The innovative scheme, embedded within the Service’s Staff Welfare and Performance Management System, seeks to motivate and reward individual health workers and facilities for exceptional performance and achievements in healthcare delivery.

This was disclosed in a letter signed by Mr Paschal Dongzuing, Deputy Director of Administration, on behalf of Dr Braimah Baba Abubakari, the Regional Director of the GHS.

The letter indicated that the primary goal of the initiative is to instill “a sense of regional pride, patriotism, and professionalism among our health workers, encouraging them to continually strive for excellence in improving healthcare quality and outcomes for the citizens of the region and beyond.”

It said implementation would commence this year, 2026, during the 2025 Annual Regional Performance Review session, and that the event is scheduled for March 24 and 25 at the Dr John Koku Awoonor-Williams In-Service Training and Conference Centre in Bolgatanga.

The letter further announced: “Owing to time constraints, only the institutional and facility-level awards will be considered for the 2025 performance year.”

The Directorate urged staff to support the initiative to ensure its success as they work in unison toward providing quality health service delivery and achieving better health outcomes in the region.

Source: PR Unit, Upper East Regional Health Directorate.

The Committee is tasked with recommending various award prizes to the Regional Director of Health Services, identifying funding or sponsorship sources, and overseeing the annual conduct of the awards.

Additionally, they are required to report to the Director within two weeks following each awards event.

The Committee is chaired by Mr Paschal Dongzuing, Deputy Director of Administration, with Mr Dickson Nsoh, Acting Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, serving as Secretary.

The other members include: Dr Zakariah Adam, Acting Deputy Director of Public Health; Dr Samuel Aborah, Acting Deputy Director of Clinical Care; Mr Kelvin Tenyekyebe, Deputy Director of Human Resource and Mr Yakubu Issahaku, Deputy Director of Finance.

The rest are: Dr Kofi Asare Ansah, Medical Superintendent of the Bongo District Hospital; Mr Lawal Alhassan, Bolgatanga Municipal Director of Health Services; Madam Adijatu Tiamiya, Regional Health Information Officer and Mr Majeed Sulemana, Regional TB and HIV Coordinator.

A letter signed by Mr Dongzuing on behalf of Dr Abubakari stated that the Committee’s mandate is to establish award criteria for best-performing BMC heads, Municipal and District Health Directorates (MDHD), and hospitals, as well as high-performing Health Centres and Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds.

The Committee would further establish awards for outstanding staff at all levels of healthcare delivery, including the Regional Health Directorate, hospitals, MDHDs, Health Centres, and CHPS compounds.

The objectives of the awards scheme are to promote excellence in healthcare delivery through professionalism, innovation, good governance, efficiency, and best practices.

Improve and sustain the quality of healthcare in the Upper East Region, and encourage higher patronage of services provided by the GHS.

The awards would comprise four broad categories: General Staff Awards at various levels of health service delivery, Institutional Level Awards, Leadership Excellence Awards and Special Awards for key supportive stakeholders or partners.

Dr Abubakari urged the Committee members to work diligently to ensure a well-organized program and called on all GHS staff to take active interest in the initiative.

Source: PR Unit, Upper East Regional Health Directorate

The Upper East Regional leadership of the Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UPNMG), has successfully organized its maiden durbar since coming under the umbrella of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) five years ago. The event, themed “Delivering Critical Healthcare Amidst Security Crises and Acute Shortage of Nurses and Midwives: The Role of Stakeholders,” set the pace for the union’s activities in the country. The durbar brought together nurses, midwives, health administrators and policymakers to deliberate on the pressing challenges facing healthcare delivery in the Upper East Region. Discussions highlighted the acute shortage of health professionals, the strain of insecurity in border communities, and the resilience of frontline workers who continue to provide essential services despite difficult conditions.

Regional President, Hon. Apandango  Mahamadu Musah expressed pride in the union’s progress under the TUC umbrella and highlighted the significance of the maiden durbar as a turning point for the region. He noted that the event was not only a platform for dialogue but also a demonstration of the union’s resolve to champion the welfare of nurses and midwives. He called on members to remain united, proactive, and professional, stressing that their collective strength is key to overcoming challenges and shaping the future of healthcare in the Upper East Region.

He again made a strong appeal to government to urgently address the acute shortage of nurses and midwives in the Upper East Region. He stressed that without adequate staffing, the delivery of critical healthcare services will remain under severe strain, especially in border communities affected by insecurity. He called for increased recruitment, equitable distribution of health professionals, and improved incentives to retain staff in rural and hard-to-reach areas.

