On Friday, February 17, former NSMQ ‘shark’, Ninwie Leonard Lanyeli marked a new chapter in his life with a birthday celebration.

The celebration was put together by a team from businessman Ibrahim Mahama’s camp, who has offered to fund treatment, and education of Leonard.

Taking to Facebook, the aide to the businessman Rafik Mahama shared pictures of Leonard who was seemingly happy on his special day.

He also indicated that Leonard is set to fly out abroad for intensive medical treatment in a few days.

“Whilst awaiting his documentation to finalise in a few days' time for him to be flown out for intense medical treatment and care, on behalf of Mr Ibrahim Mahama, we joined Leonard to celebrate his birthday yesterday at his current residence at East Legon.”

“We were joined by the staff and management of the facility to celebrate this great day. Happy birthday Leonard (Leo). May God grant you all your heart desires and elevate you to the Zenith of your profession. Amen 🙏🏿,” the post read.

Leonard’s Life

The story of the 33-year-old who had to discontinue his doctor of optometry education at KNUST due to Bipolar Disorder 2 was first published by MyJoyOnline and aired on JoyNews.

But for his health issues in 2012, Leonard ought to have been a working optometrist like many of his schoolmates.

Ninwie Gladys, Leonard’s 60-year-old mother, stated that one of Leonard’s university friends took him to his home town and he returned with the condition.

Leonard was forced to take a break from his university studies in order to seek psychiatric attention at the Pantang Psychiatric Hospital in 2013. Doctors then diagnosed him with Bipolar Disorder 2.

Leonard later returned to the university in 2014 to continue his studies, but his stay was brief.

After a successful rehabilitation process, Leonard was re-admitted to the University and performed well during the end-of-semester exams.

Leonard promised his mother when he was a child that he wanted to be a doctor. But that dream appears to have been dashed.

Leonard says he will return to school if the opportunity comes again.

Friends, family and colleagues believe Leonard was born great, and that greatness is still alive if he receives immediate intervention.

Following the documentary by JoyNews’ Mahmud Mohammed-Nurudeen the founder of Engineers and Planners, Ibrahim Mahama, offered to fund Leonard’s education to enable him to complete the doctor of optometry programme at KNUST.

Ibrahim Mahama, brother of former President Mahama, will also pay for extra psychiatric care so that ‘Dr’ Leonard’s health can be fully restored.

Rafik Mahama, the aide to the Ghanaian businessman, told JoyNews that after the psychiatric treatment, Leonard will be supported to finish the last two years of the six-year programme at KNUST. 

Leonard will also be sponsored to pursue postgraduate studies, either in Ghana or abroad, according to plans.