The Oti Regional Health Directorate bid farewell to two of its esteemed leaders, Dr. Osei Kuffour Affreh, the Regional Director, and Alhaji Alhassan Mohammed Sani, the Deputy Director of Finance, in a poignant ceremony held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. The gathering, convened at the directorate’s headquarters in Worawora, brought together a diverse array of attendees, including medical professionals, regional and district health personnel, traditional leaders, and staff members, all assembled to celebrate the significant contributions of the departing officials and extend their best wishes for success in their new endeavors. Dr. Affreh was set to embark on a new chapter in his career within the Bono Region, while Alhaji Sani prepared to assume his responsibilities in the Upper East Region.
Alhaji Sani, in his valedictory address, expressed his profound gratitude to the traditional authorities, particularly those in Worawora, for their unwavering support and the conducive working environment they fostered throughout his five-year tenure in the Oti Region. He acknowledged the instrumental role played by Dr. Affreh’s leadership and commended the collective dedication of the entire health team, whose synergistic efforts culminated in positive evaluations during recent UNICEF audits, a testament to their commitment to excellence. Moreover, Alhaji Sani extended personal thanks to his colleagues and the administrative staff, recognizing their individual and collective contributions to the directorate’s overall achievements.
Dr. Affreh, visibly moved by the occasion, delivered a heartfelt farewell speech, reflecting on his time as Regional Director and describing the Oti Region as his “second home.” He expressed his sincere appreciation to Nana Owusu Afari for the warm reception he received upon his arrival and for nurturing a productive collaborative relationship between the health directorate and the traditional authorities. This collaborative spirit, he noted, fostered a sense of shared purpose and facilitated the effective implementation of health initiatives within the region. Dr. Affreh emphasized the unity and unwavering dedication of the health professionals in the Oti Region, attributes that garnered admiration and recognition from other health directorates across the country. He credited his professional growth and development to the mentorship of Dr. Timothy Letsa, underscoring the invaluable role of strong leadership and cohesive teamwork in achieving organizational success.
Recalling a period when his transfer to another region was imminent, Dr. Affreh highlighted his unwavering commitment to serving the people of Oti, emphasizing that each challenge encountered only served to strengthen his resolve and deepen his connection to the region and its people. This experience solidified his dedication to the Oti region and reinforced his belief in the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. He urged the health workers to maintain a culture of continuous improvement and mentorship, emphasizing that these principles are essential for sustained progress and the development of future leaders within the health sector. This call to action underscored his commitment to leaving a lasting legacy of professional development and continuous improvement within the Oti Regional Health Directorate.
Reverend Harry Nii Kwatei-Owoo, Director at the Oti Regional Coordinating Council, presided over the farewell ceremony, commending both Dr. Affreh and Alhaji Sani for their distinguished service and exemplary leadership. He expressed his confidence in their abilities to excel in their new roles and encouraged them to maintain their dedication to Ghana’s public health mission. This endorsement from a senior official within the regional administration further highlighted the significant contributions of both departing officials and their positive impact on the Oti region’s health landscape.
The farewell ceremony served not only as a tribute to the departing leaders but also as a reaffirmation of the Oti Regional Health Directorate’s commitment to providing quality healthcare services to the people of the region. The event underscored the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and continuous improvement in achieving public health goals and highlighted the crucial role of dedicated leadership in fostering a positive and productive work environment. The departure of Dr. Affreh and Alhaji Sani marked a transition for the directorate, yet their contributions and legacy were poised to continue inspiring the remaining staff to uphold the highest standards of service and strive for continued excellence in public health.
