The Ghana Health Service (GHS) in the North East Region has recognized and awarded 106 frontline and allied health professionals for their significant contributions in containing the spread and effects of COVID-19 in the Region. The awardees were selected from health facilities in the West Mamprusi and East Mamprusi zones.
During separate ceremonies, the professionals received citations and certificates of honor. Dr. Abdulai Abukari, the Regional Director of the GHS, explained that the awards were an extension of a ceremony hosted by President Akufo-Addo in Accra on March 14, 2023, to honor frontline health workers across the country involved in the fight against the virus. Due to the large number of frontline workers involved nationwide, only a few were invited to the national ceremony. Thus, the President tasked Regional Ministers, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives to collaborate with their Directors of Health Services to present awards and certificates to the nominees in their respective regions.
Dr. Abukari highlighted the region’s experience with COVID-19, stating that the first recorded case and fatality occurred in Walewale in April 2020. The disease subsequently spread to all districts in the region, resulting in a total of 420 cases and 11 deaths. He also commended the region’s success in vaccination, with a coverage rate of 91.3% among the eligible population, the highest among all 16 regions.
The Regional Director attributed the region’s achievements to the commitment, hard work, and dedication of their frontline health professionals. He urged all health workers to continue delivering their best for the benefit of vulnerable members of society and acknowledged the awardees as heroes recognized by the President and the Ghanaian people.
Some of the awardees expressed gratitude to the President and the government for recognizing their contributions. They stated that the awards served as motivation to continue their efforts in providing quality healthcare in the region. While some awardees expressed hope for monetary recognition, they acknowledged the value of the certificates as evidence of their significant contributions during the pandemic.
Mr. Abdul-Rashid Hussein, the West Mamprusi Municipal Director of the GHS, who received an award, emphasized that the recognition signified appreciation for their support, commitment, and fight against the pandemic. He encouraged those who were not awarded to remain dedicated and contribute to uplifting the image of the GHS in the region.
