Profile
Mr Julius Osai, philanthropist, businessman extraordinaire
There are occasions ordinary things that people do eventually become examples for generations to emulate.
While some had unknowingly encountered ‘angels on earth’ and offered assistance to them in diverse ways, others on the contrary, acted callously to people without considering their social standings and never considered their social standing.
Mr Julius Osai, a businessman, an extraordinary philanthropist, and the sole newspaper vendor at Kpando, in the Volta Region, and the Managing Director of Josaco Enterprise is committed to assisting people in need and, this has attracted the attention of The Spectator.
It was announced during a thanksgiving church service at Kpando that Mr Julius Osai looked after a bed-ridden relative for 29 years. He literally gave out money to the immediate family of the sick on every market day- which meant two times a week- multiplied by 29 years.
At the beginning of the interview, he pleaded with me that the financial assistance he had offered the relative should be expunged from the profile to which l had initially agreed.
Having pondered over the issue, l explained to him that it was essential to mention this act of kindness since it could serve as an example for others to emulate.
When asked to dilate on the sort of assistance he had rendered , he said he considered it a responsibility to support the sick relative. He intimated that he occasionally reviewed the amount he gave out throughout the period, and ordered his staff to release the money to the family whenever he travelled.
The philanthropist disclosed that there were other less-privileged in the society who were also beneficiaries of his magnanimity.
His late grandfather, Mr Alfred Osai, a successful merchant who traded between Lome, Kpalime and Kpando, was one of the first people to be baptised at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Kpando .
Mr John Osai, his father, also of blessed memory, played commendable roles by assisting all manner of people including needy-but-brilliant students in the family and those outside his family.
Businessman
The then young entrepreneur joined the family business in 1970 and having been taught the rudiments of the work by his father, took over the daily running of the business while his father played a supervisory role.
Mr Osai who sells building materials and has a staff of 15 said working as an entrepreneur provided him the opportunity to deal with different kinds of people.
He took stock of his goods which were sold out by the close of the day to enable him to know the items which were out of stock and needed to be replaced.
The businessman disclosed that honesty was necessary to keep an entrepreneur in business. According to him, there were occasions some traders credited goods from suppliers, but failed to pay as they had promised, and would rather go to different suppliers to transact business with them.
He said such a behaviour had rendered some people not trustworthy, leading to the collapse of their businesses.
Mr Osai was of the view that good businessmen and women were those financially disciplined, dealt politely with customers, monitored the market environment, and provided fast-moving goods for customers.
Family traits
It is refreshing to note that specific traits which are easily identified with some families have literally flowed through the generations.
His late grandfather , Mr Alfred Osai, from whom his father took over the business, was very instrumental in the building of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Kpando.
Following that line, his father served many years as the treasurer of the church.
And like his father, Mr Julius Osai also served on the Parish Pastoral Council as the Treasurer of the church for eight years. In addition to that, built an Adoration Chapel for the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Kpando.
Youth
Passionate about the spiritual growth of the people in the church, he has advised the youth specifically to be honest in their dealings and eschew the ‘get rich quick ‘ attitude.
He explained that many of those in responsible positions today had toiled many years to make it in life, and bear in mind that with God all things were possible.
Mr Osai urged the youth to concentrate on their education, adding that life had availed them of options to enable them to decide on which path they want to follow.
“Respect the admonision of the elderly, remain submissive to your parents and all in authority, and learn to love and serve God in humility,”
He said it was unfortunate that some customers would not live up to their promises and tried to pull fast one on him.
Family Life
Mr Osai is married to Mrs Peace Petrey Osai and has five children.
His current succession plan is to train a nephew to man the shop when he becomes feeble and tired of work.
Hobbies
For his pastime he takes delight in watching football, listening to cool music and enjoys eating Akple with any palatable soup to accompany it.
By Raymond Kyekye
Profile
Juventus Duorinaah, Ghana’s first deaf Lawyer
In a landmark moment for Ghana’s legal landscape, Juventus Duorinaah Esq., has etched his name in history as the country’s first lawyer with a hearing impairment.
His journey from a humble background to breaking barriers in the legal profession serves as a powerful inspiration for countless individuals in the disability community, proving that determination and resilience can defy societal expectations and create pathways to success.
For Juventus, the recognition as Ghana’s first deaf lawyer feels surreal.
“It feels like a dream,” he reflects, acknowledging the stereotypes surrounding deafness and the humble background from which he hails.
Juventus’ passion for law sparked in 2008 while seeking admission to the University of Ghana (UG). Although he initially faced challenges due to the nature of the application process, the help of his older brother and his determined spirit led him to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2012, followed by a Master of Laws at Cardiff University in 2014.
His passion for the study of law became highly intense when he had to study alongside qualified lawyers from several jurisdictions, even though he did not have a legal background. Here, he faced the unique challenge of studying without sign language interpreters, relying instead on a palantypist to transcribe lectures.
Juventus’ role model was his professor and mentor, Professor Luke Clement, who profoundly inspired him in shaping his understanding of law and human rights.
He remembers Prof. Thomas Stephens from the University of Ghana School Of Law, who inspired him with his way of dressing, in-depth knowledge of the law and engagement with students.
He recounts the enormous challenges he encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when lectures moved online, and Dr Stephen’s tremendous support to ensure things moved quickly and smoothly for him.
“I also had the chance to have a few classes with the Dean himself, Prof. Raymond Atuguba. He taught the course such that some of us never felt scared as other lecturers made the course,’ he recalled.
Juventu’s academic journey was fraught with challenges, particularly in communication.
The year 2007 was the last time he studied with deaf peers. He was often the only deaf person in his classes throughout the following years of his education, which made interaction with peers difficult.
