Companion of the Order of the Volta I looked at the invitation in my hand with pleasant disbelief. Had I indeed been nominated for one of the highest State honours in the Republic of Ghana? Awarm feeling washed over me as I took a deep breath and smiled. It felt good to know that my many years of dedication and service to my country were being recognised. There were times inmy career when I watched people who had come after me move ahead of me, and I could not help but wonder, “When will my turn come?” It was difficult, and there were moments when I thought of walking away. But something kept me going. I stayed, I worked and I continued to serve. In the end, my time came. By the grace of God, I rose to become Chief of Naval Staff and went on to serve my country in several other capacities. Those periods of disappointment taught me an important lesson: recognition may not come when you expect it, but that should never stop you from giving your best. Receiving the Companion of the Order of the Volta, Civil Division, in 2016 was therefore a deeply humbling moment for me. I had never served with the expectation of receiving an award, so having my years of service recognised in this way meant a great deal tome. My journey had takenme through many forms of national service. After leaving the Navy, I oversaw the movement and resettlement of Ghanaians repatriated fromNigeria during Operation Exodus. I later served as aMember of Parliament, Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Health. For me, the award was not about any one achievement. It represented a lifetime of service tomy country, my community and humanity, which made it especially meaningful. 30 The Birthday Journal
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