Bolgatanga: Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has urged healthcare management teams nationwide to strengthen patient grievance redress mechanisms and implement practical measures to enhance client satisfaction.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Akoriyea emphasized the importance of supporting persons living with disabilities and fostering positive community relations. He noted that by addressing concerns proactively, public controversies could be avoided, maintaining trust in healthcare facilities. His remarks were delivered on his behalf during the opening of the 2025 Annual Performance Review meeting of the Upper East Region, under the theme: 'Strengthening health systems for sustainable and equitable access to quality healthcare: the role of monitoring and supportive supervision.'
To ensure effective operations in 2026, Dr. Akoriyea tasked all Regional Directors to assert confident leadership with full backing from his office. He called for the maintenance of discipline, safeguarding financial health, and ensuring the availability of medicines and essential logistics. 'Internally Generated Funds must be managed responsibly with deliberate ring-fencing for maintenance and operational sustainability. Keep close watch on underperforming facilities and districts, intensify supportive supervision, and remain visible on the ground through regular monitoring and engagement visits,' he said.
The Director-General acknowledged national progress but urged staff to address areas with insufficient performance, such as maternal mortality, skilled delivery coverage, and non-communicable disease mortalities. 'These indicators represent real lives and family realities and demand renewed focus, innovation, and strengthened supervision at all levels. Our reviews must be honest, evidence-driven, and solution-oriented,' he added.
Dr. Akoriyea assured Dr. Braimah Baba Abubakari, Upper East Regional Director, and his team of continued support from the GHS Council, engaging the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to address systemic challenges like staffing and funding. 'We remain committed to creating an enabling environment that allows you to perform your duties effectively. Let us continue to serve with integrity, lead with purpose, and work together to improve the health and well-being of every Ghanaian,' he said.
Mr. Donatus Akamugri Atanga, Upper East Regional Minister and Guest of Honour, highlighted the government's commitment to rolling out the Free Primary Health Care Programme, eliminating financial barriers at the primary level. 'This initiative will be complemented by intensified prevention, early screening, and health promotion, particularly in response to the rising burden of non-communicable diseases,' he said.
Addressing doctor retention, Mr. Atanga mentioned measures to improve conditions for medical personnel in underserved areas, providing targeted support to make living and working conditions more conducive. He commended the Regional Health Directorate and health workers for their dedication and resilience, often under challenging conditions. 'Your commitment continues to make a profound difference in the lives of our people,' he added.