Prof. Jacob Plange-Rhule

Ghana Kidney Association Tribute

Sampdon Antwi

TRIBUTE TO PROF JACOB PLANGE-RHULE

BY GHANA KIDNEY ASSOCIATION (GKA)

Your Pride and joy, O Israel, lies dead on the hills! Oh how the mighty Heroes have fallen! 2Samuel 1:19

It is difficult to accept that the pandemic can arbitrarily rob us of our brightest and best!

Prof. Jacob Plange-Rhule is a founding member of the Ghana Kidney Association, founded in 2011.

From a foundation Vice President (2011-2013), he became the Association’s President from 2014-2017.

Prior to the formation of GKA, PR (as he was affectionatelycalled) has spearheaded education on Kidney ailments in Ghana with the institution of an Annual kidney seminar in conjunction with the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) since 2004.

Through his singular influence, both the Annual Kidney Seminar series and the Ghana Kidney Association formed a strong collaboration with the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons (GCPS). As a result, GCPS became a sponsoring partner of all GKA activities. It came as no surprise therefore when in 2012, GKA in conjunction with GCPS and international partners, hosted a joint African Kidney Conference; the 12thAGSM of African Association of Nephrology (AFRAN) and the 5th AGSM of the African Paediatric Nephrology Association (AFPNA) in Accra, Ghana, in what was described by many international participants as one of the best International conferences to be held on the African continent.

Despite his very tight schedules, PR always demonstrated absolute commitment to the cause of GKA and has always found time to participate in its annual activities namely the World Kidney Day celebration and the Annual GKA CME. He was the main speaker at the public lecture delivered at the just ended2020 World Kidney Day Celebration that took place in Koforidua on 12th March 2020.

His accomplishments as a doctor, a distinguished scientist and investigator are summarized in his biography. What that does not capture was his kindness. 

Jacob was a man of sound judgment and one who treated the porter and the minister with the same degree of humility.

It was written of men like Jacob:

God, give us men!

God , give us men! A time like this demand

Strong minds, great hearts, true faith and ready hands;

Men whom the lust of office does not kill;

Men whom the spoils of office cannot buy;

Men who possess opinions and a will;

Men who have honor; men who will not lie;

Men who can stand before a demagogue

And damn his treacherous flatteries without wrinkling!

Tall men, sun-crowed, who live above the fog

In public duty, and in private thinking;

Josiah Gilbert Holland

Prof. J. Plange-Rhule delivering the Keynote Address during the2020 World Kidney Day Celebration in Koforidua, on 12thMarch, 2020.

 

GKA individual members‘ expressions on Prof. Jacob Plange-Rhule:

➢ He was a very great and influential person who made a significant impact on my professional career, yet Jacob was such a humble Giant, affable and loved by all………Prof Sampson Antwi
➢ Jacob was a man loved by his patients. To quote “as soon as I go to the clinic and see Dr Plange-Rhule I feel better”……….Dr Dwomoa Adu 
➢ A great tribute to a good human who excelled in his field…..Prof M. Mate-Kole
➢ Prof Plange-Rhule, you will forever be remembered for your humility and selflessness…….Dr Charlotte Osafo
➢ Prof. Plange-Rhule was a great leader, a teacher and a mentor…….Dr Vincent Boima
➢ Your impact in my life is beyond measure. You lived a good life, you impacted many and you will forever be cherished in our hearts…….Dr Elliot Koranteng Tannor.
➢ Prof. plange-Rhule was a teacher,father and a great friend. I will really miss him……Dr Perditer Okyere
➢ It was such a delight to interact with PR. Right from our earlier days in KATH where we flocked to him as young colleagues to guide us in our new profession. He was always so welcoming and gentle with his words. A real gentleman. You are already sorely missed…..Dr Victoria May Adabayeri
➢ Prof was very affable and approachable. I remember your words to me during this year’s World Kidney Day Celebration “ Next year we will sit back and watch you people handle everything……..” Hmmm, it’s unbelievable that you are gone…..Dr Beatrice Nyann
➢ Prof Plange-Rhule was a priceless gift from God to Ghana. I don’t know what to say further, because vocabulary alone is woefully insufficient to describe our academic mentor and friend with no boundary. I first experienced him from GKA since 2013 and CaRT program in 2014 and he wasexceptional. We miss you already. ………Dr K Adu–Bonsaffoh

 

We are deeply saddened by your unexpected departure, PR. Indeed, GKA has lost a pillar in its front. A great oak has fallen from the kidney fraternity in Ghana and the world at large. Oh, how are the mighty fallen!

Prof. J. Plange-Rhule, fare thee well!  Jacob, Da yie!!  PR, Damirifa Due!!!