On a day that felt less like a farewell and more like a coronation, the Wassa East District Health Directorate staff gathered at the Riverside Conference Hall in Inchaban to celebrate one of their own retiring District Director of Health Services, Mr. Emmanuel Yaw Affelkum in a ceremony that blended deep reverence with unapologetic festivity.
The well-attended programme transcended institutional and political lines. Present were staff from decentralized departments across Wassa East, led by District Coordinating Director Mr. Evans Mark Andoh, alongside health officials from the entire Western Region. In a rare display of unity, political heads from both the NDC and NPP graced the occasion, current DCE Hon. Alhassan Ibrahim and his immediate predecessor, Hon. Emmanuel Boakye.
Religious leaders added spiritual weight, with Rev. Joseph Obeng (Chairman of the local Council of Churches) and the Deputy Chief Imam of the Daboase Mosque, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa, both in attendance. Traditional authority was represented by a delegation from the Daboase Traditional Council led by Nana Ntaah Ama Fuah II (Obaa Hemaa).
Speaker after speaker rose to offer glowing testimonies of Mr. Affelkum’s leadership qualities and the profound impact he made on their professional lives. Colleague health directors affectionately referred to him as their “senior and adviser in difficult moments,” praising his dedication, professionalism, and visionary stewardship that significantly strengthened health service delivery across the district.
When the man of the hour took the microphone, he did not disappoint. Expressing honour and gratitude to the organizers, Mr. Affelkum defined leadership as “the application of wisdom.” He then unveiled his counterintuitive success secret: “I have always acted to please God, with no intention of satisfying the interest of mankind.”
He charged public servants to rethink their purpose, urging them to “brighten the corner they find themselves.” His parting words drew sustained applause: “We can create heaven on earth, once we all play our role responsibly.”
The celebration was as vibrant as the man being honoured. The Crusaders cultural group delighted attendees with colourful cultural displays and traditional dance, while a master DJ electrified the hall with perfectly timed tracks.
Guests were treated to an assortment of food and drinks, and the highlight of the afternoon came when Mr. Affelkum was showered with gifts, cash, plaques, and words of encouragement, followed by the ceremonial cutting of a cake and a spirited, competitive popping of champagne.
For a man who sought to please only God, staff of the health directorate in the western region made sure his earthly farewell tasted nothing short of heavenly.
Credit: Frank Kwabena Danso
DIO
