Gifty Atampugbire picked among 700 young leaders for 2023 Mandela Washington Fellowship

Gifty Atampugbire, a Public Health Nurse with the University of Ghana Medical Center, has been selected among 700 young African leaders to participate in the 2023 edition of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders initiated by the United States of America.

Her selection stems from years of community service as a public health nurse in the Bolgatanga Municipality of the Upper East Region, prior to moving to the national capital, Accra.

She has for long engaged people in communities, at market centers on various health-related issues. She led a team of nurses from Bolgatanga Municipality to embark on community sensitization during the heat of the spread of the Corona Virus Disease (Covid-19).

With her mask on and a megaphone in hand, she went to popular community centers, palaces of chiefs and Tindanmas as well as market centers and schools to educate people on the spread of the virus, how to protect themselves and their families and the need to stop the stigmatization of infected persons.

She has equally hosted programs on radio including “Consulting Room” a health program on Bolgatanga-based Dreamz Fm to educate residents on various health-related topics.

The Fellowship is designed for youth between 25 and 35 who have made a significant impact in their respective communities and countries.

As part of the six-week US-sponsored program, fellows are expected to study in US colleges and universities in areas including business, civic engagement, or public management.

Having met the criteria for selection including demonstrated commitment to public or community service, volunteerism, or mentorship, Ms. Atampugbire, noted that her selection is a great opportunity for proper development in leadership as she urges the youth to strive to make the world a better place.

“This is an exceptional opportunity for me to develop my leadership abilities and build relationships with other young leaders from around the continent. I see it as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn and come home prepared to serve, making a positive difference in my nation and the public health sector.

“Make sure you’re not merely hoping for things to become better or waiting for someone else to repair things. Find out what’s happening and devise a plan to make things better. Nothing good comes easy. We must all strive to make a difference in this world” she said in her statement.

Ms. Atampugbire is one of the 700 selected from a total of 45,000 applications from Sub-Saharan Africa and a total of 3200 applications received from Ghanaians, out of which 33 from the country have been selected.