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I’m claiming editorial privilege to use this month’s column to pay tribute to my late father, HE Judge Thomas Aboagye Mensah, who was laid to rest earlier this year. I do this not only because he was my adored father, but because the rationale behind ReConnect Africa has always been to showcase and celebrate the best of Africa and Africans - and this illustrious son of Ghana was indeed one of her best.

A remarkable academic career followed by exemplary service in the UN’s maritime agency, the IMO, where he contributed to crafting the law of the sea and global environmental protections. Numerous awards and commendations as well as induction into the Maritime Hall of Fame in New York. Ghana’s first High Commissioner to South Africa where he presented his credentials to President Mandela. The first President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. An eminent diplomat and gifted jurist widely regarded as the world’s leading judge and arbitrator on the settlement of international maritime disputes.

He shrugged off demands from Presidents, refusing to be pressured into anything more than following his conscience and unswerving belief in the law.

In reading and compiling the many tributes to my father’s life and work, three themes struck me repeatedly: humility, values, and legacy. These attributes were referred to constantly by family, friends and former colleagues who shared their memories of this accomplished man.

Humility can sometimes be positioned as a quality slightly less desirable than, say, proudly stating your worth and achievements. In this age of personal branding, we are often advised to point out our successes lest others do not. In my father’s case, his humility stemmed from his values – doing what was right rather than what was easy became its own reward. His achievements were not designed to incite public acclaim but rather to place his considerable skills and experience in the service of others: his organisations, his causes, his passions, his friends and, most of all, his family.

It can be easy to overlook the importance of the values which define us and how we translate these values into the way we choose to live our lives. It’s also easy to espouse principles when what is far more difficult is making decisions in accordance with them. My father was a shining example of the values of integrity, honesty, and ethics. He shrugged off demands from Presidents and powerful leaders, refusing to be pressured into anything more than following his conscience and his unswerving belief in the law.

At some point, many of us wonder about the footprint we will leave on this earth when we depart. While, in fairness, most of us will not leave the legacy of stellar public service my father achieved, we all nevertheless can show kindness, generosity, and a love for our fellow humans that leaves a lasting impression on those we encounter.

In a world that feels increasingly harsh, polarised, and difficult to navigate, we have a choice to reject cynicism and negativity, to show our humanity, and to express our gratitude to those who have made us who we are.

So, at the end of what has been a tumultuous year of high highs and deep lows for me, I choose to reach for gratitude. I thank my father for his service to his family, his community, his country, and the natural world. I thank my amazing team for their hard work. I thank you for your continued support of ReConnect Africa, and I wish us all a peaceful festive season and a happy and successful 2023!

Founder & Managing Editor, ReConnect Africa