In a world where selflessness often goes unnoticed, some rare individuals dedicate their lives to making a significant difference in the lives of others. Ms. Vivian Opoku-Kyeremeh, a 57-year-old mother of two daughters and a proud member of the Apostolic Church of Ghana, is one such person. Recently honoured with the prestigious Most Outstanding Health Worker award at the 2024 Ghana Health Service Excellence Awards, her story is one of unwavering dedication, resilience, and compassion for the people she serves.
The recognition of Ms. Opoku-Kyeremeh’s tireless work emerged at the 2024 Ghana Health Service Excellence Awards, where she was honoured as the Most Outstanding Health Worker. Her eyes filled with tears as she stood before the audience, overwhelmed by the recognition. ‘I was at a loss for words,’ she recalls. “I never expected such an honour. It’s not just my work—it’s the work of every healthcare worker in Dumasua, in the Bono Region, and across Ghana.”
In her acceptance speech, she expressed her deep gratitude to her past and present regional and district directors of health services, colleagues, community and family, who have supported her through decades of service. The award was presented to her by distinguished guests, including the President of Ghana, the Ga Mantse King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, and the Chairman of the Ghana Health Service Council. In addition to the honour of receiving a citation and plaque, Ms. Opoku-Kyeremeh’s award package included a brand new VW Virtus saloon car, a trip for two to Dubai and a 50-inch smart TV,—a well-deserved recognition for her many years of hard work and dedication.
As a Principal Midwifery Officer and resident midwife at the Dumasua Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) Centre in the Sunyani West District of the Bono Region, Ms. Opoku-Kyeremeh’s career in healthcare has spanned an incredible 34 years. Over the course of her career, she has become a beacon of hope in one of the most underserved regions in Ghana, working tirelessly to improve maternal and child health in rural communities, such as Juaboso, Camp 15- Adabokrom, Bonsu Nkwanta. Through it all, she has remained steadfast in her commitment to excellence, claiming with pride that “not a single client or child has lost their life under my care.”
For a woman who started her journey as a young nurse full of ambition, this accomplishment is a remarkable testament to her passion, skill, and, above all, her belief in the power of transformational leadership. Ms. Opoku-Kyeremeh’s trump card is her technical expertise in midwifery and planning, in addition she has a profound belief in the power of coaching and mentorship. She sees herself not only as a health practitioner but as a teacher and guide, nurturing the next generation of healthcare workers just as she was mentored during her early years.
A Commitment to Service in Rural Ghana
Dumasua, where Ms. Opoku-Kyeremeh has spent the last 10 years of her career, is a small town in the Sunyani West District. As with many rural areas in Ghana, the community faces numerous challenges such as limited healthcare infrastructure, scarce resources, and a shortage of skilled health professionals. Yet, Ms. Opoku-Kyeremeh has never allowed these obstacles to deter her from providing top-quality care to the women and children who depend on her.
Her role as a midwife is not just about delivering babies; it’s about fostering health, hope, and the promise of a better future for the next generation. Through her dedicated service, she has become an anchor in the community, a trusted figure in times of crisis, and a constant reminder of the power of resilience and compassion. It is not just her medical expertise that makes her stand out, but her profound ability to make each patient feel cared for, respected, and valued. ‘Not to blow my own trumpet, but I am convinced that my people love me. When they do not see me around in town for a few days, they would pass by the facility to inquire my whereabouts’
“I am a beggar,” she says with a humble smile, referring to her relentless pursuit of better facilities and equipment for the Dumasua CHPS Centre. She admits she is unafraid to ask for help and to fight for resources to ensure her patients receive the best care possible. Maa Vee, as she is affectionately called by her residents of Dumasua, where she has been serving for the past decade shares that she has requested for a fence wall, water storage tanks, a laboratory, a dispensary block, just to give the place a facelift. This tenacity and dedication have set her apart and contributed to her success. She approaches every challenge with a positive mindset, seeking creative ways to overcome adversity and improve the quality of care in her community.
Ms. Opoku-Kyeremeh believes strongly in the importance of the oath nurses and midwives take at the beginning of their careers, and she encourages her colleagues to live by those promises. Her appeal to health workers, especially those in urban areas, is simple: “Accept postings to rural and deprived communities.” She believes it is not enough to be a health professional in a city or town where facilities and resources are abundant; true service lies in going where the need is greatest. In rural communities like Dumasua, every health worker is a lifeline, and their presence can change lives.
A Vision for the Future
Beyond her clinical work, Ms. Opoku-Kyeremeh has a strong vision for the future of nursing and midwifery in Ghana. To the younger generation of nurses, she has this advice: “Take your clinical internships seriously.” She stresses the importance of hands-on learning and gaining experience in real-world settings, as it builds the foundation for future success. She hopes that, in the coming years, the nursing profession will see reforms that improve career progression, ensuring that nurses and midwives have clear paths for advancement and greater opportunities for professional development.
When asked about her thoughts on the future of healthcare in rural Ghana, she shares an optimistic yet practical perspective. ‘We need to invest in infrastructure, training, and a strong support system for health workers,’ she says. Ms. Opoku-Kyeremeh hopes that the government and other stakeholders will recognize the importance of rural healthcare and provide more resources to improve healthcare delivery in underserved areas.
A Life of Impact
As a mother, a mentor, and a health worker, Ms. Vivian Opoku-Kyeremeh embodies the true spirit of service. She has dedicated her life to the health and well-being of others and in doing so, has transformed the lives of countless individuals in the Bono Region. Through her work, she has proven that excellence is not about the resources you have at your disposal but about the heart, the determination, and the commitment you bring to your work. Her story inspires us all—a reminder that service excellence is not just a profession, but a calling.
In honouring Ms. Opoku-Kyeremeh, we celebrate not only her remarkable achievements but also the many health workers across Ghana, serving selflessly in their communities, making a profound difference in the lives of others. As we look to the future, we are reminded of the critical role healthcare professionals like Ms. Opoku-Kyeremeh play in shaping the future of our nation’s health. Her legacy manifests in love, leadership, and an unyielding commitment to service.
SOURCE: PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT
