A philosopher once said: “We are not given a good or a bad life; we are given a life and it is left to us to make it good or bad.’’

This expression somehow finds a place in the story of Amanda Nyirah Bayeh who did not allow financial and health challenges to limit her medical ambitions.

Just like other individuals from humble backgrounds, her mother solely shouldered her responsibilities due to the “unavailability” of her father.

This notwithstanding, she was able to progress through various stages of education to be inducted in September 2021 as one of the youngest medical doctors of her batch.

Although she was still finding her feet, she had already started giving back to society by volunteering and supporting various community outreaches targeted at the less privileged.

Amanda, in an interview with The Spectator, touched on aspects of her life; humanitarian works and the desire to empower young people reach their goals.

Background

The Medical Doctor of Liberian and Nigerian descent had basic education at Bethesda Methodist School but stayed home for a year due to financial challenges.

She later gained admission to Madina Senior High School in Accra to study General Science. In 2012, she entered University of Ghana Medical School after passing her final exams as a private candidate.

In spite of the remarkable feat, she admitted that lack of support from her biological father had affected her progress in diverse ways.

“There were days I expected him to ask of me but he never did. My mother made me not feel his absence because she made everything possible for us though things were difficult,” she said.

According to her, other social experiences including the struggles of less privileged mothers in providing medical care for their wards largely contributed and motivated her to pursue medicine.

Volunteerism

Describing volunteerism as combination of passion and sacrifice, she explained that her involvement in humanitarian works started in High School after she had chanced on the works of an Accra-based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).

“I used to be part of the Curious Minds Programme on GBC Radio and on one of the days we had the chance to host the founder of the NGO who later gave details about how I could support their community programmes.

“I started and continued to provide support while in medical school anytime there was an outreach,’’ she explained.

In the last few years, Amanda had volunteered for a number of organisations including, Give Me Hope Foundation, Lovers Heart Foundation, Vodafone Health Foundation, The Royal Banquet Team, Divine Mother and Child Foundation, among others.

She is a member and volunteer of the Young African Global Leaders Network Summit (YALS) and was adjudged Humanitarian of the Year at the Style Icon and Art Awards in September 2021.                  

Impact

In November last year, she was the Guest Speaker at the African Women Forum programme at Klo Agogo Senior High School in the Yilo Krobo District of the Eastern Region to educate girls on reproductive health issues. She had previously interacted with students of Osino Presby Primary and Junior High Schools in the same region.

Impressed with the impact made in the relatively short period, she said volunteerism and community outreaches had enabled her to appreciate the challenges of young people hence the effort in championing their course.

Through collaboration with benevolent persons and organisations, she supports young girls in cash and kind indicating that her desire is for them to achieve more than she has been able to do so far.

The Youth Advocate, Photo Model, Entrepreneur and Media Enthusiast said she would continue to engage the youth through various platforms and inspire them to keep looking at the brighter side of life.

Other engagement

Currently on Housemanship at Agbogba Clinic in Accra, Amanda looks forward to becoming a Cardiologist. She intends to establish a medical facility purely dedicated to addressing the health and educational needs of children in future.

In September 2021, she started a fast-growing YouTube channel with the aim of sharing her personal experience and empower young people.

“Amanda TV wants to give the youth the opportunity to express themselves on topics and videos posted regularly. I want the youth to know that in every impossibility, there is a possibility,” she said.

Expressing further commitment to her medical calling, she said she was ready to serve in remote areas of the country whenever duty calls.

Gratitude

Amanda has two other siblings one of whom is also a medical doctor. She acknowledges the support of family and friends who continue to support her professional and personal endeavours and encourages young people to take up volunteering opportunities and “not always think of reward for whatever they do.”

By Ernest Nutsugah