The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, recently visited Bole District Hospital in the Savannah Region following a recent death linked to meningitis at the facility.

During his visit, Dr Kaba expressed serious concern about the recurring seasonal deaths caused by meningitis in Ghana. He recalled that his last visit to Bole was a moment of celebration, but this time he arrived with a heavy heart due to the loss. Sharing a personal story, he revealed that over 54 years ago, he lost a friend to meningitis and found it troubling that, more than half a century later, the country still reports similar fatalities annually.

He criticised Ghana’s tendency to wait for outbreaks to subside before acting, only to repeat the cycle in subsequent years. He emphasised that the issue is not solely the disease but also the failure to take consistent and decisive action. He called for urgent and sustained intervention.

Dr Kaba disclosed that he has instructed research institutions to investigate why meningitis continues to take lives each year. He also directed all District Directors and the Regional Director to establish a dedicated task force to develop a strategic plan centred on public education, surveillance, and treatment to prevent further infections and deaths.

He pointed out that the region has no justification for continued fatalities, highlighting that the President has made meningitis treatment free for both insured and non-insured patients. He added that all necessary medicines have been supplied through the various Regional Medical stores and will be distributed to all health facilities for effective case management.

The Director-General reminded staff that each child who dies from meningitis or any other condition represents a potential leader, doctor, or valuable asset lost. He underscored that greatness is not restricted by place of birth, citing the President as an example of someone not born in Accra who attained national prominence.

Dr Kaba also mentioned an upcoming provident fund, announced by the Mahama administration, which he described as a transformative initiative that will support health workers in retirement. He encouraged staff to embrace this scheme when introduced.

Addressing the ongoing issue of medical doctors refusing postings to northern Ghana, he announced advanced plans to establish two medical schools in the Upper West and Upper East Regions. He expressed confidence that this effort will help bridge the gap between medical officers and specialists in the north.

The Medical Superintendent of Bole District Hospital, Naa Dr Jonathan Wadeyir Abesig, highlighted both achievements and ongoing challenges faced by the facility. He noted that despite disruptions caused by tribal conflicts and industrial strikes, the hospital has made notable progress. For instance, maternal mortality reduced from 346.5 per 100,000 live births in 2024 to 64.5 per 100,000 live births in 2025.

However, he also outlined several ongoing issues, including claims stuck in LHIMS for three months, the lack of an ambulance, the absence of a backup generator, a high number of casual workers needing formalisation to reduce pressure on hospital funds, and the absence of a vehicle for daily administrative duties.

The District Director, Mr. Deniel Dindiok Dubik, also expressed concerns about the district office operating from a dilapidated building that does not belong to them, stressing the need for a proper office. Additional issues included difficulties with a port health project at Charcher due to unsuitable land, human resource shortages, and high staff turnover.

Both the Medical Superintendent and the District Director pledged their commitment to intensifying efforts to fight meningitis in the district and across the region.
In response to these concerns, Dr Kaba assured the management that he would collaborate closely with the Regional Director to find lasting solutions for the challenges affecting the facility and distric