Coronavirus: Papa Owusu-Ankomah recovers, grateful to all

Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Papa Owusu Ankomah considers himself blessed having recovered from the deadly pandemic – novel coronavirus.

The former Attorney General under Kufuor’s administration tested positive for Covid-19 last month with reports suggesting that he was receiving treatment in an intensive care unit at the Royal Free Hospital, London.

The High Commission later issued a statement on April 15 to confirm his situation and said the High Commissioner was in “stable condition”.

Papa Owusu-Ankomah on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 issued a press release to announce his recovery.

“I count myself blessed to be counted among the living today based on my recovery from the horrific effects of the virus,” he wrote.

He was grateful to all who contributed in diverse ways to support him during those challenging times.

Acknowledging the effect of Covid-19 on lives and the global economy, he said, “I however remain optimistic and I strongly believe that the U.K., Ghana, and the rest of the world will overcome this virus.”

He further advised, “As we strive to reduce the levels of infection, I entreat all compatriots to continue to abide by laid down protocols and regulations issued by the U.K. authorities to stem the tide of the pandemic.”

In the UK, about 226,463 have been infected by coronavirus with 32,692 deaths, whilst Ghana has recorded 5,127 cases with 22 deaths.

Below is his full statement

MESSAGE FROM HIS EXCELLENCY PAPA OWUSU-ANKOMAH, HIGH COMMISSIONER OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA TO THE UNITED KINGDOM & REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am reaching out to you today as the world fights a significant battle against the Corona Virus pandemic (COVID-19).

As most of you are aware, I tested positive for Covid-19 and was admitted to the Royal Free Hospital, London, in April 2020. I count myself blessed to be counted among the living today based on my recovery from the horrific effects of the virus.



I am grateful to all for the prayers and well wishes to me, my family, and staff of the High Commission during the difficult moment of recovery. Words cannot express the depth of our gratitude and I am fortunate to know that I have the concern of each and every one of you.

I extend my deepest gratitude to the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo who continued to show compassion during those difficult times. I am also humbled to know that I can count on the continued support of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey (MP), in many ways, particularly for the direction she gave to the High Commission to manage matters.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London collaborated with the High Commission and the hospital to ensure successful outcomes for which I am thankful. To all the physicians, nurses and other caregivers at the Royal Free Hospital in London who spent days and nights nursing me back to health, I am inspired by their abilities, diligence, selflessness, sensibility, and devotion to the calling.

I am aware that several Ghanaians are part of the health workers who are also applying their skills to save lives and I know that they will continue to do right by all those they serve when these patients are at their most vulnerable. Our compatriots have been a source of inspiration and it is most heart-warming to learn of the magnitude of concerns expressed for my recovery.

I know my team and I can always count on you as we work together in various fields

of endeavour to manage matters in acceptable ways, especially the current pandemic.

Allow me to take this opportunity to wish all our compatriots who are currently battling the virus and their families well and we keep them in my thoughts and prayers. I sympathise with the families of our compatriots who have lost their lives to the deadly Corona Virus. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.

The world is fighting a significant battle against the Corona virus which has affected every aspect of our lives and the global economy has not been spared. I however remain optimistic and I strongly believe that the U.K., Ghana, and the rest of the world will overcome this virus.

As we strive to reduce the levels of infection, I entreat all compatriots to continue to abide by laid down protocols and regulations issued by the U.K. authorities to stem the tide of the pandemic.

Let us all stay safe and we shall overcome!