a list of authors whose books I absolutely must have, including Daniel Silva, and Brad Thor. When I was younger, my father would make me go to the Cape Coast library to borrow books. For any book I completed, hewould givememoney to go to the Cape Coast Stadium to watch Abusua Dwarfs. As a result of this, I have an extremely good command of the English language. Although I was a science student in secondary school, I still was the best English student, even walking away with the first prize during the speech and prize giving day, when I was in Form 4. I also love music, especially highlife and dancing. I love parties, my wife is a renowned event planner, so I tend to meet a lot of celebrities. At my last birthday in Ghana, Kofi Kinata did a live performance. We also had Kwabena Kwabena at our wedding. I also love soccer; even when I am on call, I always have a game on my phone. I have channels to all the football leagues in theworld, the premier league, the la Liga, the Bundesliga, and a host of others. Whenever I come home, I watch all the highlights for the day. I am a very dedicatedManchesterUnited fan, to the extent that I travel to the UKonce every year to watch them play. This year will be no exception. Passions 37 The Birthday Journal
My passion is to make people happy, and to use my knowledge and God given talent to heal people. Wherever I go, I want to leave that place in a much better state than when I met it. I am more intent on imparting knowledge to the younger ones, so that they can give back to society, because that’s what some good professors did for me. I would use this opportunity to thank two professors who really made an impact on my life: the first being Prof. Martey-Korley, a Kidney Specialist in Ghana. It was because of him that I became a Kidney Specialist. Actually, he was the same person who gave me a recommendation, when I was coming to the U.S. The second person was the Chief of Nephrology at Cornell University, Dr. Manikkam Suthanthiram. He mentored me. It was he who asked me to stay and specialize in kidney transplantation. I intend to ensure that anyone who passes through my hands would be the finest doctor they can ever be. As a result of this, I have three principles that I always impart on my mentees; firstly, don’t cut corners. Secondly, no patient is Giving Back 38 The Birthday Journal
left behind, even if they are being difficult. Thirdly, never give up on any patient. Also, I go to Ghana every year to teach students at University of Cape Coast Medical School. I hope that when I retire in a couple of years, I can give back more to Ghana, in terms of volunteering. Our Ghanaian doctors are good, but sometimes they are unable to think through when there are complications, and this would be my focus. I hope my legacy transcends the medical field, for Iwould alsowant tobe remembered for taking care of the needy and doing philanthropic works. A couple of years ago, while in Ghana, I saw myself in a young man selling phone cards on the streets. Upon chatting with him, I realized that he was intelligent and should be in school. He confirmed that he was actually a 1st year university student, but had no financial support, so he helped a friend to sell phone cards in order to raise funds for fees and food. I committed to financially helping him finish university, so he could focus on his studies. He is in his 3rd year of University now. I am living proof of how education can change the trajectory of one’s life and yet without the right financial support, it’s so easy to drop out and notmake it. Currently, I pay school fees for several needy students and am actively involved in the Royal Seed Orphanage which Jennifer had adopted several years before I met her. I am confident that the beneficiaries of our giving back will one day pay it forward and make a difference in their generation. I am a member of the Fante Association in Dayton and I willingly accept whenever I am called upon to give talks on health issues like hypertension, diabetes, and kidney diseases. I am a founding member of the Swesco Alumni of USA and serve on its board. I am a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, the American Society of Nephrology and a member of the American Society of Transplantation. I am also a member of theCatholicDoctors Association and the Ghana Physicians and Surgeons Foundation of North America. Inspiration My biggest inspiration was my father. Before my father died, he told me some things which have helped to shape me. He asked me not to be envious of anyone, then he said, to follow the principle of the four Ds. The first was desire. I had to desire to become somebody, and I must be determined to achieve this aim, I should be dedicated to the cause and finally I was to show discipline to the cause. My mother was uneducated, but she was a force inmy life. My late elder brother was my greatest support, andmy aunt, Mrs. Comfort Engmann, who I got to know later in life, was indeed very helpful to me. My other sources of inspiration come from movies, books, documentaries and sometimes people I don’t even know. I was very inspired by people like Martin Luther King, people who came from nowhere but rose to become somebodies. They gave me hope that everything was possible. 39 The Birthday Journal
