Testing Regional Profile
The Western North Region of Ghana, established in 2019. It borders the Ivory Coast to the west, the Central Region to the southeast, and the Ashanti, Ahafo, and Bono regions to the north. The region covers about 10,188.3 square kilometres, accounting for 4.3% of Ghana's total land area, has nine districts, with Sefwi Wiawso as its capital town. The districts included are Sefwi Wiawso Municipal, Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipal, Aowin Municipal, Sefwi Akontombra District, Suaman District, Bodi District, Juaboso District, Bia West District, and Bia East District. This Region is a vital component of Ghana's economic framework, with agriculture and mining constituting the primary pillars of its development.
According to the 2021 Population and Housing Census, the region's population in 2023 is 960,825, about 2.87% of the national total, with an annual growth rate of 2.0%. The population density is approximately 85.88 persons per square kilometer, indicating moderate concentration. Individuals under 15 account for 36.14% of the population, while those in the working-age bracket of 15 to 64 years make up 60.77%. The elderly population, defined as those aged 65 and above, comprises 3.09% of the total population.
According to the 2021 Population and Housing Census, the predominant ethnic group in the region is the Akan, which encompasses significant subgroups such as the Sefwi, Ayen, and Brosa. These indigenous communities have historically served as the stewards of the land, diligently preserving their distinctive traditions and cultural identities. The region has experienced substantial migration and settlement by non-indigenous communities. Notable groups include the Akuapem, Krobo, Ewe, Ga, Kwahu, Ashanti, Dagari, Frafra, and Dagomba, who primarily engage in agricultural practices and various economic activities.
The Western North Regional Health Directorate is situated in Sefwi Bodi.The healthcare infrastructure is predominantly government-owned (290, 80%), as shown in Table 2. Private facilities comprise 57 (15.7 %), while Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) facilities total 15 (4.1 %). Sefwi Wiawso Government Hospital is the designated Regional Hospital. The OPD per capital has consistently remain at 1.
Whilst malaria accounts for the 22.8% of OPD attendance and 11.6% of hospital admissions, cardiovascular conditions account for at least a third of all mortalities. There are 9 National Ambulance Service vehicles used for out-referrals mostly to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospitals. The region has no medical stores and relies on western regional medical stores for supply of medicines and non- medical consumables.
Our Mandate
The Regional Health Directorate (RHD) represents the administrative apex of health services delivery within the region. The mandate is to provide and prudently manage comprehensive and accessible health services with special emphasis on primary health care at regional, district and sub-district levels in accordance with approved national policies. The RHD also works with headquarters, health partners, and other stakeholders to increase access to health services, through the provision of health infrastructure, human resources, logistics/health commodities, public health and clinical care interventions
Key Responsibilities
Generally, the region implements and monitors health Sector policies, ensures effective coordination of activities, judicious management of health resources (human, logistics, equipment and infrastructure) and provides guidance and technical support to the lower levels. More specifically the region engages in the following:
Ensuring access to health services at the district, sub-district and community levels by providing health services or contracting out service provision to other recognized health care providers in the region.
Undertaking effective management and administration of the health resources within the region
Promoting healthy lifestyles and good health habits among the public through effective and targeted health education
Developing appropriate strategies and setting technical guidelines to achieve national policy goals/objectives
Implementing and monitoring health policies, strategic plans, protocols, standards and guidelines set up by national in the region
Planning and delivery of clinical interventions
Planning and management of public health programmes in the region
Establishing effective mechanism for disease surveillance, prevention and control in the region
Strengthening public health action to reduce impact of emergencies and disasters on health in the region
Supportive supervision, monitoring and evaluation of programme implementation
Human resource management (including staff welfare)
Transport, equipment and estates management
Data collection, analysis, reporting and feedback
Collaboration with key stakeholders in health (NGOs, Community leaders, Decentralized departments, CBOs, etc.)
Contact Us
Get in touch with the Testing Regional Health Directorate
Phone
No phone number provided
wnr.rhd@ghs.gov.gh
Address
Western North Regional Health Directorate
Ghana Health Service, Ghana