By Dzifa Tetteh Tay
Many years ago, a Principal Nursing Tutor on a home visit observed that a six-month-old baby was seriously ill.
She advised the child’s mother to take him to the hospital immediately, but the woman replied that she could not do so without her husband’s approval, as he had travelled out of town.
Fearing for the child’s life, the medical professional forcefully took the baby from his mother and threatened to take him away for immediate medical care if she refused to cooperate.
It was her decision to challenge the cultural norm of waiting for male consent in emergencies that ultimately saved the baby’s life.
That woman was Mrs Cecilia Elizabeth Akua King, a multi-faceted nurse whose passion for healthcare often went beyond the call of duty.
“It was only when they realised I was not going to listen to their excuses that they asked two women to accompany the child’s mother and me to the hospital,” she recalled during an interview on Friday, speaking about the importance of playing a motherly role even in one’s professional life, her heartfelt message for Mother’s Day.
Now aged 92 and retired as the Upper East Regional Director for the Ghana Health Service, Mrs King said she had always been committed to doing everything humanly possible to save a life.
“I couldn’t bear to see people in pain. It made me sad and uneasy, and that’s why I became a nurse. I wanted to help ease the suffering of others,” she said.
She revealed how deeply affected she would be whenever a patient died, often taking several days to recover emotionally from such losses.
“As a teenager, I suffered severely from dysmenorrhea and even collapsed several times, so I understood pain vividly. That was what pushed me into nursing, to help people through their pain,” she added.
Mrs King stressed the importance of showing kindness and compassion, no matter the profession one finds themselves in.
“Everyone should strive to leave a positive impact on the people they meet. In nursing, especially, you can embody the values of motherhood, care, empathy, and dedication.”
Trained as a midwife, public health nurse, nurse educator, and more, she said motherly compassion can inspire change and touch many lives.
“I know it’s possible, I did it so many times. God blessed me abundantly because of my dedication to duty. I rose quickly through the ranks, to the surprise of many. Don’t just see your job as a way to earn a living; let compassion go beyond duty,” she advised.
She also recounted another case from her time as a Principal Nursing Tutor, when she noticed that a seven-year-old child under the care of guardians was being neglected, which she believed was affecting the child’s health.
She asked to take the child for better care, and the family agreed.
“I assigned four student nurses to care for the child in turns. She stayed with us for three months, and once I was satisfied with her recovery, we returned her to her family,” she said.
Laughing, she shared a memory from the experience: “Can you believe that when we took her back, her family said she wouldn’t eat unless her food came with an egg?”
Mrs King said she always sought to make hospitalised mothers and children feel at home.
“I carried babies on my back and sang lullabies so their mothers could rest. People were surprised by how far I went, but that’s what nursing is supposed to be. Every nurse should give their all.”
She shared how fulfilling it was to see patients come in distressed and leave with a smile, often receiving their heartfelt thanks in words and gifts.
Whenever she had the chance to advise nurses, both during and after her career, she emphasised how small acts of kindness could transform lives.
“Serve with kindness. Prioritise the well-being of your patients. Empathy and kindness are at the heart of motherhood and caregiving. Whether you’re a mother, a nurse, or a public servant, you can make a difference in your community.”
Mrs King said she remains available to offer advice to individuals or groups who seek her guidance, based on her decades of experience.
She served at Ridge Hospital and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, and also in towns including Ho, Akim-Oda, Tamale, Fumbisi and Bolgatanga.
She received training both in Ghana and abroad, including in the United States, Malta, Germany, and other countries.
Born in Ada, Mrs King is the daughter of Gabriel Kwame Dravie and Emma Nubuor. She was married to Mr Arthur Kojo King and together they had four sons.
Her story stands as a powerful testament to her unwavering dedication to nursing, her deep compassion, and her belief in the transformative power of care, values that continue to inspire generations.
One Response
Mrs. Cecilia King and my grandmother were childhood friends who are currently 92 and 89 respectively. I had the privilege of being raised by Naana, as we affectionately call her, when I was younger. She does not joke with her principles! If there’s one thing I took from her, it’s that you CANNOT waste food. How dare you?!
Naana played a huge role in ensuring that I didn’t drop out of junior high school when my family couldn’t pay my fees.
If she could, I am certain that she would go out of her to make sure that no child dropped out of school. That’s the kind of woman we celebrate.
A woman who lifts others up.