Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, the newly appointed Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has formally assumed his role, marking a new chapter for the organization. In his inaugural address, Professor Akoriyea emphasized his commitment to fulfilling the health sector promises outlined in the ruling National Democratic Congress’ 2024 manifesto. These promises include bolstering the National Health Insurance scheme through uncapping the levy and ensuring timely payments to healthcare providers. The manifesto also prioritizes the establishment of the Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund (MAHAMACARES), designed to provide financial support for individuals facing chronic illnesses such as kidney failure, cancer, sickle cell disease, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Professor Akoriyea’s commitment to the manifesto signifies a clear intention to align the GHS’s strategic direction with the government’s overarching health policy objectives. Furthermore, he underscored his dedication to reorganizing the health system to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare services across all divisions, emphasizing a focus on reaching underserved populations.
The 2024 manifesto further outlines plans for a modern fertility centre and the implementation of free primary healthcare services, extending from Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds to polyclinics. This comprehensive approach aims to strengthen Ghana’s primary healthcare infrastructure and address the health needs of its citizens at the community level. The manifesto also acknowledges the importance of expanding health infrastructure and ensuring the prompt employment and timely deployment of healthcare workers, recognizing the vital role of a robust workforce in delivering quality healthcare. Professor Akoriyea’s pledge to uphold these commitments signals a strong focus on strengthening both infrastructure and human resources within the GHS. He assured stakeholders that, in collaboration with the new Minister of Health and the GHS Council, a comprehensive plan would be developed to enhance the overall health sector and improve staff welfare, further demonstrating a commitment to a holistic approach to healthcare development.
Professor Akoriyea also addressed the internal dynamics of the GHS, stressing the critical importance of professional conduct and cautioning against internal conflicts that could potentially hinder the efficient delivery of healthcare services. This emphasis on a collaborative and harmonious working environment suggests a focus on building a strong, unified team within the GHS to effectively implement the ambitious goals outlined in the manifesto. His acknowledgment of the outgoing Director-General’s contributions and his call for collaboration among all directors further highlight his commitment to a smooth transition and a unified approach moving forward. This commitment to internal cohesion suggests a recognition that a strong and collaborative team is essential for achieving the ambitious targets set for the GHS.
Dr. Patrick Kuma Aboagye, the outgoing Director-General, used his farewell address to highlight emerging challenges facing the Ghanaian health sector, particularly the increasing demand for healthcare services for the growing elderly population, which now exceeds one million individuals over the age of 65. This demographic shift presents a significant challenge, requiring the GHS to adapt its services to meet the specific needs of this growing segment of the population. Dr. Aboagye also emphasized the crucial role of technology and increased ICT capacity in improving healthcare delivery, particularly for underserved populations, including the urban poor. He urged the staff to embrace these technological advancements and leverage them to expand access to quality healthcare services for all Ghanaians. This focus on technology underscores the importance of innovation in addressing the evolving healthcare needs of the population.
Dr. Aboagye further noted the rising expectations of the Ghanaian populace regarding healthcare services, emphasizing the need for the GHS to continually strive for improvement and meet these evolving demands. His call for staff support for his successor highlights the importance of continuity and collaboration in ensuring a smooth transition and sustained progress within the GHS. This emphasis on teamwork and support for the new leadership underscores the collective responsibility for improving healthcare delivery in Ghana. The outgoing Director-General’s focus on emerging challenges and the need for technological advancement sets the stage for the incoming Director-General to build upon these foundations and further strengthen the healthcare system.
Dr. Hafiz Adams, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, offered advice to the incoming Director-General, urging him to prioritize the well-being of the staff under his leadership. He emphasized the critical role of a motivated and satisfied workforce in effectively utilizing resources and delivering quality healthcare services. Dr. Adams’s advice underscores the importance of investing in human capital and creating a supportive work environment to maximize productivity and ensure the successful implementation of the GHS’s strategic goals. He encouraged Professor Akoriyea to adopt a leadership style characterized by active listening, fairness, and respect for all individuals, fostering a positive and productive work environment. This focus on staff welfare echoes the sentiments expressed in the manifesto regarding the importance of supporting healthcare workers, highlighting a commitment to creating a conducive environment for them to thrive.
Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, a distinguished neurosurgeon and public health expert, brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having dedicated over 25 years to the medical field and holding various administrative positions. His remarkable surgical achievements include leading the first successful separation of Ghanaian Siamese twins conjoined at the head and performing Ghana’s first telecast modern awake brain surgery. These groundbreaking achievements demonstrate his exceptional surgical skills and innovative approach to medical practice. Professor Akoriyea’s impressive academic background includes a medical degree and neurosurgery specialization from Cuba’s Higher Institute of Medical Sciences, a PhD in Public Health from Spain, and executive qualifications in governance and diplomacy from GIMPA and the University of Ghana. This diverse educational background equips him with a comprehensive understanding of both clinical practice and public health policy, making him well-suited to lead the GHS.
In addition to his surgical and academic accomplishments, Professor Akoriyea currently serves as the Service and National Training Coordinator for Neurosurgery Residents at the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, further demonstrating his commitment to education and mentorship within the medical community. He also continues to contribute his expertise as a volunteer consultant neurosurgeon, highlighting his dedication to serving the community and providing essential medical care. This combination of clinical practice, academic achievement, and leadership experience positions Professor Akoriyea as a highly qualified and capable leader for the GHS. His appointment marks a significant step forward for the organization and promises to bring positive change to the Ghanaian healthcare system. The handover ceremony was attended by GHS management, directors, program managers, and other key stakeholders, signifying the importance of this transition and the collective support for the new Director-General.