He further urged government to prioritize investment in health infrastructure and provide the necessary logistical support to enable nurses and midwives to perform their duties effectively. “Our members are committed to serving, but they cannot do so without the right tools, security, and recognition,” he emphasized, adding that the union stands ready to collaborate with authorities to find lasting solutions.

The Regional Minister, Hon. Atanga  Donatus Akamugri in his address, commended the UPNMG Upper East leadership for organizing the maiden durbar, describing it as a bold step in setting the pace for the union’s future engagements. He emphasized government’s recognition of the vital role nurses and midwives play in the region’s healthcare system and pledged continued support to improve working conditions, expand training opportunities, and enhance security in vulnerable communities. He further urged stakeholders to work hand in hand with the union, stressing that healthcare delivery is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration between government, unions, traditional authorities, and the wider community. The Minister assured participants that the concerns raised during the durbar would be taken into consideration in policy discussions at the regional level.

The National President  H.E. Mr. Maxwell Oduro Yeboah in his address commended the Upper East Regional leadership for setting the pace with their maiden durbar. He emphasized that the union’s inclusion under the TUC umbrella just five years ago has strengthened its advocacy power and given nurses and midwives a stronger collective voice. He noted that the challenges of insecurity and staffing shortages require urgent, coordinated action from all stakeholders, and reaffirmed the union’s commitment to working with government, local authorities, and development partners to improve healthcare delivery. He further encouraged members to remain united and proactive, stressing that the union’s strength lies in its solidarity and ability to engage constructively with policymakers.

The Chairperson of the durbar, Hon. Damata Bukari lauded the initiative of the regional leadership, describing the event as a landmark in the union’s journey. She underscored the importance of unity and collaboration, stressing that the challenges confronting healthcare in the region cannot be solved by health workers alone. She called on government, traditional authorities, and community leaders to play their part in ensuring that nurses and midwives are adequately supported to deliver quality care. She further urged members of the union to remain steadfast, professional, and innovative in their service, reminding them that their dedication is the backbone of healthcare delivery in the Upper East Region.

The Deputy Director of  Human Resource  of Health in the Region, Mr. Kelvin F. Tengekyebe  praised the union for its proactive step in convening such a durbar. He acknowledged the critical role nurses and midwives play in sustaining healthcare delivery, especially in underserved and insecure communities. He assured participants that the Ghana Health Service remains committed to working closely with UPNMG and other stakeholders to address staffing shortages, improve resource allocation, and strengthen security measures where needed. He further encouraged nurses and midwives to continue demonstrating professionalism and resilience, noting that their dedication is central to the region’s ability to deliver quality healthcare amidst challenges.

By hosting this maiden durbar, the Upper East Regional leadership of UPNMG has set a strong precedent for advocacy and partnership, reinforcing the union’s commitment to advancing healthcare and worker welfare within the TUC framework.

The Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly on Saturday, 7th February, joined the rest of the country to observe National Sanitation Day with a massive clean up exercise across major parts of the municipality.
The initiative, led by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Honourable Roland Ayo Atanga, brought together a wide range of stakeholders to promote environmental cleanliness and public health. Participants included students from several Senior High Schools among them Bolga Girls Senior High School, Zamstech, Botech and BCI, as well as officers from the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Armed Forces, and staff of the Environmental Protection Agency.
The exercise covered markets, lorry parks, streets and other public spaces, with participants desilting gutters, sweeping roads and clearing refuse. Residents and traders were also encouraged to take active part in keeping their surroundings neat.
Speaking during the exercise, Hon. Atanga said the Assembly is determined to ensure a cleaner and healthier Bolgatanga. He announced that a special sanitation task force has been established to enforce compliance with environmental standards.

“We want Bolgatanga to be one of the cleanest municipalities in the country. Anyone who fails to participate in clean-up exercises and keeps a dirty environment will face sanctions,” the MCE stated.
He added that a new set of by laws will soon be introduced to back the enforcement drive and ensure that offenders are dealt with according to the law.
The Assemblyman for Soe Electoral Area, Hon. Lambert Akunzele, described the exercise as highly successful. He commended the level of participation and emphasized the need for firmness in enforcing sanitation rules.
“Sometimes, a little force is necessary to get things done. Cleanliness is not optional it is our collective responsibility,” he said.
Hon. Akunzele also urged traders, especially those in the markets and along busy streets, to make it a habit to clean their surroundings daily and not wait for official clean up days.

