Ghana’s Health Service is praising what it calls a “milestone moment” for the country’s global health diplomacy after its Acting Director-General, Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, was awarded the Diplomatic Service Medal by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.

The honor, presented during the 2025 Korea Development Cooperation Day in Seoul, recognizes Dr. Akoriyea’s decade-long work in strengthening health cooperation between the two nations - work the Ghana Health Service says has quietly reshaped health delivery in parts of the country and elevated Ghana’s credibility on the world stage.

In a statement, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) described the recognition as both a personal achievement for Dr. Akoriyea and a reflection of Ghana’s “growing leadership in global health development.”

Officials said the award affirms how sustained technical cooperation - often unnoticed by the public - is helping transform national health systems.

“Dr. Akoriyea’s dedication has delivered real, measurable gains for Ghanaian families,” the Service noted, pointing to improved maternal health outcomes, expanded training pipelines for health workers, and the strengthening of emergency and biomedical systems. “This honor from the Republic of Korea is a win for Ghana.”

A Decade of Partnership Building

The award traces back to 2013, when Dr. Akoriyea, then Director of the GHS Institutional Care Division, offered the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) an operational base inside the Service. That early move helped institutionalize Korea’s health footprint in Ghana and paved the way for a partnership that has grown dramatically.

KOFIH’s annual support has expanded from $300,000 to more than $1.1 million, making it one of Ghana’s most impactful bilateral health partners. Its backing now spans:

* Maternal, newborn, and child health projects in the Volta and Oti regions

* National biomedical engineering strengthening

* Laparoscopic surgery expansion

* Child disability rehabilitation

* Health worker training in Korea

* National Health Insurance capacity development

GHS officials say these investments have boosted service delivery, improved equipment availability, and enhanced technical skills across multiple regions.

More Than a Medal

South Korea’s citation highlighted Dr. Akoriyea’s “outstanding and meritorious service” in strengthening ties between the two nations - recognition Ghanaian officials say reinforces years of behind-the-scenes work shaping sustainable, evidence-driven health programs.

Dr. Akoriyea has also championed collaboration with KOICA, Korea’s broader development agency, whose support includes CHPS revitalization, health security initiatives, maternal health, and workforce development. According to GHS, his strategic guidance has ensured Ghana derives “sustainable and long-term value” from both agencies.

Why It Matters

To the Ghana Health Service, the award is not merely ceremonial. It signals trust - something increasingly vital as countries navigate global health threats, funding uncertainties, and the push for more autonomous health systems.

“This recognition strengthens Ghana’s voice in global health diplomacy,” the Service said. “It demonstrates that Ghana is not just a beneficiary of cooperation but a partner shaping its direction.”

The Service also noted that the honor aligns with Ghana’s broader strategy to deepen technical partnerships while building a more resilient and globally connected health system.

A Leader at the Center of Reform

Dr. Akoriyea’s career spans neurosurgery, emergency and critical care, patient safety reforms, and national primary healthcare expansion. Internationally, he is known for his work in neurosurgical innovation and health systems strengthening - expertise that the GHS says has grounded his diplomatic and technical leadership.

In celebrating him, the Ghana Health Service emphasized that the recognition belongs to the country as much as the man.

“This is a proud moment for Ghana,” the Service said, “and a testament to what committed leadership can achieve on the global stage.”