Francis Nii Lanteye Acquah AM

Francis Nii Lanteye Acquah AM has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to mental health care, and to the community.  

“From helping a 40-year-old client with schizophrenia to move out of home for the first time, helping a young man with agoraphobia to enter the workforce and now witness him managing a team, to helping a lady with depression and stroke to travel overseas … I am passionate about mental health and achieving small but significant goals with my clients,” Mr Acquah says.

“I have used my mental health nursing experience to reduce stigma and create awareness around receiving mental health support for the CALD and African Communities, Local Communities, both in Australia and overseas.

“I was humbled, excited, and grateful to hear about being appointed a Member in the Order of Australia. One does not set out to receive an award for things they are passionate about.

“I would like to thank my wife, Ursula Mills Acquah, and my children, especially my lived experience daughter Akuorkor who has cerebral palsy and who my wife has sacrificed greatly to care for at home, and my team and colleagues who have supported me over the years.”