Residents who witnessed the exercise expressed hope that the initiative would be sustained, noting that a cleaner environment would improve health, boost tourism, and enhance the overall image of the municipality.
The Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly has therefore called on all citizens to cooperate with the task force and comply with the forthcoming bylaws as part of efforts to build a cleaner, safer and healthier municipality for all.

As part of its annual Christmas tradition, MTN Ghana, Upper East Regional Branch, on Thursday, December 26, 2025, visited the maternity wards of the War Memorial Hospital in Navrongo and the Upper East Regional Hospital in Bolgatanga to share love with mothers who delivered on Christmas Day. The visit formed part of MTN Ghana’s long standing initiative to celebrate the birth of Christ by supporting new mothers and their babies during the festive season. Management and staff of the telecommunications giant presented beautifully packaged hampers filled with essential baby care items, including baby soaps, towels, diapers, wipes, baby drums, pomade, feeding bottles, and other necessities.

In total, 28 mothers who gave birth on December 25, 2025, benefited from the gesture, which brought smiles and excitement to the maternity wards.
One of the beneficiaries, Madam Evelyn Adongo, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to MTN Ghana for the kindness and compassion shown to them during such a special moment in their lives. She described the support as timely and uplifting, especially for mothers welcoming new lives on Christmas Day.

Another beneficiary, Madam Naomi Akolgo, also thanked MTN Ghana for the thoughtful initiative. She used the opportunity to pray for continued growth, long life, increased patronage, and abundant blessings upon the management and staff of the company for their generosity and commitment to society.

Speaking on behalf of the health facility, Madam Anisa Abdulai, the Senior Midwifery Officer in charge of the maternity ward, expressed profound appreciation to MTN Ghana for their unwavering support, dedication, and love shown to the ward year after year. She noted that the initiative has become a cherished annual tradition that brings comfort and encouragement to both mothers and healthcare workers.
Madam Abdulai further encouraged the public to continue using the MTN network, emphasizing the company’s strong commitment to community development and social responsibility, while urging customers to “connect everywhere you go.”

The annual Christmas outreach by MTN Ghana continues to highlight the company’s commitment to touching lives beyond telecommunications, reinforcing its role as a caring corporate citizen dedicated to making meaningful impact in communities across the country.

The Women’s Committee of the Health Services Workers Union (HSWU) in the Upper East Region has successfully organized a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Sensitization Workshop in the Region, reaffirming its commitment to promoting safe workplaces and communities free from harassment and abuse.

The purpose is to raise awareness on the prevalence and impact of gender-based violence among health workers and the wider community, to empower participants with knowledge on prevention, reporting, and survivor support mechanisms  and to strengthen collaboration between union members, health institutions, and community stakeholders in addressing GBV.

The workshop brought together: Health professionals from across the Upper East Region, Union representatives and executives, Community leaders and advocates for women’s rights.

HSWU Regional  Women Chairperson Sis. Selma Asolam Addih, in her opening remark noted, “Gender-based violence is not just a social issue—it is a health crisis. As health workers, we must be at the forefront of protecting vulnerable groups and ensuring dignity for all.” urging health workers and community leaders to unite in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).

She emphasized that GBV remains a pressing issue affecting families, workplaces, and communities, undermining dignity and well-being. The Chairperson highlighted that health professionals are not only caregivers but also advocates for safe and inclusive environments.She described the workshop as a call to action—an opportunity to learn, share experiences, and strengthen collective resolve against violence and discrimination.

The National Gender Desk Officer of the Health Services Workers Union (HSWU) Sis. Harriet Amposah delivered a compelling address, stressing the urgent need for collective action to eliminate gender-based violence in workplaces and communities. The Officer reaffirmed the Union’s dedication to championing gender equity and protecting vulnerable groups from abuse and harassment.

She emphasized that gender-based violence is not only a social problem but also a workplace challenge that undermines productivity, morale, and the health of workers.

She highlighted the Union’s responsibility to ensure safe and inclusive environments where every worker can thrive free from intimidation or discrimination.

Expert facilitators led discussions on the psychological, social, and economic effects to  raise awareness on the prevalence and impact of gender-based violence in workplaces and communities.

Several participants noted that the workshop provided new perspectives on workplace harassment and reporting mechanisms. Others emphasized the importance of continuous sensitization and union-led advocacy to sustain momentum against GBV.

