The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, has visited the Bole District Hospital following a recent death linked to meningitis at the facility.
During the visit on February 19, 2026, Dr Kaba expressed deep concern about the recurring seasonal deaths caused by meningitis in the country. He recalled that his previous visit to Bole was one of celebration but said this visit was marked by sadness due to the recent loss.Sharing a personal experience, he disclosed that over 54 years ago he lost a friend to meningitis,
noting that it is worrying that more than half a century later Ghana continues to record similar deaths every year.Dr Kaba criticised what he described as the country’s tendency to relax after outbreaks subside, only to face the same situation again the following year. According to him, the challenge is not only the disease itself but also the lack of consistent and decisive action to prevent it.
To address the issue, the Director-General said he has instructed research institutions to investigate why meningitis continues to claim lives annually. He also directed all District Directors and the Regional Director to establish a dedicated task force to develop a strategic plan focusing on public education, surveillance and treatment in order to prevent further infections and deaths.He stressed that there should be no justification for continued fatalities in the region, revealing that the President has made meningitis treatment free for both insured and non-insured patients.
He added that adequate medicines have already been supplied through regional medical stores and will be distributed to health facilities to support effective case management.Dr Kaba reminded health workers that every child lost to meningitis or any other illness represents a potential leader, doctor or national asset gone too soon. He emphasised that greatness is not limited by place of birth, citing the President as an example of someone who was not born in Accra but rose to national prominence.He also announced plans by the government under the administration of John Dramani Mahama to introduce a provident fund for health workers, describing it as a major initiative that will support staff during retirement.
He encouraged workers to embrace the scheme when it is implemented.Touching on the challenge of medical doctors refusing postings to northern Ghana, Dr Kaba revealed that advanced plans are underway to establish two medical schools in the Upper West and Upper East Regions. He expressed optimism that the move will help reduce the gap between medical officers and specialists in the northern part of the country.
Meanwhile, the Medical Superintendent of Bole District Hospital, Dr Jonathan Wadeyir Abesig, highlighted both the progress and challenges facing the facility.According to him, despite disruptions caused by tribal conflicts and industrial strikes, the hospital has recorded significant improvements.
He disclosed that maternal mortality dropped from 346.5 per 100,000 live births in 2024 to 64.5 per 100,000 live births in 2025.However, he pointed out several persistent challenges including insurance claims locked in the LHIMS system for three months, lack of an ambulance, absence of a backup generator, a high number of casual workers who need formal employment, and the lack of a vehicle for daily administrative operations.The District Director of Health Services, Deniel Dindiok Dubik, also expressed concern about the district office operating from a dilapidated building that does not belong to the service.
He stressed the need for a permanent office facility.He further mentioned challenges with the Port Health project at Charcher due to unsuitable land, as well as human resource shortages and high staff turnover in the district.Both the Medical Superintendent and the District Director reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying the fight against meningitis in the district and across the region.
Responding to the concerns raised, Dr Kaba assured management that he would work closely with the Regional Director to find lasting solutions to the challenges affecting the hospital and the district.
Source: nkilgifm.com
