Dr. Andy Mensah Sowah: From Takoradi to Becoming a US-Based Advanced Nurse
Dr. Andy Mensah Sowah, originally from Takoradi, Ghana, currently resides in Silver Spring, Maryland.
In an interview with DJ Nyaami on the Daily Hustle Worldwide show, Dr. Andy shared his journey from Ghana to the United States, recounting the challenges and triumphs that shaped his life.
Born and raised in Takoradi, Dr. Andy attended Monsco Secondary School, where he completed his sixth form.
After his father’s passing just two days after his graduation, he worked at Barclays Bank and later as a front officer and manager at Hillcrest Hotel.
In 1998, Dr. Andy left Ghana for South Africa during Nelson Mandela’s presidency.
However, due to escalating violence secured a connection to travel to the United States.
Unfortunately, his first attempt at entering the US ended in deportation, as immigration officials discovered he was using someone else’s passport.
Despite this setback, he maintained faith, believing in a dream he had of returning to America.
Dr. Andy’s persistence paid off. He eventually secured a legitimate visa through an invitation to sing at a church event in Texas.
He impressed many with his singing talents, and one university president even offered to help him stay in the US legally.
Dr. Andy initially lived in the Bronx, New York, where he led praise and worship sessions at churches, earning $100 on his first day.
He stayed at a bishop’s house for three years, working and saving money.
At a wedding in Maryland, he met his wife, which marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
Determined to achieve his dream of working in healthcare, Dr. Andy pursued nursing.
He completed a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program in one year, worked in a nursing home for ten years, and later earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of the District of Columbia.
He advanced to Howard University and completed a Family Nurse Practitioner program, focusing on pediatrics.
Dr. Andy eventually earned his doctorate while balancing clinical practice and teaching at a university.
In a shocking turn of events, Dr. Andy suffered a heart attack during a congress meeting of the Old Students Association.
He was airlifted to another hospital, underwent open-heart surgery, and spent 39 days in a coma. His recovery was nothing short of miraculous, taking eight months to walk again.
Today, he celebrates his second year post-recovery, attributing his survival to the prayers and support of loved ones.
Having lived in the US for 27 years, Dr. Andy acknowledges the difficulties of obtaining legal documentation in America.
However, he is grateful for President Biden’s student loan forgiveness program, which cleared his $26,000 debt.
Dr. Andy’s story is a testament to perseverance, faith, and the power of dreams.
From his humble beginnings in Takoradi to becoming an advanced nurse in the US, he continues to inspire others with his journey.