On November 20, 2024, a significant event unfolded at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre, where President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and His Royal Majesty Nii King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, honored Ms. Vivian Opoku-Kyeremeh, a dedicated health officer from Dumasua CHPS in the Bono Region. She was awarded the Overall Winner of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) Excellence Awards 2024. The ceremony was graced by several dignitaries, including Deputy Minister for Health Adelaide Ntim, Ghana Health Service Council Chairman Dr. Sefah Sarpong Bediako, and GHS Director-General Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye. Ms. Opoku-Kyeremeh’s exemplary work in healthcare delivery was recognized with a certificate, a citation plaque, a 50-inch LED Smart TV, a brand-new Volkswagen Virtus car, and an all-expenses-paid trip to Dubai, highlighting her innovative contributions and dedication to improving health services in Ghana.
During the event, President Akufo-Addo took the opportunity to commend healthcare workers across the nation for their invaluable services and emphasized the importance of the health sector to his administration. He spoke about the various initiatives his government has undertaken to enhance healthcare delivery, including the introduction of Community Health Service Initiatives, improvements to the Primary Healthcare Network, and efforts to expand services to remote areas. These steps aim to ensure that healthcare is accessible to all, promoting inclusivity within Ghana’s health landscape. The president underscored that healthcare professionals play a crucial role in the wellbeing of citizens and the overall effectiveness of the healthcare system.
Highlighting the significance of ethics and compassion in healthcare, President Akufo-Addo called on healthcare professionals to maintain high standards of professionalism in their practice. He noted that ethical lapses and lack of compassion not only undermine public trust but also tarnish the dignity of citizens seeking care. Thus, the President urged medical personnel to prioritize client satisfaction while delivering compassionate, patient-centered care. By nurturing a culture of empathy within healthcare facilities, he believes that a stronger bond of trust can be established between professionals and the communities they serve.
Addressing staffing challenges in the health sector, President Akufo-Addo provided insight into the government’s recruitment drive, which has seen an impressive total of 202,527 medical personnel hired over the past eight years. This includes 12,132 medical officers, house officers, and specialists; 165,222 nurses and midwives; and numerous other health professionals, such as pharmacists, medical herbalists, and support staff. This initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to bolstering the health workforce and ensuring that the population’s healthcare needs are adequately met. The recruitment initiatives serve as a critical pillar in addressing the existing challenges within the system and enhancing service delivery across the country.
The theme of the Ghana Health Service Excellence Awards 2024 was “Sustaining Partnerships for Effective and Efficient Healthcare Delivery.” This theme underscores the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders in achieving universal health coverage. The awards ceremony aimed to celebrate outstanding performance, not just on an individual level but also recognizing institutions and leaders who have made significant contributions to healthcare delivery in Ghana. This event signifies a commitment to recognizing and rewarding excellence in the health sector, motivating professionals to continue delivering high-quality care and expanding their efforts to meet the evolving health needs of the nation.
In conclusion, the Ghana Health Service Excellence Awards 2024 represents a transformative effort to recognize and incentivize exceptional service within the healthcare system. President Akufo-Addo’s remarks encapsulate the overarching goals of inclusivity, professionalism, and compassion in healthcare delivery. As Ghana continues to navigate various health challenges, the commitment to strengthening the health workforce and ensuring ethical practices will be pivotal in building a future where all citizens have access to quality healthcare. The collaborative approach highlighted during the awards event reflects a broader understanding that effective healthcare delivery is a shared responsibility, necessitating the participation of all stakeholders, including traditional authorities, health officials, and the community at large.
