By Ambassador Dr. David Rex Orgen, Best-Selling Author and International Mental Health Expert

On August 9, 1924, in the coastal town of Winneba, Ghana, a boy was born whose life would later alter the course of African diplomacy. His name was Dr. Alex Quaison-Sackey. From humble beginnings, he grew into a statesman whose influence still reverberates across Ghana, Africa, and the wider world.

Dr. Alex Quaison-Sackey believed that true leadership is not defined by titles but by service. His academic pursuits took him from Ghana to the University of London, where his intellect and vision blossomed. He later stepped into the world stage as a diplomat, serving Ghana with distinction. But it was in 1964 that he made history. Dr. Alex Quaison-Sackey became the first black African to serve as president of the United Nations General Assembly.

In that moment, he was not simply one man in a leadership position he was Africa speaking to the world. His presence at the helm of the UN General Assembly declared that Africa was not a continent to be spoken for, but one with its own voice, vision, and contributions to global peace and development.

For Ghana, Quaison-Sackey was a trailblazer. For Africa, he was a beacon of possibility. For Winneba, his hometown, he became a permanent source of pride, showing how a child of the community could shape international history. As I reflect on his legacy, I am deeply inspired. His story is not merely history it is a compass for those of us who continue the work of bridging Africa with the world.

Today, in my role as UNAA SADC Region Ambassador, serving the African continent carrying with me the same truth, Dr.Quaison-Sackey embodied: that representation matters, that Africa’s voice must always be heard, and that leadership begins with the courage to serve selflessly. His image is more than a symbol of the past. It is a reminder that Africa’s sons and daughters have always been capable of standing at the highest levels of leadership.

His journey from Winneba to the United Nations assures me that no vision is too great if it is rooted in purpose and service. As a best-selling author and International Mental Health Expert, my mission has always been to empower minds and restore hope. Dr.Quaison-Sackey’s life challenges me to extend that mission beyond personal well-being into the arena of global advocacy. Like him, I believe that Africa’s future depends not only on the resources we hold but also on the courage of its leaders to create platforms for justice, peace, and equality.

Dr. Alex Quaison-Sackey once made the world listen. Now, it is our turn to continue speaking, shaping, and leading. His legacy lives on in the work we do today, and it will live on in the generations we inspire tomorrow. “The greatness of Africa lies not in the titles we hold, but in the lives we uplift, the voices we amplify, and the hope we carry into the future.” Ambassador, Dr. David Rex Orgen.

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