On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, President Akufo-Addo awarded a new saloon car to Ms. Vivian Opoku-Kyeremeh of Dumasua CHPS in the Bono Region, recognizing her as the top winner at the 2024 Ghana Health Service (GHS) Excellence Awards.

Accompanying the President were His Royal Majesty, Nii King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse; Deputy Minister for Health, Adelaide Ntim; Dr. Sefah Sarpong Bediako, Chairman of the Ghana Health Service Council; and Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, to celebrate Ms. Opoku-Kyeremeh’s outstanding achievements.

The award highlighted her exceptional dedication, innovative efforts, and remarkable service in advancing healthcare across the country. As part of the recognition, she received a certificate of honor, a citation plaque, a 50-inch LED Smart TV, a new Volkswagen Virtus car, and an all-expenses-paid trip to Dubai.

During the ceremony at the Grand Arena, Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), President Akufo-Addo praised healthcare workers for their unwavering commitment and vital role in the nation’s healthcare system.

The President pointed out that under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, several initiatives have been implemented to strengthen the health sector, despite significant challenges. These measures include community health service programs, improvements in the primary healthcare network, and the expansion of services to remote areas.

These efforts, he emphasized, reflect the government’s dedication to building an inclusive healthcare system that benefits all citizens. Additionally, President Akufo-Addo highlighted steps taken by his administration to address staffing shortages in the health sector.

“Over the past eight years, 202,527 medical personnel have been recruited, including medical officers, house officers, specialists, nurses, midwives, and administrative managers,” he said.

“Under my administration, significant strides have been made to bridge critical staffing gaps. Over the past eight years, we recruited some 202,527 medical personnel.”

“These include 12,132 medical officers, house officers, and specialists; 165,222 diploma and degree nurses and midwives; 8,688 support staff, including administrative managers, cooks, and executive officers; 1,303 pharmacists and pharmacy technicians; 80 medical herbalists; and 13,471 allied health professionals and allied health interns,” the president added.