The newly appointed Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Prof Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, has pledged to align his leadership with the government’s health priorities as outlined in the governing party’s manifesto.

Speaking at his handover ceremony at the GHS head office in Accra, Prof Kaba emphasized that his tenure would focus on resetting the system and ensuring that the government's promises to Ghanaians in the health sector are fully implemented.

“I come here as an appointee of the President [John Mahama]. What we are going to do from now is enshrined in our manifesto and all that has to do with health, especially what Ghana Health Service is tasked to do. That will be our mission, that is what we are here to do. Whatever the President decides, that is why I'm here -Resetting agenda,” he affirmed.

Prof Kaba also emphasized his administration would prioritize staff welfare, strict discipline, and organizational efficiency.

“In the manifesto, besides just the work, one of the things we have to look at is staff welfare. This is key. And most of you who knew how I used to talk about it, that passion is not gone. It has actually increased.”

Prof Kaba also made it clear that his tenure would bring strict discipline and professionalism to the Ghana Health Service. He cautioned against office politics and internal conflicts, warning that his office would not entertain unnecessary distractions.

Prof Kaba, who was appointed by President John Mahama, takes over from Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye.

He is the Director of the Ghana Health Service under the Office of the Director General with special duties as the Service and National Training Center for Neurosurgery Residents in the Faculty of Neurosurgery, Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Prof Kaba is an Associate Professor, Consultant Neurosurgeon and Public Health Physician who volunteers as a Consultant Neurosurgeon at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, where he established the neurosurgery unit in 2004.

He is currently the second Vice President of the Continental Association of Africa Neurosurgeons (CAANS), West Africa.