GMA Volta Division hosts awards dinner to honour health sector champions
The Volta Division of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) on Saturday, June 7, 2025, honoured several individuals and organisations for their investments in the healthcare system across the Volta and Oti regions in recent years.
The awards dinner, held under the theme “Improving Quality of Care for Clients – The Role of Private Sector Investments”, celebrated contributions in areas such as humanitarian services, community engagement, public health, health education, innovative healthcare solutions, and excellence in advocacy and partnerships.
Awards were also presented in recognition of achievements in pharmaceutical and biotechnology advancements, drug development and distribution, and overall excellence in healthcare delivery in the region.
Among the distinguished individual awardees was Professor Enyonam Yao Kwawukume, a consultant obstetrician-gynaecologist, who was honoured for his instrumental role in renovating the maternity block of the Anloga Hospital, revamping three abandoned theatres, and donating an anaesthesia operating table, 50 plastic chairs, and other essential items.
Philanthropist Dzissah Futukpor was acknowledged for donating a building for use as the Klikor Health Centre and a storey building to serve as a staff bungalow. Another philanthropist, Felix Akakpo, received recognition for constructing a six-unit maternity block at Lente-Wute, a four-unit reproductive and child health block, and additional facilities.
The Korean Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) emerged as the overall winner among the organisations recognised for their critical contributions to healthcare delivery in the Volta and Oti regions.
Other notable award-winning institutions included Roche Ghana, Trafalgar Gate Pharmacy, the MTN Foundation, and the Volta Health Network.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr David Kofi Wuaku, a management consultant, underscored the importance of healthcare as not merely a social good but a fundamental pillar of national development.
“While the government has the primary responsibility to ensure access and equity in healthcare delivery, the truth is that no single entity—public or private—can do it alone,” he said.
Dr Wuaku emphasised the value of strategic partnerships in bridging healthcare gaps, mobilising resources, and fostering innovation. He noted that despite significant strides, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, shortages of critical medical supplies, and limited access to emergency and specialist care remain prevalent.
“These challenges are not insurmountable,” he added. “They are rather opportunities to think differently, collaborate intentionally, and harness the power of private sector investment as a strategic partner in transforming the health system.”
He maintained that the private sector’s involvement goes beyond financial contributions, offering innovation, partnership, and operational efficiency.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, spoke on the potential of medical tourism to attract foreign investment, retain skilled professionals, and expand local access to specialised care. He encouraged the GMA to collaborate with government and private entities to explore the sector for national benefit.
The Chairman of the Volta Division of the GMA, Dr (Med) Kwaku Appiagyei, called for stakeholder support for the association’s One District-One Doctor initiative and the C300 Cervical Cancer Screening Campaign, which aims to screen 300 women in Anloga, Adaklu District, and Likpe-Bakua.
“Together, we can make the Volta Region a medical tourism destination within our sub-region,” he concluded.
