By Jones Anlimah
The Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) has emerged as the overall winner at the 2025 Ghana Medical Association (GMA) Volta and Oti Regions’ Dinner and Awards Night. The foundation was recognised for its long-standing commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery, championing maternal and child health, and supporting medical infrastructure in the Volta and Oti regions.
Held in Ho under the theme “Improving Quality of Care for Clients in the Volta and Oti Regions: The Role of Private Sector Investment,” the event brought together health professionals, policymakers, investors, and development partners to celebrate excellence and explore innovative healthcare partnerships.
Dr. David Kofi Wuaku, a medical consultant and development advocate, said that healthcare is not just a social good but a pillar of national development.
“No single entity — public or private — can shoulder the healthcare burden alone. Strategic partnerships are critical. The private sector must be seen not just as financiers, but as transformative partners,” he said.
Dr. Wuaku called for deliberate private sector engagement through infrastructure development, technological investment, and public-private partnerships, especially in underserved districts such as Krachi Nchumuru, Akatsi North, and Nkwanta South.
“Imagine a future where a woman in Dambai doesn’t have to travel to Accra for a simple scan or where Ho becomes a hub for medical tourism. This is not fantasy—it is possible with smart private investment and committed professionals,” he charged.
Alongside KOFIH’s top honor, other institutions and individuals were recognized across diverse categories:
- Humanitarian Service Award – Prof. Dr. (Med) Yao Kwakume
- Community Service Award – Rotary Club, Ho
- Public Health and Community Impact – World Health Organisation (WHO)
- Excellence in Health Education – Prof. John Evans Atta Mills University of Health and Allied Sciences
- Excellence in Health Partnerships – MTN Foundation
- Innovation in Health Delivery – 1D1D, GMA Volta
- Awareness and Advocacy – Volta Health Network
- Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology – Roche Ghana
The GMA also presented Special Recognition Awards to:
- Community Pharmacy – Trafalgar Gate Pharmacy
- Oti Region Honor – Star Oil
- Philanthropy – Lions Club, Mr. Akonta Felix Akakpo, and Mr. Dzissah Futukpor
Dr. Kwaku Appiagyei, Chairman of the GMA Volta Division, commended the award recipients and all health professionals for their dedication, particularly in under-resourced communities.
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to fostering inclusive health systems.
“We call on stakeholders to support the 1DISTRICT 1DOCTOR Initiative (1D1D) as well as our cervical cancer screening Initiative (C300) to screen a minimum of 300 women at Anloga, Adaklu and Likpe Bakua. Together we can make Volta region a medical tourism destination in our sub-region,” he said.
The GMA Volta and Oti Awards Night is fast becoming a powerful platform for driving advocacy, recognizing service, and promoting collaborative health development in the region.
