In 1977, a significant chapter began in the history of the School of Medical Sciences (SMS) when its first female secretary to the Dean of KNUST-SMS Mrs. Patience Akuffo joined the team.

At the time, the newly established school faced many challenges, including incomplete buildings and a lack of modern technology.

As the school prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary, the School of Medical Sciences (SMS) interacts with her to learn more about her lifestyle and drive during the early days of the school.

The secretary, who was the only woman in an office of key academic figures, worked alongside Prof. W. N. Laing, the First Dean of SMS, and Senior lecturer Prof. H. A. Addy.

According to her, the administrative office was shared by the dean, senior lecturers, the driver, and the messenger.

 

 

With the construction of the SMS building underway, the team moved into their new space in 1978, but the challenges remained.

The secretary, responsible for assisting over ten lecturers, worked with a manual typewriter, an era before computers and electric typewriters became common in the office.

During weekends, while her colleagues and friends were out enjoying, she stayed home, typing on her manual typewriter, and working for the other 10 lecturers.

According to her, this enabled her to meet the expectations of the lecturers.

"In 1977, there were no computers, so I relied on my manual typewriter. I was the only person working for about 10 lecturers; it wasn’t easy. I was single and not married, so I had time.

“I spent the weekends typing at home, so by Monday, most of my work was done," she narrated.

During those early years, she recalls how Professor Lane would often pick her up on Mondays, bringing her back to work with her manual typewriter.

The lack of electric typewriters made the work more strenuous, but over time, new technologies began to ease some of the burden.

Mrs. Patience Akuffo initially joined the University Relations Office in 1976 and later joined the School of Medical Sciences in 1977 as a secretary to the dean, Prof. W. N. Laing.

Despite the challenges the young graduate faced on the administrative side of healthcare, she revealed she enjoyed working with Prof. W. N. Laing, the foundation dean.

"I was trained as a medical secretary in London and got the opportunity to work immediately after graduating.

“I was between 21 and 23 years old when I started working with Prof. Laing," she said.

She added, "Currently, I'm 70 years old, and I'm glad what we started back in the day has been successful."

As the School of Medical Sciences approaches its 50th anniversary, she extends her heartfelt congratulations to everyone who has contributed to its success.

"Congratulations to SMS. Everyone who worked here has done well, and I’m proud of what we started. It’s been a wonderful experience," she said.