The Administrator of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF), Adowa Oboubia Darko-Opoku, has praised the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, for his guidance and support during the Fund’s first year of full operations.
In a heartfelt tribute marking the first anniversary of the GMTF’s operations, Miss Darko-Opoku described Mr Akandoh as more than just the Minister responsible for her sector, highlighting his role in helping navigate some of the difficult decisions and challenges faced by the Fund.
She said the public often saw the outcomes of the Fund’s work without necessarily seeing the extensive consultations, long meetings, phone calls and difficult decisions that preceded them.
According to her, the Health Minister had consistently been willing to engage, listen, challenge ideas and provide direction whenever the Fund was confronted with difficult choices.
“We have had those moments where there was no easy answer and no perfect choice, but you have always been willing to engage, listen, challenge the thinking, provide direction and stay with the process until we found the best way forward,” she said.
Mrs Darko-Opoku expressed particular appreciation for the Minister’s willingness to work through complex issues with her rather than simply seeking quick answers.
She said his approach had helped ensure that decisions taken by the Fund were not only appropriate for the immediate situation but could also stand the test of time.
“Hon. Minister, today I am giving you your flowers VERY LOUDLY!” she said, thanking him for his guidance, candour, patience and commitment to the health sector.
Reflecting on the Fund’s first year, Miss Darko-Opoku said the milestone should not be seen as a reason to slow down, stressing that there was still considerable work ahead.
“One year down… and knowing us, we are definitely not about to start relaxing now! In fact, we are just about starting,” she said.
She noted that the Fund would continue to face difficult decisions and challenges as it pursued its mandate, adding that more consultations and hard work would be required in the period ahead.
Miss Darko-Opoku concluded by praying for God’s continued blessing, strength, wisdom and grace for the Health Minister as he leads efforts to improve Ghana’s health sector.
She described Mr Akandoh as a leader whose commitment and contribution to the sector were deeply appreciated.