40 The Birthday Journal
I am grateful for the life I have lived. I know now that everything that happened to me, happened for a reason, and has shaped me to be who I am today. The adversity, and challenges all add up to who I am now, so I wouldn’t change anything about my life script. Our children are doing great. The happiest day of my life was when our granddaughter was born. I must say that Jennifer has shown nothing but great mothering qualities, by always putting all our children first. She is always present and involved in all the important milestones in their lives. From all their graduations to our oldest daughter’s wedding, Jennifer was always there. Jennifer was supportive through Augusta’s pregnancy, her baby shower, and was present during our grandchild’s delivery. Actually, she does more than is expected, for someone her age, and constantly surprises me with how seriously she takes on the role of loving grandmother. In fact, she did not hesitate to stay back to help Augusta settle into her new role as a first-time mother. Also, Jennifer helped Velma move into medical school, and is involved in Christa’s well-being. Her love and attention for Justin is just amazing, and my super cool Adrian, whom I have grown to love dearly, has adjusted very well to our new family. I surely won the lottery because my genuine fears of my children being robbed of the motherly love and attention after Tina’s departure, has been laid to rest. In all, marriage has been great; both my first and second marriages. No regret at all! IbelievedinGodatatimebutwavered when I lost my first wife, Tina. But my faith in God was restored when I met Jennifer. God is everything, He has been the centerpiece of my life. Final Thoughts 41 The Birthday Journal
My heart swells with gratitude for the incredible journey we have shared together. It feels like just yesterday that our paths crossed, and little did I know back in 2013 that our meeting would be the beginning of a love story that would touch the depths of my soul. Our marriage has been a testament to the strength of our bond. We have faced and navigated the complexities of life. But through it all and by the grace of God, we triumphed. Your tolerance has been a pillar. You acceptmy bluntness andmy passion for dressing up and indulging in photoshoots, which often means you wait patiently by my side. And even in moments when my strong-willed nature emerges, you remain a calm and steady presence, offering resolute support. I find great joy in the precious moments we have shared wandering the world, united by our fondness for travel. We engage in spirited debates over English football, with you, a loyal Manchester United fan, and me, a devoted Arsenal supporter. But amidst all these treasured memories, one particular moment remains etched in my heart forever. I fell gravely ill, and there you stood by my bedside, silently praying. It was a priceless act that touched the deepest recesses of my being. Abeeku, you have touched my life in ways I never thought possible. Through your influence, I have learned how to handle difficult situations and navigate relationships with newfound wisdom. Your only weakness, if it can even be called that, lies in your unwavering desire for everyone’s happiness. On this special occasion of your birthday, I wish you a life filled with abundant blessings. May you be granted the gift of long life, good health, and a heart brimming with laughter. May every shopping trip bring you joy, as you deserve nothing but the best. In this world and the next, there is no one I would rather be with than you, Abeeku. May peace forever dwell within your mind, and may the wellspring of joy continue to flow into your life, for you are deserving of every good thing that God bestows upon humanity. Happy birthday, Abeeku! Thank you for being the embodiment of love, selflessness, and constant support. With each passing day, my heart grows fonder, and my love for you deepens. I am forever grateful for what we share and the beautiful life we have created together. I love you, Jennifer To The Love of My Life My dearest Abeeku (Angel Kukudum) 42 The Birthday Journal
43 The Birthday Journal