In the heart of the Upper East Region, a silent revolution is changing lives and mindsets as AfriKids continues to champion the cause of children living with cerebral palsy and other disabilities once labeled as “spirit children.”
At a community engagement event to mark World Cerebral Palsy Day in Sirigu, the Women in Broadcasting, Upper East Region interacted with caregivers, physiotherapists, and AfriKids officials, who shared touching testimonies of transformation and hope.
Madam Regina Azubkina shared the story of her grandson, who was diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy shortly after birth.
“I realized his movements were not good, so I took him to the hospital where they said he had mild cerebral palsy. At that time, he couldn’t talk or move, but now he can sit, move, and even walk with the help of a walker,” she said with joy.
Madam Azubkina added that after hearing about AfriKids, she brought her grandson to the center about three years ago. Since then, she has witnessed remarkable progress.

“At first, he couldn’t even hold his neck steady, but now he can control it well. His speech is improving, and he can now say a few words. I encourage other parents not to hide their children but to seek help from AfriKids or any available support centers,” she advised.
According to Mr. Ayambire William, a social intervention officer and physiotherapy coordinator for Afrikids, the organization has been working tirelessly to provide physical training and rehabilitation support for children with cerebral palsy across several communities.
“I’ve been working with children with cerebral palsy since 2008. Every week, our team moves across four(4) communities to attend to these children. We also conduct home visits to ensure that parents are following up with the training and using the devices provided,” he explained.
He emphasized that many parents initially believed their children’s conditions required drugs or were spiritual in nature, but through continuous education and training, that mindset is changing.

“The biggest challenge was convincing parents that physiotherapy alone can help their children walk. We don’t deal with drugs. We focus on physical training and awareness. Now, many of the children who could not sit or stand are walking,” he said proudly.
Mr. Ayambire also disclosed that AfriKids designs and produces assistive devices locally using simple materials like cardboard to create standing frames, sitting devices, and walkers for home use.
“Every year, we record great improvements. Just this year, seven children have already started walking through our training program. Some even come from as far as Walewale to benefit from the AfriKids physiotherapy sessions,” he revealed.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Joseph Asakibeem, the Project Manager for AfriKids, noted that the organization’s intervention in Sirigu began after discovering that children with disabilities, especially those with cerebral palsy, were being labeled as “spirit children” and often killed by families and communities due to deep-rooted superstitions.

“In 2013, AfriKids, in collaboration with local chiefs and community leaders, stood up against the killing of children accused of being spirit children. We built a facility here in Sirigu to rescue and care for these children,” he said.
He explained that AfriKids currently operates four major facilities across the Upper East Region, catering to over 250 children living with cerebral palsy. The centers offer physiotherapy training, assistive devices, and counseling for both parents and caregivers.
“As the project draws to a close, AfriKids is preparing to hand over these facilities to the Ghana Health Service to ensure continuity and sustainability,” Mr. Asakibeem disclosed that through
its consistent advocacy, training programs, and community education, AfriKids has become a beacon of hope for families once burdened by stigma and hopelessness. The organization’s efforts have not only restored dignity to children living with disabilities but also transformed public attitudes toward inclusion and care.
As Madam Regina Azubkina put it, “these children are not spirit children as people think. With patience and support, they can improve. AfriKids’ unwavering dedication continues to prove that every child, regardless of physical ability, deserves love, care, and the opportunity to live a meaningful life.

The Bolgatanga Municipal Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in the Upper East Region, has honoured Mr Clement A. Dokurugu, a Nursing Officer for his contribution to healthcare delivery in the Municipality.

Mr Dokurugu, a dedicated staff at the Bolgatanga Health Centre with decades of experience in the nursing profession, rose through the ranks to the position of Nursing Officer, and was honoured with a citation of appreciation.

Management of the GHS in the Municipality, under the leadership of Mr Stephen Bordotsiah, its Director, recognized the Officer’s “dedication, professionalism, and outstanding contribution to healthcare delivery in the Bolgatanga Central Sub-Municipality.”

The Municipal Director and his team in the citation, further “proudly acknowledge your efforts and recognize you as the Best Staff of the Bolgatanga Central Sub-Municipality for January 2025.”

Mr Dokurugu expressed gratitude to the Municipal Director and his team for the recognition, and thanked his colleagues for the support, “I want to use this opportunity to thank the entire staff of the Bolgatanga Health Centre for your support.

“Without your support, I would not have been honoured with this citation,” the Nursing Officer said.

The Health Directorate as part of measures to motivate staff and encourage them to work diligently to improve health service delivery, initiated monthly award schemes in the form of citations to honour and appreciate hardworking staff across the Municipality.

Several nurses and midwives including other officers within the healthcare delivery system in the Municipality had over the months received citations of honour in appreciation of their hard work.

Following Mr Dokurugu’s recognition, some nurses and midwives took to social media to congratulate him, “Congratulations, well deserved,” Madam Felicia Awuni, a staff of the Bolgatanga Health Centre wrote.

