Ghana’s global health leadership received a major boost as Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Acting Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), was honoured with the prestigious Diplomatic Service Medal at the 2025 Development Cooperation Day in Seoul. The ceremony, held under the theme “Together for Global Prosperity,” brought together global development leaders and policymakers.

The award, presented by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae-Myung, recognises Dr. Akoriyea’s outstanding contribution to strengthening diplomatic ties and advancing international health cooperation between Ghana and Korea.

Dr. Akoriyea is widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most accomplished health administrators, with more than two decades of service spanning clinical care, health systems improvement, emergency care reform, and health infrastructure development. His leadership has been instrumental in enhancing hospital management, patient safety, biomedical engineering capacity, and the overall performance of the Ghana Health Service. Internationally, he is known for championing global health security, digital health systems, and regional cooperation in critical and emergency care.

A key highlight of his career, and a major milestone celebrated at the event, was his pivotal role in establishing the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) partnership in Ghana during his tenure as Director of Institutional Care. His strategic engagement enabled KOFIH to open its Ghana Country Office, now one of the most active and effective platforms for bilateral health collaboration.

Since its establishment, KOFIH has implemented numerous flagship programmes that continue to shape Ghana’s health sector. These interventions include maternal and newborn health improvements, capacity-building for biomedical engineers and clinical staff, support for emergency medical services, disability-friendly infrastructure, and strengthened disease surveillance and laboratory systems. These initiatives have contributed significantly to Ghana’s health system resilience and service quality, outcomes built on the foundation Dr. Akoriyea helped lay.

Dr. Akoriyea has also been a strong partner to the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), working closely with the Agency to promote health systems strengthening, WASH in healthcare facilities, digital innovation, and community health improvement efforts. His ability to harmonize Ghana’s national priorities with development opportunities has deepened the impact of both KOICA and KOFIH in the country.

His recognition in Seoul underscores Ghana’s rising influence in global health diplomacy and reflects the collaborative spirit highlighted by this year’s Development Cooperation Day theme. It also reaffirms the country’s commitment to building an innovative, resilient, and internationally engaged health system.

The Ghana Health Service has congratulated Dr. Akoriyea on the honour, describing it as a well-deserved acknowledgement of his exceptional leadership and his contribution to national and global health advancement.