“Fellow Ghanaians” Embodied The Spirit Of Unity And Solidarity

President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has stated that the popular phrase “Fellow Ghanaians” which was authored by him during his regular COVID-19 updates from 2020 to 2022, embodied the Ghanaian spirit of unity and solidarity among ourselves.

The phrase according to President Akufo-Addo, became the rallying call of all Ghanaians during the nation’s battle with the COVID-19 pandemic. “Fellow Ghanaians,” President Akufo-Addo said birthed the spirit of togetherness amongst all Ghanaians and that sense of unity is largely responsible for the country’s success story with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chronicling Ghana’s COVID-19 story

Akufo-Addo made the assertion in his address to attendees at a ceremony to launch a new book written by Dr Bernard Okoe Boye, Minister-designate for Health, and entitled “Fellow Ghanaians.” The book essentially chronicles Ghana’s story from 12 March 2020 when the first case of the COVID-19 virus was first recorded in Ghana to 2022 when President Akufo-Addo declared the pandemic over within the Ghanaian jurisdiction.

“I stand before you today with a profound feeling of gratitude and humility as we gather to celebrate the launch of the book titled “Fellow Ghanaians”. This title holds a special place in my heart not only because it resonates deeply with the words, I authored during some of our nation’s most challenging moments but also because it embodies the spirit of unity and solidarity that defines us as Ghanaians.

“Fellow Ghanaians is not just a title, it is a powerful reminder of the bond that unites us as a people, transcending tribe, religion, or political affiliation. It was a call to action, urging us to stand together in the face of the adversity of COVID-19 and to work tirelessly to win the fight against the pandemic,” President Akufo-Addo remarked.

“When I first used the phrase “Fellow Ghanaians,” during my national broadcast, I did so with a sense of responsibility and fellow feeling. As President, I saw it as my duty to provide Ghanaians with regulator updates on the situation and the measures the government was taking, and to seek their support and cooperation.

“That is why I was a constant feature on your screens from 2020 to 2022, in the addresses that became popularly referred to as “Fellow Ghanaians” and I thank you for welcoming me so warmly into your homes. You listened to me, you cooperated with the government and with the health experts. You adhered to the enhanced hygiene and mask-wearing protocols and a considerable number of you took the vaccines” Akufo-Addo further remarked.

Fellow Ghanaians immortalized

The President in his address emphasized that “to see this phrase [Fellow Ghanaians] immortalized in the title of a book by one of the several exceptional young appointees of my government is truly humbling”.

He added that “it is a testament to the resilience and strength of the Ghanaian spirit even in the face of unprecedented challenges” and “a tribute to the countless acts of kindness, courage, and sacrifice that defined our response to the pandemic”.

“But beyond its significance to me personally, “Fellow Ghanaians” represents something much greater, it is a symbol of hope and inspiration for future generations, a reminder that even in our darkest hours, we can find light and strength in our unity.

“As we reflect on the pages of this book, and the account it contains, let us remember the lessons we have learned and the progress we have made. Let us recommit ourselves to the values that bind us together as Ghanaians; compassion, resilience, and solidarity” Akufo-Addo said.

Ledzokuku comeback

In commending the author of the book, Dr Bernard Okoe Boye, President Akufo-Addo noted that “his dedication and hard work have ensured that the stories of our nation’s journey through the COVID-19 pandemic will be preserved for future generations to come”.

On his loss of the 2020 parliamentary elections in the Ledzokuku constituency in the Greater Accra Region, indicated that he was told “that one of the lessons that contributed to his loss of the Ledzokuku seat in the 2020 elections was that he tried to enforce the COVID-19 protocols including refusing to allow the holding of the traditional Homowo festival”.

“God willing this year, I am sure the people of Ledzokuku will return him to Parliament,” President Akufo-Addo stated much to a resounding endorsement of the attendees of the book launch ceremony.

This too shall pass

Dr Bernard Okoe Boye in his statement noted that the book, “Fellow Ghanaians” captures the fears, battles, tears, and triumphs of Ghanaians during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. He added that he took up the challenge of documenting the country’s COVID-19 fight because it was an experience worth telling.

“Through all the bad times and the good times, I heard a voice saying this too shall pass. It was a confident voice, sometimes firm in tone, at other times mixed in pitch, especially those times when reports of hospital admission overflow and rumors of death permeated our homes and offices.

“One thing however remained, that voice kept on and on bringing with it hope, guidelines, restrictions, lockdowns, social protection, and at a point in time, vaccines. That same voice finally brought the goodness of the pandemic really coming to pass, Dr Okoe Boye said.

“It was that voice that gave all of us, myself in particular, the inspiration to put together our COVID-19 story in a way that is honest, factual, enduring, and honourable to the memory of all those loved ones we lost through COVID” Bernard Okoe Boye Added.

Appreciation and book proceeds

Dr Okoe Boye registered his appreciation to President Akufo-Addo, the First Lady, Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo, the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the Chief of Staff, Mrs Akosua Frema Osei Opare, the members of the COVID-19 taskforce, Eugene Arhin, the Director of Communications at the Jubilee House, among others for their immense contribution during the country’s COVID-19 fight and for the writing of the book.

On what the proceeds of the book will be used for, Dr Okoe Boye said there are no commercial intents on his part as far as the book is concerned. Instead, he indicated that all monies realised from the sale of the book will go into charity and for the construction of health facilities in Nkoranza in the Bono Region as well as the Lekma hospital in the Greater Accra Region.

From Wilberforce Asare