By Philip Tengzu
Wa, (UW/R), Feb. 14, GNA – Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo IV, the overlord of the Wala Traditional Area, has commended the Minister of Health, Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, for his swift response to the Meningitis menace in the Upper West Region.
He said the Minister’s quick response to salvage the Meningitis situation, including his visit to the region showed the seriousness that he had attached to containing the menace.
“Being a Minister who has just taken office barely a few days today and decided to touch base with us upon hearing the sad news of the emergence of Meningitis in the Upper West Region is very dear to our hearts,” Naa Pelpuo indicated.
He gave the commendation when the Minister of Health paid a courtesy call on him to announce his presence in the region and to brief the chief on the government’s interventions so far to contain the Meningitis situation in the region.
Mr Akandoh assumed office on Monday, February 10, 2025, and spent his third day in office in the Upper West Region to ascertain the Meningitis situation for appropriate intervention.
Naa Pelpuo assured the Minister of the continuous support of the chiefs and people in the region during “this difficult time” of the Meningitis menace and beyond.
He stated that Mr Akandoh’s response and seriousness attached to the health emergency in the region vindicated President Mahama’s decision to appoint him as the Health Minister.
The Wa Naa also commended Dr. Damien Punguyire, the Upper West Regional Director of Health Service, for his dedication to improving the health systems in the region and enhancing healthy lifestyles of the people.
He mentioned the weekly keep fit walk initiated by Dr. Punguyire as a laudable initiative, which was patronised by some traditional leaders within the Wala State.
He, therefore, appealed to the Health Minister and the Acting Director General of the Ghana Health Service, Professor Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, not to consider transferring Dr. Punguyire since his impact in the health sector of the region was felt.
“When it’s time for you to move your people, know that Wa Naa has a son here and will not be too comfortable having him moved even though others elsewhere will want to taste him…,” Naa pelpuo said.
The Revered Chief also talked about the numerous challenges the Upper West Regional Hospital, the major referral centre for people in the region and beyond, faced partly due to its commencement without seed capital and appealed to the Minister to intervene.
Mr Akandoh assured the Chief that his request for seed capital for the regional hospital will be given the necessary attention.
While commending the health personnel in the region for their efforts in enhancing health service delivery, the Minister also appealed to the traditional leaders in the region to intermittently appreciate and encourage the health personnel in the region to continue to give off their best.
GNA