The outgoing Upper East Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Samuel Kwabena Boakye-Boateng has officially handed over to Dr Braimah Baba Abubakari as the new director of health for the region.
Dr Samuel Kwabena Boakye-Boateng was recently reassign to serve as the Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Division (PPMED) at GHS headquarters in Accra.
At a short handing-over ceremony in Bolgatanga on April 11, 2025, Dr Boateng reflected on his journey as health director, describing his tenure in the Upper East Region as the best region he has worked in.
He expressed gratitude to the staff and stakeholders for their support and collaboration, citing achievements in healthcare delivery.
Dr Boateng ascribed the difficulty in attracting and retaining doctors and nurses in rural and conflict-prone areas in the region and the deplorable state of health service infrastructure as a major challenge to health service delivery in the region.
“Health infrastructures are old and inadequate, requiring renovation and upgrading. We have difficulties in posting staff to conflict-prone areas, affecting healthcare delivery” He said.
Dr Boateng emphasized the need to motivate staff working in deprived and conflict areas.
“We have to explore non-traditional ways to mobilize resources, including diaspora support, collaborating with stakeholders, including the media, to promote healthcare and address challenges.”
The outgoing director further expressed confidence in his successor’s abilities and urged staff and stakeholders to provide him with the needed support to deliver on his mandate of improving healthcare delivery in the region.
On his part, Dr Braimah Baba Abubakari, the new director of health services, pledged to build on the progress made by his predecessor, emphasizing that teamwork and cooperation from staff and stakeholders are crucial for the region’s healthcare success, citing the Ghana Health Service’s role in contributing to the country’s economy.
“With commitment and teamwork, we will build on existing progress, poised to drive healthcare development in the Upper East Region”, He added.
Dr Abubakari previously served as the regional director of health services for the North East Region.
Mike 105.3 FM | Navrongo | Bernard Azukuzia Ane
