Navrongo (U/E), Oct. 1, GNA – Dr Fiona Braka, the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Ghana, has commended Mr Godfred Polkuu, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in the Upper East Region, for his timely and accurate reporting on health activities.
“Your reports are in good time and accurate. I want to encourage you to continue with what you are doing for the Service,” Dr Braka said during her visit to the Navrongo Health Research Centre (NHRC) on the final day of her three-day working visit to the region.
She underscored the need for effective communication of health programmes without sensationalism to keep the public properly informed about ongoing initiatives.
“I expect a lot of reports on health from you, so continue with your good work,” she told Mr Polkuu.
Mr Polkuu, an award-winning journalist and member of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has more than a decade of experience in journalism, with extensive coverage of health activities in the region.
He won the online category of the maiden Ghana Malaria Excellence Awards in 2022, organized by the Ministry of Health, GHS and the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP), and was named Most Promising Journalist at the maiden GJA Regional Awards in 2019.
Mr Polkuu also strings for the Ghana News Agency’s Upper East Regional office in Bolgatanga on health.
Dr Braka began her visit on September 28 with a courtesy call on Mr Donatus Akamugri Atanga, Upper East Regional Minister, followed by visits to the Regional Cold Room and the Regional Health Directorate.
On the second day, she visited the Bongo District Hospital, where Dr Kofi Asare-Ansah, the Medical Superintendent, briefed her on service delivery.
She toured the maternity unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, theatre, laboratory and paediatric ward.
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, also visited the Namoo Health Centre, Namoo Border Post and Lungo Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound.
The day-two activities ended at the Regional Medical Store at Zuarungu in the Bolgatanga East District.
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.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/ Christabel Addo