Medical professionals across Ghana have been called upon to maintain the highest standards of professionalism in their daily work.
This appeal was made by Dr. Med Kweku Appiagyei, the Volta Regional Chairman of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), during the GMA’s Volta and Oti regions’ Dinner and Awards Night, held on Saturday, June 7, 2025.
Dr. Appiagyei emphasised that healthcare providers must always remember that their primary responsibility is to their patients.
“Let us know that we are at work because of our patients,” he stated. “We must do everything within our capacity to enhance healthcare delivery in the Volta and Oti regions. When our clients are happy, we will also find fulfilment in our roles as health practitioners.”
The GMA is also set to introduce a national award scheme designed to recognise and honour doctors across the country. The proposed “Doctors’ Day Awards” will be held annually on January 4, which marks the founding day of the association. The initiative seeks to spotlight the often-overlooked efforts of medical doctors, who play a vital role in the country’s healthcare system.
Dr. Richard Selormey, General Secretary of the GMA, revealed that the association is actively engaging potential sponsors and partners to support this award initiative. Speaking at the same dinner event, he highlighted that while other professions, such as teaching, farming, and nursing, enjoy designated recognition days, medical doctors have historically been excluded from such national acknowledgement.
“We give our best, yet often the only time our work gets attention is when there’s a problem,” Dr. Selormey observed. He expressed optimism that the upcoming Doctors’ Day Awards will help uplift the morale of practitioners, especially during times when many doctors are considering emigration due to challenging working conditions.
The awards, he added, would not only be a symbol of appreciation but also serve as motivation for professionals to remain committed to serving the nation. Dr. Selormey appealed to both the government and private stakeholders to join the GMA in making the initiative a reality.
Meanwhile, the Volta Regional Division of the GMA has already begun implementing similar efforts at the local level. During the weekend’s event, the association honoured individuals and institutions that have significantly contributed to healthcare improvements in the Volta and Oti regions. These included philanthropists, organisations, and community advocates who have supported the sector through infrastructure development and direct assistance to patients.
Dr. Selormey noted that such recognition is essential—not just as a form of appreciation, but as a catalyst to encourage others to contribute to healthcare delivery. “We have more entertainment awards than healthcare awards. Yet, the impact of healthcare on our lives is far more direct,” he commented.
Dr. Med Kweku Appiagyei also extended an invitation to young medical professionals to consider serving in the Volta and Oti regions. According to him, the areas offer a supportive environment with opportunities for mentorship and career growth. “Come around, let’s work together, and you’ll be shaped by experienced professionals,” he encouraged.
At the event, the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) was awarded the Overall Best with the Organisational Excellence Award for its transformative contributions in maternal health, infrastructure, and capacity building in the region. KOFIH’s interventions were credited with enhancing both the quality of care and professional empowerment in the Volta Region.
Other notable awardees included Prof. Dr. Yao Kwakume, who received the Humanitarian Service Award; the Rotary Club of Ho, honoured for Community Service; and the World Health Organisation (WHO), recognised for Public Health and Community Impact. Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, University of Science and Technology, received the Excellence in Health Education Award.
The MTN Foundation was recognised for Excellence in Health Partnerships, while 1D1D, GMA Volta, won for Innovation in Health Delivery. Volta Health Network took home the award for Awareness and Advocacy, and Roche Ghana was honoured in the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology category.
Special recognition awards went to Trafalgar Gate Pharmacy (Community Pharmacy Award), Star Oil (Oti Award), and philanthropists, including the Lions Club, Mr. Akonta Felix Akakpo, and Mr. Dzissah Futukpor, for their contributions to healthcare development and support.
