23/02/2026
The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, has tasked Kintampo Health Research Centre (KHRC) to intensify research efforts aimed at generating clear, evidence-based solutions to end recurring seasonal meningitis outbreaks and deaths. โBy 2027, no one should die from meningitis. Research must help us identify the exact causes and provide evidence-based solutions,โ he stressed.
He made this call during a working visit to KHRC on Thursday, 12 February 2026, alongside members of the Ghana Health Service Council, Dr. Gina Teddy and Dr. Michael Kofi Amedi, to engage with staff and gain insights into the Centreโs research activities.
The Director-General commended management and staff for their dedication and contributions and presented an award as a token of appreciation, which was received by the management of the Centre. Dr. Kaba urged Ghanaโs research Centres to take a stronger leadership role within the GHS. โYou are part of the GHS and you should drive the Service,โ he stated, emphasizing the need for research to guide healthcare reforms.
He also underscored the importance of research in guiding the implementation of the Governmentโs Free Primary Healthcare policy. Referring to KHRCโs hypertension study, which found that 20โ40% of adults above 45 years are hypertensive, with nearly half unaware of their condition, he noted that the findings signal increased demand on health facilities, calling on the Centre to provide guidance from its experience to inform strategic system restructuring.
He announced that the GHS Council has established a Legal, Research and Compliance Committee to reinforce the role of research within the GHS. He pledged additional support and reaffirmed his commitment to staff welfare.
Dr. Gina Teddy, Chairperson of the Councilโs Legal, Research and Compliance Committee, together with Council member Dr. Michael Kofi Amedi, reiterated the Councilโs strong interest in research and urged the Centre to pursue nationally relevant research aligned with Ghanaโs emerging health priorities.
Prof. Kwaku Poku Asante, Director of KHRC, delivered a presentation, highlighting KHRCโs major contribution to malaria vaccine trials, which supported the rollout of the malaria vaccine in Ghana, and ongoing studies in maternal and child health, non-communicable diseases and environmental health. He called for continued support to strengthen KHRCโs research impact and expressed gratitude for the visit, reaffirming the Centreโs commitment to advancing the overall goals of GHS.
The delegation also included Dr. Gaeten Charles Adangabeh, Chief Physiotherapist at GHS HQ, and Bono East Regional Health Director, Dr. Freeman Samson Samani.