Despite these hurdles, he remained high-spirited, studying late into the night and seeking help from kind classmates when necessary.
Reflecting on his academic experience at UG, he connected his affection for the university to his older brother, who is also an alumnus. He felt inspired to be a student of the premier university, saying he would choose the University of Ghana any time, any day, if given the chance to further his studies or work.
The University Of Ghana School Of Law, along with its Dean, Professor Raymond Atuguba, the Director of Legal Education of the Ghana School of Law, Yaw Bramiah Oppong, and his capable team, including the Registrar and Deputy Registrar of the Ghana School of Law and the Office for Students with Special Needs (UG), made significant contributions to his journey.
Prof. Atuguba acknowledged Juventus’ achievement as evidence of the university’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Commenting on how the school accommodated his special needs, Prof. Atugugba explained that ‘In the case of Juventus, we worked closely with him to understand and address his special needs, ensuring he had access to the teaching and learning resources in the appropriate formats that would support his academic journey.
Professor Atuguba noted that Juventus’s journey is just beginning, and the future holds promise for him and the many lives he aims to touch along the way.
Juventus’s close friend, Ida Esi McOwusu Esq., described her first encounter with Juventus as ‘intriguing.’ “My first meeting with Juventus was in class, where he sat right in front of me in first year,” Ida reveals. She was intrigued and wanted to find out more about him, especially how Juventus navigated his way to this level. “I got closer and we became friends from there,” she remarked.
Mr Francis Kweku Essel, Juventus’ interpreter, shed light on the primary challenges he faced in carrying out his job, particularly the complex nature of legal terminology and concepts. This validates Ida’s comment on the interpreters’ lack of legal background as a challenge Lawyer Duorinaah encountred.
Juventus dreams of becoming a judge and aims to enhance justice delivery while serving as a role model for young people with disabilities.
He is currently mentoring a group of young deaf students interested in pursuing law, hoping to pave the way for future generations. What’s next for Lawyer Juventus? His next step is to complete his pupilage, after which he can decide further his legal career.
Profile
Dr. Christopher Baasongti Beyere …A visionary leader who triumphs through adversity
DR. Christopher Baasongti Beyere, the Member of Parliament-elect for Techiman South Constituency, is a trailblazing leader whose journey to political prominence is as inspiring as his contributions to health and education.
A man of resilience, intellect, and service, Dr. Beyere’s story exemplifies the triumph of determination and commitment over adversity.
A Multifaceted Leader with Transformative Achievements
Dr. Beyere’s professional and academic accomplishments are vast and impactful. He is a PhD holder in Global Health from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, where his research on motivation policies for Ghanaian health workers reshaped staff development strategies.
A man of interdisciplinary expertise, he also holds an MSc in International Health from Brandeis University, an MA in International Human Resource Management from Manchester Metropolitan University, and a BSc in Information Technology from Methodist University.
His academic journey culminated with an LLB from the University College of Science, Arts, and Education, the Gambia Law School, Banjul, making him a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of The Gambia, called to the Bar in November 2024.
Dr. Beyere’s work in the health sector has transformed Ghana’s healthcare landscape.
As Executive Secretary of the Health Training Institutions Secretariat, he spearheaded numerous initiatives, including upgrading post-basic programs to degree and master’s levels, introducing male midwifery training, and establishing the “Best Health Tutor Award” to motivate educators.
His efforts also led to the construction of a 75-bedroom guesthouse for principals of nursing training schools, showcasing his dedication to improving infrastructure and capacity for education.
In his role as Vice President of the University College of Science, Arts, and Education in Sunyani, Dr. Beyere has continued to champion educational innovation, ensuring that academic and non-academic functions align with the institution’s mission to nurture future leaders.
The Political Journey: Resilience and Triumph
Dr. Beyere’s political career has been marked by both challenges and victories. In the 2020 parliamentary election, his initial bid to represent Techiman South faced fierce resistance.
The election was fraught with controversy, culminating in a narrow defeat to Martin Kwaku Adjei-Mensah Korsah of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who polled 49,682 votes against Dr. Beyere’s 49,205. The results were contested, leading to a protracted court case that added to the emotional toll of the loss.
However, Dr. Beyere’s resilience never wavered. With renewed vigor, he returned to the political arena in 2024, determined to serve his people. This time, he secured a decisive victory, polling 44,986 votes across 282 polling stations, surpassing his perennial opponent, Martin Kwaku Adjei-Mensah Korsah, who garnered 43,730 votes.
His triumph was a testament to his unwavering commitment to the people of Techiman South, who recognized his vision and trusted his leadership.
A Leader of Compassion and Vision
Dr. Beyere’s political success is rooted in his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. During his time at the Gambia Law School in Banjul, he was beloved by his colleagues for his humility and sense of camaraderie. These qualities have endeared him to his constituents, who see in him a leader committed to their welfare.
Beyond his political and professional achievements, Dr. Beyere has consistently demonstrated a passion for empowering others. His initiatives in education and healthcare, coupled with his international collaborations, underscore his dedication to creating opportunities and driving sustainable development.
A Future of Hope and Progress
As he takes his place in Parliament, Dr. Beyere is poised to bring transformative leadership to Techiman South. His vision for the constituency includes advancing healthcare, education, and infrastructural development while fostering a sense of unity and purpose among his people.
Dr. Christopher Baasongti Beyere’s journey—from overcoming electoral challenges to becoming a symbol of hope and progress—is a shining example of what perseverance and dedication can achieve. With his wealth of experience, both locally and internationally, he stands ready to champion the aspirations of his constituents and contribute to Ghana’s growth.