Mr Dawda Sadique, Madam Patience Adupokbila Ayeltige and Madam Ayishetu Sumaila, all staff of the Bolgatanga Health Centre, simply wrote “Congratulations”.

Source – gbcuraonline.com

The vibrant city of Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region of Ghana is set to come alive once again with the annual Asaa Festival and Music Concert, spearheaded by Ghanaian American musician Samuel Asaa, popularly known as SamAiam. The festival, a celebration of music, community, and philanthropy, is scheduled to take place throughout the first week of March 2025.

SamAiam, a California based artist with roots in Ghana, has been dedicated to giving back to society through the Asaa Festival, which features a range of community driven initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the people of Bolgatanga. The highly anticipated event will commence on March 1, 2025, with the Mega Walk with SamAiam, a health walk designed to promote physical fitness and wellness among residents.

As part of the festival’s commitment to community welfare, there will be free health screenings and free health insurance registration and renewal services available to attendees. These initiatives aim to ensure that the people of Bolgatanga have access to essential healthcare services and information.

The festival will also foster unity and healthy competition through inter-community soccer matches, scheduled for March 7, 2025. These matches will bring together teams from different communities in a display of sportsmanship and teamwork, further strengthening the bonds among local residents.

The festivities will culminate on March 8, 2025, with a grand music concert featuring SamAiam and a lineup of other talented artists. The concert promises to be a night of electrifying performances, celebrating the rich culture and musical heritage of Ghana.

Speaking about the festival, SamAiam expressed his excitement and gratitude for the continued support from the community. “The Asaa Festival is a way for me to give back to the place that shaped me. It’s about bringing people together, promoting health and wellness, and celebrating the power of music,” he said.

The Asaa Festival and Music Concert has grown to become one of the most anticipated events in the Upper East Region, drawing participants and spectators from across Ghana and beyond. With its unique blend of music, sports, and social impact, the festival continues to uplift and inspire the Bolgatanga community year after year.

“Curious Minds”, One of GBC URA Radio favorites children’s program, engaged listeners in an educational discussion on breast cancer awareness. Hosted by Ketura Apere Ave and Kaba Delmira, students of Our Lady of Lourdes Girls’ Model Junior High School and  a members of the Edmund Rice Action Club. The program aimed to address myths, prevention, and the importance of early detection of breast cancer. The session featured midwife Madame Mary Azika, a health professional in the Bolgatanga municipality.

Madam Azika introduced the discussion by defining cancer as an uncontrolled growth of cells within the body, explaining that breast cancer particularly affects the breast tissue and can occur in both men and women, though it’s more common in women. She outlined several risk factors, including age, family history, obesity, menopause, and certain lifestyle habits like poor diet and the refusal to breastfeed by some mothers after childbirth. “Canned food consumption, hormonal changes, and lack of physical activity also increase the risk of breast cancer,” she warned.

The importance of early detection was highlighted as a vital part of managing breast cancer. “Most breast cancer cases start as painless lumps, and though not every lump is cancerous, any unusual change should be checked by a health professional,” Madame Azika said. She recommended routine breast self-examinations, ideally five days before or after menstruation for clearer results, due to natural breast changes during this period. However, she emphasized, “Professional screenings are the most reliable form of early detection.”

Addressing resources, Madam Azika noted the presence of a surgeon, Dr. Lawrence, at the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital for breast cancer concerns. However, she acknowledged that certain equipment, such as a chemotherapy and mammogram machine, is unavailable in Bolgatanga, causing late-stage patients to be referred to Tamale, Kumasi, or Accra. She called on the government and stakeholders to equip Bolgatanga Regional Hospital with these essential machines for more accessible cancer treatment.

October, known worldwide as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, was a period of intensive advocacy in the Upper East Region. Local health centers held talks to spread awareness and encouraged regular screenings. Madame Azika advised that beyond October, individuals should continue regular check-ups and seek medical advice if they notice any symptoms.

For prevention, she urged the public to maintain hygiene, avoid storing items like phones or money in bras, and refrain from relying on unproven remedies. She reassured listeners that 80% of breast cancer treatment costs are covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), encouraging anyone concerned about costs to seek treatment early.

The session concluded with a call to action: “Breast cancer affects individuals, families, and the nation,” Madame Azika said, urging the public to unite in combating this disease. She also advised students, both boys and girls, to undergo breast exams regularly. The session encouraged patients with breast cancer to remain positive and prioritize treatment, as early intervention significantly improves outcomes.