Kufuor�s Physician Launches Book

Public Servants working at the seat of government have been urged to maintain a high sense of confidentiality so as to not disclose information that will damage the socio-economic development of the country. The appeal was made at the launch of a book that contains the professional experience of the physician of former President John Agyekum Kufuor during his eight years as President of Ghana. The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Nana Oye Lithur, who made the observation at the launch of the book titled ��The President�s Physician,�� commended the author, the first female physician of a Ghanaian President, Dr Bettina Ama Boohene-Andah, for keeping a high sense of confidentiality although she was exposed to a lot of information at the seat of government. The 17-chapter book describes in detail the work of Dr Boohene-Andah as the physician of former President Kufour during his tenure as President of the Republic of Ghana and thus becomes the first book written by the physician of a former president. It was launched by Rev Dr Joyce Aryee Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee, Executive Director of the Salt and Light Ministry, and a former CEO, of the Ghana Chamber of Mines. Book for young adults According to Dr Boohene-Andah, she wrote the book to inspire young adults, especially girls, to aspire to greater heights in their endeavours. Although serving as the President�s physician brought her a lot of memorable experiences, Dr Boohene-Andah acknowledged the daunting challenges associated with the position, and expressed the hope that the youth would draw lessons from the book. �When I look back, I do not regret taking the job, and my family played an important role in ensuring that I succeeded,� she said. The launch was attended by former President Kufuor and his wife, Mrs Theresa Kufuor; Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, a former first lady; New Patriotic Party Chairman, Mr Paul Afoko, and former Chief of Staff, Mr Kwadwo Mpianim. Former President Kufuor bought a copy of the book for GH�5,000 and some members of the Mfantsipim Old Boys Association (MOBA) made the highest purchase of 150 copies for their alma mater. The President�s physician The first few chapters of the book give a vivid description of the early years of the author growing up in a middle-class family. The subsequent chapters details her life as the President�s physician. Need for autobiographies Speaking at the launch of the book, Prof. Agyeman Badu Akosa said it was important for people to write the stories of their lives to serve as an inspiration and guide to the new generation. He bemoaned the lack of interest in the writing of autobiographies by many accomplished persons, and encouraged persons who had gathered experience in their field of endeavour to write their autobiographies that would serve as a guide to the younger generation. According to Prof. Badu Akosa, the book will motivate others to write their autobiographies, and pledged his support towards the promotion of the book. Easy to read For her part, Dr Joyce Aryee of the Salt and Light Ministries said an observation she had made after she read the book was the sense of humility in the writings of the author. Dr Aryee praised the author for writing a book that would shape the dream of young adults, while encouraging other personalities to write their autobiographies. In her efforts to keep records for her book, the author Dr Boohene-Andah said she had a diary where she recorded all important information and events.