UE/R: SOCO PROJECT FACILITATORS URGED TO WORK HARD FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT – DCE NABDAM
BY: ATUIMAH VALERIUS
The Upper East Regional Health Directorate held a handing over ceremony on Friday, April 11th 2025, to mark the transition from the outgoing Regional Health Director, Dr. (Med) Samuel K. Boakye Boateng, to the newly appointed director, Dr. Braimah Baba Abubakari. The event took place at the Dr John K. Awoonor-Williams’ Inservice Training & Conference Center, Bolgatanga (UER).
Dr. Boakye Boateng’s departure follows his promotion to the Ghana Health Service Headquarters in Accra. He had served as the Regional Health Director for the Upper East region for 19 months.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including district health directors, medical facility superintendents, and heads of departments within the health directorate and region. Notably among the various activities that marked the handing over, a citation signed by Madam Agnes Gumah, the Upper East regional health committee Chairperson, was presented to Dr. Boakye Boateng, and read by a committee member, acknowledging his invaluable service to the region.
In his farewell message, Dr. Boakye Boateng expressed mixed feelings about leaving. He recounted his prior experience and role in pioneering the Ahafo region for one and a half years, and his long-held desire to contribute to Ghana’s development in the Northern region. He mentioned his early leadership experience as the first (1st) chairman of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA). Dr. Boakye Boateng also spoke of his admiration for Rev. Eastwood Anaba, whom he considers a mentor, as he played a supportive during his stay as regional director. He also advised the new director and the team he is leaving behind to have a tolerance quotient in order to serve the regional to their very best. Seeing his move to the national level as an opportunity to contribute on a larger scale, he urged the new director to aim for a 4.5 out of 5 rating for the directorate. This he said, is part of their “agenda 4.5” initiative to up the notch in quality health care delivery to 4.5 in the next 2 years. Dr. Boakye Boateng expressed his gratitude to KOICA, W.H.O, the various departments under the health directorate, and other supporting agencies.
Dr. Braimah Baba Abubakari, the incoming director who was formally introduced, acknowledged the praise for his predecessor, and pledged to continue the good works initiated by Dr. Boakye Boateng. He emphasized the importance of teamwork within the Ghana Health Service, highlighting its nationwide presence and the unified vision and mission championed by the Director General.
Dr. Abubakari stated, “Our role is to achieve the vision and the mission of the Ghana Health Service, that is the contribution we also have towards building the economy of Ghana.” He acknowledged the roles of various professionals, including lawyers, politicians, business people, and farmers, in national development, and defined the health service’s role as keeping Ghanaians healthy.
Dr. Abubakari noted the challenge of stepping into the shoes of his predecessor, especially coming from a smaller region. He said, “I’m coming from a very small region, a region which is not up to half of the Upper East region.” He, therefore, called for increased cooperation to ensure a smooth transition and continued progress. He reiterated, “If we work together as a team, I think my work will be very easy.”
Dr. Abubakari noted that he was already familiar with many individuals within the Upper East Regional Health Service, and acknowledged the presence of partners like KOICA, stating that the region has been a mentor for the North East region.
The handing over ceremony ended with gallery from the various departments in attendance with both the outgoing and incoming directors.
