Professor Joseph Odai Oliver-Commey was a renowned pediatrician and lecturer . He worked with the University of Ghana Medical School
(UGMS) and Korle-bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH).

On May 2, 1940 he was born in Accra to Enos Doku Commey and Dora Okailey Ashley of blessed memory. He attended the West Africa Primary School and Accra Methodist Primary and Middle School between 1947 and 1955 prior to enrolling at Mfantsipim School in 1956 and subsequently obtained a medical degree in 1969. He married Hilda Quarcoopome in 1971 and he is survived by four children.

Professor Joseph Odai Oliver-Commey was a man of many talents, facets, and aliases. His early aliases of Joe Oly, Joe Oli and JOOC (Joo-Cee) were three of many that he would be called throughout his 79 blessed years of earthly life. His story and legacy are best explored through the various roles he embodied on this well-lived journey.

J.O. OLIVER-COMMEY – THE FAMILY MAN (AKA JOE OLY, NUN KWAO, SPY 13, IROKO TREE, UNIFIER)

Iroko – is a large hardwood tree native to the west coast of Africa that can live up to 500 years and is accepted as a symbol of strength.

Joe Oli, was born into a close-knit family, one of ten children and is survived by siblings, cousins and relatives who will miss him dearly. Though he spent some formative years away from his siblings, he would later become a galvanizing force of unity. After losing both parents and an older brother within a short period in the early seventies, he became the oldest in the family and he would go on to spearhead them through the dance of life, through moments of joy and loss, over many decades while endearing himself to the younger generation and simultaneously nurturing the family unit he created with his wife Hilda.

J.O. OLIVER-COMMEY – THE LOVING FATHER (AKA ATAA ODAI, NUMS, POLONTI, SENIOR TAURUS)

Perhaps not many can confidently harness the art of being an integral part of nuclear and extended families but Ataa Odai
was an exemplary person in this regard. Once he had children of his own, he managed to effortlessly embrace and enjoy
fatherhood. It was a role that he took ever so seriously and one that he exceled at with the right balance of being the disciplinarian,
cheerleader, and confidante as needed. Occasionally, his career and calling would take him away from home.
Eventually, his children will also grow up and leave the nest. The miles of separation however could neither diminish the connection
he shared with them nor the sense of responsibility he felt for his children.

“ A father’s work is never done, not even from beyond the grave. “ J. O. Oliver-Commey

J.O. OLIVER-COMMEY – THE DOCTOR / THE ACADEMICIAN (AKA JOOCEE, JOE OLI)

Aristotle is known to have said. “Where your talents and the needs of the world cross, lies your calling.” It is undeniable that JooCee was one of the lucky ones for he truly did find his call- ing. In 196, after completing his secondary school education at Mfantsipim School, he would become a member of the pioneer class of the University of Ghana Medical School (UGMS) and would graduate seven years later with distinction in multiple subjects; and as the overall best student. He would go on to complete his medical training and subsequent fellowship in Paediatrics at the Sick Kids’ Hospital in Toronto, Canada. His national pride and patriotism would govern the decision to return home immediately after completing the fellowship to begin his medical career at Korle-bu Teaching hospital (KBTH) – a career that would go on to span decades and culminate in the attainment of various publications, full professorial status, holding the role of the Head of Department of Child Health from 1988 to 1997, Acting Medical Administrator of Korle-bu Teaching Hospital at various periods from 1987-1989. Addition- ally, he was a medical education examiner and contributor within the West African region and beyond.

J.O. OLIVER-COMMEY – THE TEACHER (AKA WOLOTSɛ)

It is almost unimaginable that after finding his calling in the medical profession, that Prof. J. O. Oliver-Commey would go on to discover an even greater passion when he embarked on his teaching career at the University of Ghana Medical School in 1978. His love for teaching was palpable and he absolutely loved engaging with the students. His affable and unique teaching style led to him being awarded the Best Clinical Teacher for three consecutive years in the early 2000s and lead to the lasting nickname of Wolotsɛ. Though time and age would attempt to slow him down over time, he remained steadfast and committed to this course until late 2018. It was no secret that he so dearly missed his engaging and stimulating banter with students and would relish each opportunity that came by to reminisce with past students and colleagues.

Wolotsɛ – Ga word that translates to “Owner of the book / Repository of Knowledge”

J. O.OLIVER-COMMEY – THE PEOPLE’S MAN (AKA OLY DADE, KWAKUKRU, JOE OLY)

Joo Cee was a die-hard supporter of Accra Great Olympics and there was many a time when most thought that the nickname Joe Oly was a result of this. However, his closest allies, some of whom he had known since grade one would attest to more nicknames such as Oly Dade and Oly Pioto which were linked to his support of the football club. His loyalty extended beyond his family and football clubs to his friends and the society as a whole where he sought to lend a hand whenever he was able. Occasionally, he would either personally settle hospital bills for patients who were financially handicapped or rally his colleagues and junior doctors to do so. Over the years, he would serve on the board of Accra Great Olympics, St. Marys Senior High School and as a patron of the New Horizons Special Needs School.

J. O. OLIVER-COMMEY – THE STATESMAN

Prof. J.O. Oliver-Commey was a fiercely loyal and patriotic man who took pride in serving his country and nurturing the younger generation. Though he may not have been per- fect, he gave it his all and tried to always apply his favourite motto of life “For unto whom much is given, much is expected.” Over the course of the years he would serve Ghana in diverse roles including holding a consultant role in the National Malaria Control for the Ministry of Health, and being a member of the National Tuberculosis Advisory committee and the Ghana National Commission on Chil- dren, In 2009, he was appointed Chair of the Ghana Health Commission and in 2016, he was conferred with the state honour of Member, Order of the Volta(MV) by Presi- dent Mahama in recognition of his contribution to the health sector.
 
Professor J.O. Oliver-Commey was a unique combination of humour, intellect and disposition, rooted in religious beliefs that allowed him to be an empathic, effective, and dearly loved family man, teacher, doctor, friend, mentor, grandfather and colleague.
Recently, the free time he had following his full retirement in 2018 coupled with his ailing health led him to occasionally posit that his earthly work was done.

He passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 30th surrounded by his loved ones. We are comforted knowing that he lived many blessed years and that we were lucky to have had him in our lives in various capacities.