In the Shadows of Politics

About the Book

“A fifty year odyssey of a man who dared to venture” aptly describes this book which recounts the life, loves, escapades and exploits of Sylvester A. Mensah, the man, scholar, technocrat, politician, and family man, “raw and uncut” This engrossing narrative, which draws on autobiographical sketches, takes the reader on an exciting journey through the vicissitudes of life lived in familial and other settings, for the most part in Ghana. Like all life stories, it has the element of a roller-coaster of highs and lows; a story of fortitude in the face of difficulty and of triumph of the human spirit over adversity. In a sense it is everyman’s story, and yet unique, as it resonates with the human experience. The elevation of hope over despair, the realisation of more auspicious circumstances against the odds, spiced up with snippets of mischief and intrigue, make this a riveting read. Refreshingly candid, this autobiography pulls the curtains back on untold gripping encounters of his life and intriguing accounts of chess-like manoeuvres in the corridors of politics which leave the reader spellbound, but also cheering for the underdog. Sylvester leaves no stone unturned in this panoramic account of five decades of an eventful life of purposeful adventure. It is a must-read.

About the Author

Sylvester A. Mensah holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom (UK), a BSc. in Administration from the University of Ghana and a Diploma in Political Economy from Cottbus Political College in Germany. A member of the Institute of Business Consulting - UK, he also serves on a number of public and private Boards in Ghana. Sylvester is an alumnus of the Harvard University School of Public Health, where he completed a number of competency courses. He is an honourary citizen of Kansas and New Orleans, cities in the USA. His competence as a lecturer, finance professional, banker, politician, strategic management expert, social worker and social health insurance technocrat, underscore his professional and occupational versatility, demonstrated throughout his working life. He served a full term as a Member of Parliament for the Dadekotopon Constituency in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana from 1997 to 2001 He is the Chief Executive of Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and is credited with far-reaching organizational restructuring, innovations, and initiatives in reforming Ghana’s NHIS. Sylvester is a recipient of a number of awards including the West African Regional Magazine Achievers Award - 2012, the Africa Prize for Excellence and Leadership in Corporate Governance by the Global Centre for Transformational Leadership - 2013 and the Favourite Son of the Land award by the Abese Quarter of the La Traditional Council. He is married with four children. http://www.sylvestermensah.com