Mr. Stephen Bordotsiah, former Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in the Bolgatanga Municipality, spearheaded the construction and commissioning of a much-needed diagnostic laboratory and disease control unit at the Sumbrungu Health Centre. This initiative, born out of community appeals for improved healthcare access, was initially funded by Mr. Bordotsiah’s personal contributions, specifically his allowances from the annual Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) program. Recognizing the significance of this project, staff members of the Municipal Health Directorate, including all 54 SMC supervisors, rallied behind Mr. Bordotsiah’s efforts, each donating Gh¢100.00 to bolster the construction fund. This collective endeavor underscores the community’s commitment to enhancing local healthcare infrastructure.
Prior to the establishment of this facility, the Sumbrungu Health Centre, a crucial referral point for surrounding Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds and a key hub within the Network of Practice (NoP), faced significant challenges in providing comprehensive healthcare. The lack of an on-site laboratory meant patients requiring diagnostic tests had to rely on private laboratories, often incurring additional costs and delays in receiving timely medical attention. The newly commissioned laboratory represents a significant step towards addressing this gap, enabling the health centre to offer essential diagnostic services directly to the community.
At the commissioning ceremony, Mr. Bordotsiah expressed his gratitude to all contributors, both financial and physical, who played a crucial role in realizing this project. He emphasized the collective effort that brought the laboratory to fruition, highlighting its importance in providing accessible and convenient diagnostic services to the community. Beyond the laboratory, Mr. Bordotsiah also spearheaded the development of a dedicated disease control unit. This unit addresses the previous challenges of limited space and inadequate privacy for patients with specific disease conditions, ensuring a more dignified and effective approach to healthcare delivery.
Mr. Emmanuel Adongo, the Upper East Regional Biomedical Scientist, commended Mr. Bordotsiah’s consistent commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure through the establishment of diagnostic laboratories. He recalled Mr. Bordotsiah’s previous role as Director of the Service in the Bongo District, where he similarly championed the development of laboratories at several health centers. This dedication continued during his tenure in the Bolgatanga Municipality, where he oversaw the establishment of laboratories at the Coronation, Sherigu, Sokabisi, Nayariga, and Bolgatanga Health Centres. Mr. Adongo’s acknowledgement underscores the significant impact of Mr. Bordotsiah’s leadership in expanding diagnostic capabilities across multiple districts. He further pledged the necessary support to ensure the newly commissioned Sumbrungu laboratory operates effectively and sustainably.
Madam Christiana Tibil, Physician Assistant in charge of the Sumbrungu East Sub-Municipality, expressed gratitude for Mr. Bordotsiah’s vision and initiative. She appealed to stakeholders for continued support in equipping the facility with essential medical and non-medical consumables. This ongoing need for resources highlights the collaborative nature of healthcare development and the importance of sustained community engagement to ensure long-term functionality and effectiveness. Community members present at the commissioning expressed their appreciation for the new laboratory, emphasizing the relief it would provide by eliminating the burden of seeking diagnostic services elsewhere. Their direct testimonials underscore the positive impact of this project on the community’s access to healthcare.
Following his impactful tenure in the Bolgatanga Municipality, Mr. Bordotsiah has been reassigned as Director of the GHS in the Bawku West District, effective August 4, 2025, as per a reassignment letter signed by Dr. Braimah Baba Abubakari, the Regional Director of the Service. This transition signifies the ongoing efforts to strategically deploy leadership within the Ghanaian health system to address the evolving healthcare needs of various communities. Mr. Bordotsiah’s legacy in Bolgatanga, particularly the establishment of the Sumbrungu Health Centre’s laboratory and disease control unit, serves as a testament to his dedication to enhancing healthcare access and improving community well-being. This achievement highlights the power of individual initiative coupled with community collaboration to bring about positive change within the healthcare landscape.
