The Administrator of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF), Obuobia Darko-Opoku, has praised the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, for his guidance, candour and commitment to the Fund’s operations during its first year. 

In a message marking one year of the Fund’s full operations, Madam Darko-Opoku described the Health Minister as more than just the minister responsible for the sector, highlighting his role in helping to shape key decisions and navigate challenges confronting the Fund. 

According to her, the achievements recorded by the Fund over the past year were the result of extensive consultations, long meetings, difficult discussions and, at times, challenging decisions that required careful consideration. 

“What people see is the finished work, but they don’t always see the conversations behind it; the long meeting hours, the back-and-forth, the dawn phone calls, the tough questions and most importantly, the very difficult decisions we have sometimes had to sit down and make,” the Administrator said. 

The Administrator noted that there had been moments when there were no easy answers or perfect choices, but Mr. Akandoh had consistently been willing to engage, listen, challenge ideas and provide direction throughout the decision-making process. 

Madam Darko-Opoku particularly commended the Minister for his willingness to work through difficult decisions collaboratively rather than simply seeking quick answers. 

“Instead of simply asking, ‘Is this the best decision?’, you sit with me and work through it until we are both confident that it is the best decision, not just for today, but a decision we can both look back on and know that we got right,” the Administrator stated. 

The message also expressed appreciation for the Minister’s patience, guidance and candour, with the Administrator publicly “giving him his flowers” for his contribution to the Fund’s work. 

The GMTF Administrator said the completion of the Fund’s first year should not be viewed as a reason to slow down, stressing that more work remained ahead. 

“One year down… and knowing us, we are definitely not about to start relaxing now! In fact, we are just about starting,” Madam Darko-Opoku said. 

She indicated that the Fund would continue to confront difficult decisions and undertake more work in support of Ghana’s healthcare system. 

The message concluded with prayers for God’s continued blessing, strength, wisdom and grace for the Health Minister as he leads the health sector. 

“Hon. Minister, today I am giving you your flowers very loudly! Thank you for the guidance, the candour, the patience and the many moments,” the Administrator said, describing Mr. Akandoh as a person whose commitment to the health sector was appreciated.