Former Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Sylvester Mensah affectionately referred to as Sly has paid a glowing tribute to his beloved late brother-in-law Dr. Frederick Mac-Palm who has been laid to rest.
Mac-Palm, a renowned medical doctor who was on trial for allegedly plotting with some individuals to destabilise the country, died in March after a short illness.
Below is the full tribute by Sly:
Life is sometimes cruel and unfair to many. Often times we are struck by coincidence and happenstance by virtue of our peculiar locations, professions, or by our habits and foibles.
These are perhaps, much easier to accept and contain. It is exceedingly difficult, however, when we are struck by deliberate acts and orchestrations with its attendant pain and frustrations.
There are individuals who would always win in their unwarranted attacks against others; there are institutions that one cannot fight; governments and politics are indeed powerful but all have their days of reckoning!
No amount of shock, denial, anger, and tears would mean anything as your mortal remains lie before us today.
In life or in death however, our families await the final verdict of the Honourable Court of Law on you. We would continue to watch that space!
Freddie, kpoo! kpoo!! Kpoo!!
Indeed, life can be cruel with no remedies!
Having been married to your sister for the last thirty-two years, I can confidently say we witnessed each other’s struggles! Your days at KNUST and the harsh days in the UK, the breakthrough to the USA and the difficult conditions under which you went through medical school in the US are an open book.
Your joy in returning home instantly to practice in Ghana and to give back to your country of birth was cruelly cut short by circumstances that are still unfolding.
Freddie, you were non-violent and non-confrontational, yet principled and firm. You had strong Christian values, with a gospel music album to your credit. You were well tempered, easy-going, with a practical attitude to life, which was particularly striking. You were a family peace maker and full of humour. Not even your supposed “kitchen knife coup” trial could separate you from family functions or break you down. What gave you sleepless nights was rather the difficulty in engaging with your numerous patients as a result of restrictions placed on your liberties.
Freddie, you were confident about your trial but you became paranoid about what you said were threats on your life. You feared your life was at risk or in danger. Perhaps your palpable fears is what has crystallized, or perhaps not! You endured what you didn’t deserve, you remained strong in the face of allegations and humiliation to the detriment of your calling and career as an exceptional Medical Doctor. You were confident that after your cross examination and that of your IT expert, you would have been vindicated. We believed you and we still do, Freddie. You were indeed a strong man to have endured this far! We salute you!
May the conscience of the perpetrators of evil live with them.
May the truth which can never be suppressed for ever unveil soon before our very eyes
And may the Supreme Judge receive your poor, tired and weary soul into His bosom.
Freddie, Rest from your labour and pain!
Forever in our memories!
Baba! Baba!! !!Babaa!!
Xede nyuie!!!
