The Acting Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, has assured nurses working in the most vulnerable and underserved parts of the country that they have not been forgotten, pledging to personally visit health facilities in every corner of Ghana. He cited previous visits to facilities in Dambai, Kete Krachi, and Nzulezu as part of his efforts and vowed not to rest until he reaches every nurse serving in the forgotten corners of the country.
Dr Akoriyea made the commitment at the 6th Annual National Dinner and Awards Night 2025, an event held to recognise outstanding nurses and midwives whose professionalism and dedication continue to sustain Ghana’s health system.
Addressing participants at the ceremony, Dr Akoriyea emphasised the critical role nurses play in the lives of all Ghanaians, noting that regardless of where one is born, a nurse is always part of their life story. He described nurses and midwives as the largest workforce and backbone of Ghana’s healthcare system, driving equitable, accessible, and effective care nationwide.
He announced that in 2026, the Ghana Health Service will extend emergency care and basic life support training for all health workers. According to him, the initiative will equip healthcare professionals with the necessary skills to respond effectively to emergencies and restore hope to patients in critical conditions.
Reflecting on the legacy of Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing, Dr Akoriyea stressed the need to strengthen infection prevention and control (IPC) practices. He warned that continued challenges in IPC more than a century after Nightingale’s work signal a need for renewed commitment across health facilities.
He further called on hospital administrators to prioritise cleanliness and patient-centred care, urging them to ensure that health facilities reflect high standards, comparable to five-star environments, with readily available and compassionate nurses to support patients.
Dr Akoriyea congratulated all award recipients for their exemplary service and encouraged nurses who were not recognised this year to continue striving for excellence. He reaffirmed his dedication to nurses working in remote and hard-to-reach areas, assuring them that the Ghana Health Service remains committed to their welfare.
He cited previous visits to facilities in Dambai, Kete Krachi, and Nzulezu as part of his efforts and vowed not to rest until he personally reaches every nurse serving in forgotten corners of the country.
The 6th Annual National Dinner and Awards Night celebrated nurses and midwives who have distinguished themselves as role models, recognising their invaluable contribution to sustaining Ghana’s healthcare system, strengthening communities, and inspiring hope across the nation.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
