By Kafui Dey
Dr. Archibald Letsa’s life story is an inspiring tale of perseverance, adaptability, and a deep commitment to his community. From childhood to becoming a prominent doctor, entrepreneur, and regional political leader, his journey is a testament to the power of hard work, integrity, and a strong sense of duty.
Early Challenges and Foundations
Dr. Letsa’s humble beginnings are painted with the complexities of growing up in Ghana, especially in a time when education and resources were scarce. Recalling his early days, he shared a personal anecdote about failing his entrance exam to Class One due to physical limitations, particularly his inability to place his right hand over his head to touch his left ear—a seemingly simple task that would become a symbol of the challenges he faced. Despite this setback, he quickly learned that his academic journey would be shaped by both resilience and the interplay of different languages and cultures.
His primary school education was a blend of both Ewe, his mother tongue, and English. The bilingual approach, though challenging at times, proved beneficial, especially when he remarked on how punishments for speaking Ewe inadvertently accelerated his mastery of English. Dr. Letsa’s reflection on these early school experiences reveals a man who, even from a young age, understood the value of adaptability and the role of perseverance in overcoming adversity.
Secondary School Struggles and Political Insights
Dr. Letsa’s experience at Mawuli School in Ho was a transformative period, one that tested his resilience. He was one of the youngest and smallest students, facing constant bullying from older students, including having his nose pulled as part of their torment. Yet, these struggles laid the foundation for his leadership potential. Mawuli School wasn’t just a place for academic learning but also for politics, an arena in which Dr. Letsa would later thrive. He reminisced about being recruited as a spokesperson for one of the political parties at school. The moment he was lifted up to speak in front of a crowd, the overwhelming sight caused him to forget his speech, a humbling experience that would later shape his political demeanor.
Though Dr. Letsa didn’t initially have a passion for national politics during his secondary school years, his interest in government and the workings of political systems began to develop, thanks in part to a disciplined, military-inspired leadership style at Mawuli, led by an army officer as headmaster. These formative years set the stage for his later involvement in both business and political spheres.
From Medicine to Business and Beyond
Growing up in a medical family, with his father being the first doctor produced by Mawuli School, it’s perhaps unsurprising that Dr. Letsa chose to follow in his father’s footsteps. His own decision to pursue medicine, however, wasn’t straightforward. Initially, he wanted to become a policeman, drawn to the authority and power of stopping cars with a mere hand gesture. Later, he entertained the idea of becoming a lawyer, until a superstitious tale about lawyers being buried upside down deterred him from the legal profession.
Medical school at the University of Ghana, Legon, marked a pivotal moment in his life. His entry into the program wasn’t without its own set of challenges. Dr. Letsa recalled the nervous excitement of receiving his telegram late for an interview, but he still decided to go to the university. Upon arrival, he was pleasantly surprised to find his name on the list of admitted students—a testament to his persistence and his readiness to embrace the opportunities that came his way.
The challenges of medical school were not limited to academics alone. Dr. Letsa candidly discussed the tough times during his training, particularly the brutal beatings by military authorities, a reminder of the harsh realities of life in Ghana during that era. However, despite these obstacles, his experiences in the medical field—starting with postings in Somanya and Worawora—served as the bedrock for his later ventures into private practice.
Dr. Letsa leveraged his father’s private practice in Tema and Ho to build his own entrepreneurial ventures. His business acumen was critical in diversifying into hospitality and retail, where he maintained a strict commitment to corporate governance. He was adamant that the biggest asset in business, especially in private practice, was ensuring proper financial management and discipline.
His commitment to good governance and his approach to business were tested when his political ambitions caused some to boycott his clinic. Despite these challenges, Dr. Letsa maintained his focus on respect, integrity, and service, the very values that guided both his medical and business endeavors.
Political Leadership and Legacy
Dr. Letsa’s entry into politics wasn’t an obvious path. Initially, his family did not support his political aspirations, and many friends doubted his decision to join the New Patriotic Party (NPP). However, his admiration for Nana Akufo-Addo, his political idol, and the call to serve his community pushed him to take the leap. His first political campaign in 2016 was challenging but fruitful, teaching him that political messages must be tailored to the local concerns of different regions.
Dr. Letsa’s rise within the political ranks was swift. He unexpectedly became the longest-serving Volta Regional Minister, a role he took on with a deep sense of responsibility. He highlighted his greatest achievement as having left the Volta region peaceful, especially after dealing with difficult issues like the Nkonya/Alavanyo conflict and tensions over the Western Togoland issue. These conflicts, along with the threat of terrorist activities along the eastern border of Ghana, were constant challenges during his tenure.
One of the most notable challenges during his time as a regional minister was the devastating Volta Dam spillage in 2023. Despite the catastrophic floods, Dr. Letsa expressed pride in the fact that no lives were lost during the disaster. His leadership during this period was critical, stepping in to visit the affected communities when the president and vice president were out of town. His ability to connect with the people during this crisis further solidified his reputation as a leader who listens and acts when needed.
A Legacy of Peace, Service, and Progress
Looking back, Dr. Letsa’s political career has been marked by his commitment to peace and progress in the Volta region. He encouraged his successor to continue the focus on maintaining peace, which he believed was the region’s greatest asset. His efforts to promote tourism in the region, particularly through the #VisitVolta and #ExperienceGhana campaigns, have positioned the Volta region as a microcosm of Ghana’s tourism potential.
Despite the ups and downs in his career, Dr. Letsa remains grounded in his commitment to service, whether as a medical professional, a businessman, or a politician. His legacy is one of integrity, resilience, and the tireless pursuit of bettering his community—a legacy that will no doubt inspire future generations.
