Dr. Fiona Braka, the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Ghana, has praised Mr. Godfred Polkuu, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in the Upper East Region, for his outstanding work in reporting health activities. During her visit to the Navrongo Health Research Centre (NHRC), Dr. Braka commended Mr. Polkuu for his timely and accurate reports, which have been instrumental in keeping the public informed about health initiatives in the region.
Mr. Polkuu, an award-winning journalist and member of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has over a decade of experience in journalism, with a focus on health activities in the region. He has won several awards, including the online category of the maiden Ghana Malaria Excellence Awards in 2022 and the Most Promising Journalist at the maiden GJA Regional Awards in 2019. As a stringer for the Ghana News Agency's Upper East Regional office in Bolgatanga, Mr. Polkuu continues to provide in-depth coverage of health issues.
Dr. Braka's visit to the Upper East Region began on September 28, with a courtesy call on Mr. Donatus Akamugri Atanga, the Upper East Regional Minister. She also visited the Regional Cold Room and the Regional Health Directorate, where she interacted with health officials and stakeholders. The WHO team, led by Dr. Braimah Baba Abubakari, Upper East Regional Director of the GHS, and Ms Estelle Abazesi, Bongo District Director of Health Services, accompanied Dr. Braka on her visits.
On the second day of her visit, Dr. Braka toured the Bongo District Hospital, where Dr. Kofi Asare-Ansah, the Medical Superintendent, briefed her on service delivery. She visited various units, including the maternity unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, theatre, laboratory, and paediatric ward. The WHO team also visited the Namoo Health Centre, Namoo Border Post, and Lungo Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound, highlighting the importance of community-based healthcare.
Dr. Braka emphasized the need for effective communication of health programmes without sensationalism, ensuring the public receives accurate information about ongoing initiatives. She encouraged Mr. Polkuu to continue his good work, stating that she expects a lot of reports on health from him. The WHO team also visited the Regional Medical Store at Zuarungu in the Bolgatanga East District, assessing the region's medical supply chain.
Dr. Braka was accompanied by Dr. Michael Rockson Adjei, WHO Medical Officer for Immunisation, and Mr. Christopher Tamal, WHO Technical Officer for Public Health Emergencies. The team engaged with local health officials, discussing ways to improve health service delivery and address emerging health challenges in the region. The visit demonstrated the WHO's commitment to supporting Ghana's healthcare system.
The visit concluded on October 1, with Dr. Braka expressing her appreciation for the warm reception and hospitality she received during her three-day working visit. She reiterated the WHO's commitment to collaborating with the Ghana Health Service and other stakeholders to improve health outcomes in the region. Mr. Polkuu's commendation by Dr. Braka highlights the importance of effective communication in healthcare and the role of journalists in promoting public health.
Key points
- Dr. Fiona Braka commends Mr. Godfred Polkuu for timely and accurate health reporting.
- Mr. Polkuu has over a decade of experience in journalism, with a focus on health activities.
- Dr. Braka emphasizes the need for effective communication of health programmes without sensationalism.