Happy Birthday Dr.Fanta Dr Nick Fiavey It iswithgreat pleasure andadmiration that I write these few lines for my good friend and class mate, Prof. Augustus Abeiku Eduafo, popularly called Fanta(tisc), or The Styke/Staic, on his well deserved six decades and 5 year’s celebration on this earth. He fully deserves it, and Mrs. Jennifer Eduafo and his kids should be commended for this great celebration. It has been full of hard work, dedication and service to mankind. In fact, his many awards from his Professional Practice in Dayton, OH and his many voluntary trips to Ghana as Visiting Professor at the University of Ghana Medical School and Cape Coast University School of Medicine are living testimonies to his overall achievements. I believe among our Medical School classmates, I am the only one who spent more contact time with him in another University Program, during our Residency Training days in the early 1990’s at the State University of New York Health Sciences Center Program in Brooklyn, NY. Our two families were close at the time for several years until he moved his family fromNY to Dayton, Ohio. Fanta is one classmate who has not changed much physically and in character since we entered the University of Ghana Medical School in October 1979. I was lucky enough to be allocated Commonwealth Hall like him. From the outset, he distinguished himself very quickly even though he was the only one from his School. He made friends even quicker than those of us who came from Schools with classmates. So fast that he suddenly became very popular not only in our class but the whole Hall andMedical School. Everybody calls him Fanta! Evenas abusyMedical Student, he found time toparticipate in such extra curricular activities like the Vandal’s Choir ( Fun Singing, DancingGroup) with another great classmate, the late Dr. Fred Sai (Do the Doo), and Dr. Kofi Adu ( Kofi) and others. For me as a mate and Hall colleague, he was one of many of our Medical School classmates who made the class lively and our rather busy and stressful course less boring. He even found time to participate in sports. Dr. Eduafowas so confident that he could guarantee you he will throw your egg against the wall without breaking it! I never recalled seeing him angry against a colleague or friend for several days. He was such a joy to be with. He loved dressing, even from his humble beginning days! If you hate Fanta, then you either do not have a heart or you are damn jealous. He is very kind and straight forward; no ifs or buts! If it is red, it is red with Fanta. He shares things easily with others and never hides things. He is such a TeamPlayer that he is loved by classmates, colleagues, friends and Staff. He is one of the main lights of our Year Group, Class of 1986. The Group is livelier and more interesting with Fanta around. He is a very great Dancer as well. I hope he takes the floor with his lovely wife and kids. On a personal level, we shared a lot of pain and suffering together right from our Medical School days. From anxiously waiting during our stressful Viva/ Oral Exams ( I was always behind him after Dr. Edzii De Veer) to our adjustment in a completely new Country in our early 30’s to the loss of his dear first wife Tina. He is particularly very proud of his hometown, Mankessim and his Alma mater, Swedru Secondary School. If I have my own way, I shall create a Fanta Patriotic Score, rating how much one loves his home town or school; his Fanta score will be 99%( 100 is the maximum). Sometimes, I feel according to the Fanta gospel, there is only one great Secondary School and only one great town in Ghana! It has been an honor to knowDr. Augustus Eduafo all these 44 or so years. Join me in wishing him a Happy, happy 65th birthday and God’s abundant blessings for the next and consequent Milestones in his life. John and Ivy Ekem and Family Fanta, we love you! You are funny, loving, caring, thoughtful and the toast of any gathering. We wish you and your loved ones God’s manifold blessings as you go through the years ahead. Congratulations on attaining your 65th Birthday! KofiMensah-Frimpong,Massachusetts. Turning 65 is great! Especially when it’s someone special like you. You have made the most of each year and made such a positive difference for a lot of people. I wish you the best birthday. Mrs. Veronica TwittehMartey, née Forson Happy birthday to you my dear brother. May the Almighty God give you long life and wisdom. May God protect and bless you abundantly. Amen Letcia Twitteh, Lydia Tsotsoo Owusu Safo and Diana Twitteh Happy Birthday to our dearest Uncle. May God bless you on your birthday and always. 44 The Birthday Journal
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTAyMTM3NQ==