From Agona Nsaba To United Kingdom, Meet Mr. Duodu Precious.

Hi, I’m Alby Nana Cady and this is 10QFNC (10 Question From Nana Cady) where I rub minds with people by asking 10 questions. On the hot seat today is my once fellow class president in KNUST, who’s currently in the UK after furthering his education in Scotland. Who’s he? Let’s get into the interview.

Alby: Hello Precious, welcome to 10QFNC.

Precious : Thanks for having me dear.

Q1. How about you introduce yourself ?

Precious Adade Duodu is my name. I hail from Agona Nsaba, Central Region. I’m the last born of my family. I think this is a “bit” enough. Lol.

Q2. What’s your educational background before Knust and possibly some prefectorial positions you held?

Oh ok. I started from Agona Nsaba Methodist ‘B’ Primary School and proceeded to Greenfield Preparatory JSS, Agona Swedru. Then I was admitted into Swedru Secondary School (SWESCO) to study General Science. Subsequently, I was admitted into Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana, to study General Nursing. I also hold Diploma in Education from the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana. Lastly, I hold a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the Scottish University of the year 2019, University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom.
I’ve been privileged to hold multiple positions ranging from Class and School Prefects (especially in Primary School).

Then maybe for those who knew me from undergraduate level, I was the Class Rep/President for two years before I was elected the President; Nursing Students’ Association, KNUST.

Alby: You’ve fed us with before and after, how generous of  you.

You’re welcome dear. It’s better to say it before you push me to it. I’m aware of your interview prowess.

Q3. Back in uni, you came across as a bookworm almost with no social life. Did you have a girlfriend back then?

Hahahaha. God have mercy on me today🤦🏻‍♂. I had one in first year back home but it ended. From then, I will say “no”. Even though the issue is more complicated than a simple “no”, I think that’ll do for now. For being a bookworm, not so. But I took studies seriously.

Alby: Lolx amen. If the “no” is complicated, does it mean you had flings rather?

Lol. So what I mean is that, from 2nd year, someone came my way but I wouldn’t go into that, respectfully, because of its complexity. Lol

Alby: That means yes, so let’s move on (I show no mercy lolx)

Hahaha. It’s a “No” please. Thanks for your understanding.

Q4. Did you struggle with employment after uni?

To the glory of God, I did not. I started working about two weeks after university.

Alby: It seem not to be the case of nurses trained from public universities right?

Well, to answer this let me give a little explanation; nursing in Ghana is divided into levels where public training colleges are under the ministry of health while that of the university or private training colleges are under the ministry of education. Those under the ministry of health sign a bond not to leave until after some years hence the reason they’re seen as employees right from day one and also given allowances.

In this case, those from training colleges who have signed a bond are seen as public nurses whilst the rest are classified as private nurses.

So for a private nurse to be employed, a financial clearance is needed from the ministry of health and this comes with putting in a lot of efforts which can be quite agitating. Yes, there are several unemployed nurses from universities and some facilities are taking advantage of that to pay peanuts as salaries.

Q5. I’ve always known Precious as a name for females. Do you come across people who get surprised by your name?

Hahahaha. Even yesterday in the evening I met someone who was surprised to hear my name. I’ve heard that 1001 times and it’s very true that it’s ladies who are predominantly called Precious. Quite interestingly, I’ve met a number of guys called Precious as well.

And I must say that the name has being a blessing to me.

Q6. Should government cease paying nursing trainees’ allowances?

Errmmm, let me say it’s a topic of interest to lots of people but from my non-political point of view, I think it should stop. There are so many categories of nurses (diploma, nurse assistant clinical, nurse assistant preventive, etc). I admit some people need financial support to go through education and they can be identified and helped. But to pay allowance at our level of economic development is a non-starter. Let me hasten to add that this is not based on any political stance.

Q7. What are you still doing in Scotland?

I’m now in England, not Scotland. I’m currently working here.

Alby:  Oh ok. Does it mean it’s a goodbye to Ghana?

Q8. If you’re dating, what attracted you to your partner?

Ei Awuradze Nyankopon! For this one, it’s a big yes. Lol. Frankly, it was her humility and sense of care. It’s been about 4 years. My beloved is in Ghana and she’s a Medical Doctor.

How we met was interesting. During undergraduate years, I saw her on campus but we were not friends. In our 4th year, we both moved to the same clinical hostel. One day, we met in a car and became friends. We were just friends but a little over one year after I had completed, we started dating.

Q9. What’s your take on the Kan Dapaah video call scandal?

Hmmm…I wish I wasn’t asked because it’s a sad thing. I prefer on speak to the moral aspects of it.
First, let me say that I respect the man from afar. But as a Christian, I do not subscribe to adultery. That was his fault. We’ve all sinned so may God forgive us all.
As a nurse, privacy is something I hold in high esteem. I think whoever leaked the video is quite wicked. Let all of us also be cautious in this current global village.

Q10. Do you have political ambitions? Presidency anything?

Hahaha. Nothing like that as far as I know. After my political leadership adventures in KNUST, I decided on not moving into politics. But as the saying goes, “never say never”.

Alby: Precious, 10years into our friendship, breaks here and there, but I must say it’s still great chatting with you. We’ve come to the end of the interview. Your last words please

I must say it’s been a great time of sharing and learning on this interview platform. I know your brand will become bigger and bigger. We’ll surely meet at the top.
At least, after 10years we can adopt the “year of return” and return to our days of good friendship. God richly bless you.

Alby: We sure can and a big amen!

Thanks to every nurse out there who’s kind and patient with patients. Next week, another interview drops.