In a decisive move to align leadership with national health priorities, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has announced a major reshuffle involving some of its top Programme Managers, Deputy Directors, and Medical Superintendents. This bold restructuring, effective May 19, 2025, signals a renewed focus on revitalizing Ghana’s health system in response to emerging health challenges.
The health landscape is changing rapidly. With rising cases of non-communicable diseases, persistent threats from malaria and HIV/AIDS, and growing demand for immunization coverage, the need for innovative and responsive leadership has never been greater. The GHS’s recent reassignments are a strategic step to ensure the right people are in the right roles to drive impact.
Among the notable changes, Dr. Hilarius A.K. Abiwu, formerly Deputy Director of Public Health in the Northern Region, now serves as Acting Programme Manager of the National Malaria Elimination Programme. Dr. Emmanuel A.A. Teviu moves from the Ashanti Region to head the National AIDS Control Programme. Dr. Selorm Kutsoati, previously District Director for La Nkwantanang-Madina, has been reassigned as Acting Programme Manager for the Expanded Programme on Immunisation. Dr. Wallace Odiko-Ollennu will now lead the Programme on Non-Communicable Diseases after serving as Deputy Chief Dental Officer.
Some former programme heads have also taken on new regional or district roles. Dr. Keziah Malm, former head of the National Malaria Elimination Programme, is now Deputy Director of Public Health in the Ashanti Region. Dr. Stephen Ayisi Addo, who previously led the AIDS programme, becomes Acting Deputy Director of Public Health in the Northern Region. Dr. Efua Commeh, formerly in charge of non-communicable diseases, is now District Director for La Nkwantanang-Madina.
According to the Acting Director-General of GHS, Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, the reshuffle is not just administrative, it’s strategic. The aim is to bring in fresh perspectives and dynamic leadership to enhance performance across key public health programmes. These reassignments cut across the Greater Accra, Ashanti, Northern, Central, and Ahafo regions, ensuring leadership is placed where it is most needed.
This reshuffle could be the catalyst needed to tackle persistent health issues more effectively. It presents an opportunity for the Ghana Health Service to re-energize its approach, promote innovation, and deliver better outcomes for the population. As citizens, stakeholders, and health professionals observe these changes, one thing is clear: Ghana is serious about strengthening its health sector. With the right leadership in place, the country is poised to make meaningful progress toward a healthier future