The year was 2023. By divine arrangement, we were brought together under one umbrella to pursue one agenda; a Masters in Corporate Governance and Strategic Leadership.
As our elders say, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” And indeed, we decided to go far together.
We came from different backgrounds and for different reasons. For some, it was to gain promotion at their workplaces; for others, to be appointed to boards of organizations; and for many, to add value to our lives. But beyond all these, the most important dividend was to build quality, mutually beneficial networks that will last a lifetime. For as the wise say, “Wisdom is like a baobab tree, no one individual can embrace it.”
Not all of us reported at the same time. Some joined us later in the trimester. One of such people was Kofi Matthew but he quickly picked up as though he started with us.
From the very first day you met Kofi, you could not miss his character. He was warm, gentle, affable, kind, intelligent, serviceable and generous to a fault. He had a way of making everyone feel valued.
Indeed, Kofi Matthew never hid his affiliation. Even when his party, the NDC, was in opposition, he was bold and proud to identify as a former Deputy Regional Secretary. He stood for what he believed in.
Today, when his party is in power, what has he done? He has not forgotten us. He has consistently reached out to his former course mates to ask if we have relatives or friends in need of national service postings and other opportunities, just so he could help.
Indeed, “if your sister is part of the singing band, there is no way your name will not feature in their song”, as the elders say. I am deeply grateful to have had such favours from him.
Kofi has proven that “the one who gets little and shares with you will also share when he gets much”. He has not forgotten his people. That is who Kofi is – a man who uses access to serve, not to show off.
As he contests for the position of Central Regional Secretary of the NDC, I have no doubt about his capacity. He understands governance, he understands strategy, he understands leadership, and above all, he understands people. For “A leader who does not listen to his people is not a leader at all.” Kofi listens.
I have studied with him, and been served by him. He is prepared, he is loyal, and he is competent.
As our proverb says, “You can tell the ripeness of a fruit by its appearance.” or that “when a testicle will grow to develop hernia, one can see it from the formative stages”. Kofi’s character shows he is ripe for this leadership.
On behalf of the 2023 Masters in Corporate Governance and Strategic Leadership Class, I call on all well-wishers to support Kofi Matthew as Central Regional Secretary.
He is one of our own. He will not disappoint. For indeed, “When the cock crows, it crows for the whole village.” When Kofi wins, we all win.
Support KOFI MATTHEW. Vote for Competence. Vote for Humility. Vote for Service.
Written by: T. A. Vuguse
