Ghana’s partnership with the Republic of Korea has received a major boost as the Acting Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, was honoured with the Diplomatic Service Medal at the 2025 Korea Development Cooperation Day ceremony in Seoul.

The event, held under the theme “Together for Global Prosperity,” brought together global development leaders.

Dr Akoriyea received the award from the President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae-Myung, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to deepening development cooperation between the two countries.

The honour highlights Dr Akoriyea’s central role in the establishment, growth, and institutionalisation of the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) in Ghana.

As a respected neurosurgeon and health systems expert, he has served the country for more than 20 years and is widely recognised for his work in neurosurgery, emergency and critical care, patient safety, and primary healthcare.

The award also reflects his strategic foresight dating back to 2013, when, as Director of the Institutional Care Division of the GHS, he provided KOFIH with an operational base within the Service and supported its early development.

Through his leadership, KOFIH’s contribution to Ghana’s health sector has grown from an initial budget of about US$300,000 to more than US$1.1 million annually, making it one of the country’s most impactful bilateral health partners.

KOFIH’s partnership with Ghana has since supported several major interventions, including the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Project in the Volta and Oti Regions; the National Biomedical Engineering Strengthening Programme; the Korea–Ghana Health Insurance Cooperation Project; the Health Insurance Training Centre Project at UGBS; invitational training programmes for health workers; the Laparoscopic Surgery Services Development Project; and the Child Disability Rehabilitation Project.

These initiatives have improved service delivery, expanded infrastructure, strengthened technical skills, and provided evidence for national health policy.

Dr Akoriyea has also worked closely with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), whose support covers health security, maternal and child health, CHPS revitalisation, and workforce development. His leadership has ensured that Ghana continues to benefit sustainably from both KOFIH and KOICA initiatives.

The recognition by the Republic of Korea reflects both Dr Akoriyea’s personal achievements and Ghana’s growing reputation in global health diplomacy. His work embodies the spirit of shared progress that underpinned the 2025 Development Cooperation Day celebrations and continues to guide the Ghana Health Service towards a resilient, innovative, and globally connected health system.

The Ghana Health Service has congratulated Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea on this distinguished international honour and commended his exceptional contribution to advancing national and global health.