Dr. Alexander Quarshie

THE FIRST CHAPLAINCY PREFECT - A Story of Inspiration

Born at Asafo, a suburb of Kumasi 33years ago, l started my primary school education at Royal International School from where l gained admission to the Great School, Prempeh College in 1979. I was offered a Government of Ghana Scholarship in form one on account of my performance at the common entrance examinations and this motivated in my studies. I was therefore very excited when l obtained a grade 1D in science at the 'O' levels.

I continued my sixth form education at no other school than the best in the nation - Prempeh from where l obtained grades A A B B in mathematics, chemistry, physics and general paper.

I wasn't only into "sylla" but also music, "chrife" and sports. I was a member of the School Choir and the Music Director for Gospel singers in 1983/84. I became the President of Gospel singers and the Vice President of Scripture Union in 1985/86. In sports, l run the cross-country for Butler House in 1983/84 but never pursued it. At lower six, l was selected, together with 8 other colleagues, as a Prefect Assistants--three went on to become Senior Prefects, three as Dining Hall Prefects and two as Prep & Visitors Prefects. I became the first Chapliancy Prefect of Prempeh College. The Chaplaincy Prefect is given equal power as the Assistant Senior Prefects but has more duties inside the Chapel. I was in Butler house.

I then did my national service as a mathematics tutor at Prempeh college in 1986/87 after which I entered the University of Ghana Medical School, Legon, to read Medicine. I qualified as a Medical Doctor in 1993 and worked at Korlebu-Teaching hospital. I later moved to the Ashanti Region where l worked as medical officer at the District hospital, Ashanti-Bekwai and then became the District Director of Health Services- Amansie East District.

My interest in contributing to an evidence based health delivery system encouraged me to pursue further studies in an area in medicine where the expertise is very few - Medical Statistics. It is interesting to note that the Gurus in this area in Ghana are also Amanfoo. I am currently doing a postgraduate programme in Medical Statistics at the University of London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

I am married to a very supportive lady; Vicky and we have a son.