The Service has celebrated outstanding healthcare workers and institutions for their exceptional contributions to Ghana’s health sector in its annual GHS Excellence Awards ceremony under the theme “Sustaining Partnerships for Efficient and Effective Healthcare Delivery”. The second edition of the awards was held in Accra on Wednesday, 20th November 2024, with Ms. Vivian Opoku-Kyeremeh emerging as the overall winner. The event was graced by dignitaries including His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana, His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse.
In his keynote speech, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, commended the resilience and dedication of healthcare workers while acknowledging the collaborative efforts of NGOs, traditional leaders, and development partners in advancing Ghana’s healthcare system.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted key milestones achieved in recent years, including the recruitment of over 200,000 health workers to address staffing gaps and significant advancements in digital health. He noted the implementation of the nationwide electronic medical records, telemedicine services, and the world’s largest medical drone delivery network, alongside the equipping of 745 healthcare facilities with high-speed internet to enhance telemedicine services and improve healthcare delivery.
He further emphasized the government’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage, citing Agenda 111 and other initiatives aimed at modernizing healthcare infrastructure. The President stressed the importance of professionalism and ethical practices among healthcare workers, reiterating the government’s resolve to build an equitable and robust healthcare system for all.
Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, the Director-General of the Service, commended the sacrifices of healthcare workers, emphasizing their unwavering dedication to serving even the most remote communities. He proposed the establishment of a “National Health Workers’ Day” to formally honor their invaluable contributions to the nation.
Dr. Kuma-Aboagye highlighted notable achievements in Ghana’s health sector, including a 51.7% growth in the health workforce between 2021 and 2023 and significant improvements in health indicators, such as the reduction of maternal mortality to 102 per 100,000 live births in 2022. He also noted the successful expansion of the Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) Programme and the integration of digital platforms to enhance and streamline healthcare delivery.
He acknowledged the critical role played by government, partners, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders in strengthening Ghana’s health system and expressed optimism about the future, envisioning continued progress and innovation in the country’s healthcare landscape.
Dr. Frank Lule, WHO Ghana Country Representative, who spoke on behalf of development partners and CSOs, lauded the initiative as a key driver of excellence and innovation.
“These awards inspire healthcare workers and institutions to reach greater heights, fostering a culture of dedication crucial for achieving Universal Health Coverage,” he stated.
Dr. Lule reiterated WHO’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s health agenda through strong partnerships and system resilience.
Providing insights into the awards’ structure and impact, Mrs. Araba Kudiabor, Chairperson of the Awards Planning Committee, revealed that 979 recipients were recognized nationwide this year, following a rigorous selection process from district to national levels. She expressed gratitude to the initiative’s partners, including KPMG and Mullen Lowe, for their instrumental roles. Mrs. Kudiabor encouraged all healthcare workers to continuously strive for excellence, emphasizing that the awards reflect the sector’s collective commitment to performance improvement.
The 2nd Edition of the GHS Excellence Awards 2024, sought to award 77 national awardees, comprising 22 general staff awards, 34 institutional and leadership excellence awards, and 21 special awards dedicated to individuals and organizations making significant contributions to healthcare. At the heart of the awards was Ms. Vivian Opoku-Kyeremeh, a Principal Midwifery Officer at Dumasua CHPS in the Bono Region, who was crowned Overall Best Health Worker. Known for her unwavering commitment to maternal and child health, her work has consistently resulted in remarkable health outcomes, including zero maternal and child mortality in her 34-year career. Ms. Opoku-Kyeremeh received a Citation Plaque, a 50-inch LED Smart TV, a VW Virtus saloon car, and an all-expenses-paid trip to Dubai for two.
The First Runner-Up in the National Best Health Worker category was Ms. Florence Kukua Dadzie, a Public Health Nurse from the Central Region. Her dedication to improving public health in her region earned her a Citation Plaque, a double-door fridge, and a laptop. The Second Runner-Up, Mr. Frederick Nti Aboagye, a Biomedical Scientist from the Eastern Region, was recognized for his invaluable contributions to medical diagnostics, taking home a Citation Plaque and a deep freezer.
In the Institutional and Leadership Excellence Awards, the Greater Accra Regional Hospital was recognized as the Best Regional Hospital and celebrated for its innovation and exceptional service delivery. Similarly, the Tamale West Hospital in the Northern Region was named the Best District Hospital and honored for its outstanding patient care and community engagement.
The Ghana Health Service Headquarters received notable recognition this year. Among the awardees were: Dr. Keziah Malm, Program Manager of the National Malaria Elimination Programme, was honored for her visionary leadership and impactful contributions to public health, particularly in the fight against malaria. Dr. Andrews Ayim, was also celebrated for his dedication to advancing health policy and system strengthening. Mr. Peter Gyasi Darkwa, Head of the Health Insurance Coordinating Unit, was recognized for his exceptional efforts in supporting operational management within the service and Ms. Gifty Amadu, Chief Administrative Manager, was commended for her outstanding service in providing administrative support to six successive Director-Generals and GHS Committees.
Development partners and organizations were also celebrated for their contributions to healthcare. USAID Quality Services for Health (Q4H) was acknowledged for its impactful initiatives in the Upper West Region, while Kybele Incorporated (USA) received accolades for improving maternal and neonatal care in Greater Accra. KOICA was recognized for its contributions to primary healthcare strengthening in the North East Region, and the Church of Pentecost was honored for supporting healthcare delivery in the Bono East Region. Additionally, NORSAAC was appreciated for their exceptional contributions to healthcare delivery in the Northern Region.
Corporate entities such as AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine and Bui Power Authority were also acknowledged for their efforts to enhance healthcare delivery in their regions.
Traditional leaders were also prominently recognized during the awards ceremony. Nana Elluo Panyin III, Chief of Sefwi Nsuonsua, and Nana Akyena Kwagyan Nuama V, Chief of Essuowin, were celebrated for their leadership and support of health initiatives within their communities. Odeefuo Amoako Boadu VIII, Omanhene of Breman State (Central Region), and Nana Osei Bosompem III, Chief of Adako Jachie (Ashanti Region), Nana Akwasi Addae, Amantenahene of Asante Akim North, and Nana Owiredu Wadie I of the Kabaka foundation were honored for their steadfast support of healthcare initiatives.
Notable individuals, Ing. William Amuna and Dr Prosper A.K. Moh (retired orthopaedic surgeon) were awarded for their immense dedication and commitment to the Upper East and Ahafo regions respectively.
These awardees exemplify the passion and commitment driving Ghana’s healthcare transformation.
Also in attendance were the Deputy Minister for Health, members of the GHS Council, past Director-Generals and retired Directors of Service, Regional and Divisional Directors of the Service, Program Managers, Development Partners and Health Professionals, all of whom applauded the transformative impact of recognizing excellence within the healthcare system.
SOURCE: PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT
