Leadership Is About People Titles may open doors, but leadership is ultimately about people. Whether commanding sailors, receiving returning Ghanaians during Operation Exodus or serving in government, the work was always about the lives affected by the decisions being made. Fromhis life: During Ghana’s difficult period of drought, bushfires and food shortages, he served as the first Chairman of the National Mobilisation Committee, helping to coordinate efforts to get the country back on its feet. He was also involved in establishing National Farmers’ Day, recognising the farmers and fishermen whose contribution to the country deserved to be celebrated. Commodore Steve George Obimpeh’s public service career crossed the Armed Forces, emergency national assignments, ministerial office, Parliament and public boards. He served as Chief of Naval Staff, helped coordinate Operation Exodus in 1983, held portfolios in Agriculture andHealth, representedNorth Dayi in Parliament and later chaired the Public Procurement Authority. Be ReadyWhen Duty Calls Not every assignment will be planned. From service in the Armed Forces to Operation Exodus and later government, there were moments when the country needed him in unfamiliar roles. He stepped in and got on with the job. Fromhis life: Whenmore than a million Ghanaians were expelled fromNigeria in 1983, Commodore Obimpeh was called upon to coordinate Operation Exodus, the enormous task of receiving returning Ghanaians at the borders and helping them make their way back to their regions, towns and villages. It was far removed from commanding a naval vessel, but it was a job that had to be done. 5 Lessons from Commodore’s Life in Public Service ByMansa Agyare 1 2 40 The Birthday Journal
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