Dr. Ekua Amoakoh recounts childhood at Komfo Anokye and how parents pushed her into the medical profession

Dr Ekua Amoakoh, spokesperson for NPP Flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and member of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Health Committee, recounted how her parents' insistence led her to pursue a career in medicine despite her initial interest in other fields. In an interview on JoyNews’ PM Express with Emefa Adeti, she shared her experiences growing up at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, where her grandmother served as Director of Nursing and her family lived in the hospital's doctors' flats when she was a baby.

Dr Amoakoh explained that the medical environment was a constant presence in her upbringing, and it greatly influenced her parents' decision about her future career. Despite growing up around medical professionals, she admitted she initially resisted this path. She recalled kicking against her parents' decision even after entering medical school, resisting until about her third year.

She also expressed feeling a lack of autonomy in the decision, as her mother completed her university application form and presented it to her for signature while she was still in Form Three.

However, Dr Amoakoh has since come to appreciate the value of her medical training. She highlighted that the demands of medical school can help develop discipline, resilience, and the ability to handle challenges, even for those who eventually pursue other careers. Despite her initial reluctance, she acknowledged that her parents' insistence on her pursuing medicine has been a worthwhile experience.