After the demise of the late President Atta Mills on July 24, 2012, we woke up to hear another news on Monday 19th November 2012, that the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) had declared Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom, medically fit to undertake the demanding work of the presidency.Â
“I declare that Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom is physically and mentally healthy. No significant pathology, disease or disability was detected. He is medically fit to undertake executive function, sedentary or physically demanding task,†said a medical declaration signed by Dr Philip Amoo, Head of the Public Health Unit of the KBTH.Â
Now, in the August 2016 edition of the Africa Watch Magazine, the headline was: “NPP’s Campaign In Jeopardy…Akufo-Addo Has Cancer.†According to the report, Nana Akufo-Addo is suffering from life-threatening diseases; including prostate cancer, acute kidney injury and an enlarged heart, all of which have serious implications for his political career.Â
Well, if it emerges that this story is not true, then Nana Addo has every right to sue the Africa Watch Magazine for defamation. However, how could UK’s largest independent hospital, Wellington Hospital, disclose the health status of an individual without his approval? But is it also true that the Magazine got the medical declaration from Wellington Hospital in London? If yes, is that ethical and best practice? We need to recognize that anyone who wants to occupy a public office must be interested in full disclosure.Â
As a matter of fact, Joy FM communicated with the hospital cited in the magazine to establish the veracity or otherwise of the claims made in the magazine. The hospital spokesperson Andrew Mildren said the hospital does not issue medical records of its patients. “For reasons of patient privacy and confidentiality, The Wellington Hospital is unable to disclose details of individuals who may or may not have been treated at our facilities.â€
Public office is not like joining a secret society. As it is the standard practice in all advanced democracies, anyone who wants to be President must declare their health status, tax returns and assets including the number of children they have. We should demand a higher standard for our presidency. We need leaders who are ready to govern with truth and integrity in making our nation proud.
President Mahama must show leadership in unity by upholding the public cause in emulating the example of Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom by declaring his assets, tax returns, health and family status; including the number of children he has!!!
Interesting days ahead