Dr. Clarence Oteng Addo-Yobo, OBGYN

Dr. Clarence Oteng Atta Kwasi Addo-Yobo, MB, BcH, MD, FACOG, ABOG, a distinguished Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, passed away at the age of 88 on December 29, 2024 in East Legon, Ghana.

Dr. Clarence O. Addo-Yobo was born on April 19, 1936 with his twin sister, Mrs. Clara Danquah, in Amanase, Ghana. Growing up in Obosomase, Ghana, Dr. Clarence O. Addo-Yobo was inspired to pursue medicine after being cured of a mild illness by a relative, Dr. Kwaku Oku Ampofo, who was the first medical doctor that he knew as a child. With his dream firmly in place, young Clarence persevered through his education from a Presbyterian school in Obosomase, then to the prestigious Accra High School and to complete his sixth form education, he attended one of the top schools in Africa, St. Augustine's College, Cape Coast. After graduation, his childhood ambition to become a medical doctor was realized when the then President of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, awarded him for his academic excellence, a scholarship to study medicine at Cairo University, Faculty of Medicine, Egypt. After completing medical school at Cairo University, he was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship, which brought him to Illinois, U.S., after which he returned to complete an internship at Cairo University. Upon completion, he was accepted to and graduated from Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1972; completing his residency in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Harlem Hospital.

Dr. Addo-Yobo practiced in Ghana and the United States, establishing private practices in White Plains, Yonkers, and Bronx, NY. He later returned to Ghana, consulting with the Nyaho Medical Centre, HealthLink Hospital, and opened a private medical clinic in East Legon.

Dr. Addo-Yobo was the "Best in Class" and always a compassionate and caring Obstetrician and Gynecologist with a personal and professional commitment to deliver stellar, innovative, and comprehensive care. One of Dr. Addo-Yobo's most famous cases occurred in Yonkers, NY, where a young woman of 19 years, a fatal victim of gun violence and pregnant, arrived at a Yonkers' hospital that did not conduct deliveries. The hospital immediately called Dr. Addo-Yobo for help and he responded to the call and quickly arrived at the hospital, determined to deliver the baby from its dying mother. As he led his team in the struggle to keep the young mother alive, Dr. Addo-Yobo delivered the baby expediently and safely by emergency cesarean section. After the surgery, the baby survived and was healthy. Local Westchester County newspapers featured the story of the miracle baby, called "Baby Diaz," delivered by Dr. Clarence O. Addo-Yobo.

Dr. Clarence O. Addo-Yobo is remembered for his compassion, skill, charitable works, and commitment to improving healthcare in both Ghana and the United States. Dr. Addo-Yobo was predeceased by his first wife, Sarah C. Mills Okaikoi, RDN and is survived by five siblings: Captain Augustine Addo-Yobo, Patricia Ohene (Tema), Rosemond Addo-Yobo, Mrs. Frederica Asiedu Ntow, Ernest Ko Otopa Addo-Yobo; his second wife, Dedei Addo-Yobo; extended family; friends; and his eight children: Mrs. Rita Dodoo, Issac Addo-Yobo, Dr. Mercy I. Amua Quarshie, Seth Addo-Yobo, Esq. C. Nana-Oye Addo-Yobo, Belinda Drapson, Clarence Nana Addo-Yobo, and Percy Addo-Yobo; and seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren; leaving a great and enduring legacy.