The Upper East Region has, for many years, struggled to attract and retain medical doctors, particularly in its rural and border districts, with many health professionals declining postings to the region or failing to report for duty.
The challenge has persisted over the years. In 2021, for instance, none of the 10 doctors posted to the region reported for duty.
In 2022, only five of the doctors assumed duty.
Again in 2025, only five out of the 26 doctors posted to the region reported for duty, with many opting to work at the Upper East Regional Hospital rather than in district health facilities.
Against this backdrop, efforts by communities to appreciate and support health professionals who accept postings to underserved areas have become increasingly significant in encouraging them to serve and remain at their duty stations.
It was in recognition of such commitment that the Paga Youth Movement (PAYOM), the umbrella youth group in the Kassena-Nankana West District in the Upper East Region, presented a cash donation of GH¢20,000 to Dr Ama Antwiwaa Adu Appiah, a Medical Officer, for accepting to work at the Paga Hospital.
The youth group also pledged an additional GH¢10,000 to support the rehabilitation and furnishing of the hospital's consulting room to improve the working environment for healthcare professionals.
Donation
Presenting the donation last Thursday on behalf of the Chairman of PAYOM, Wenawome Duriyem Aborah, the Vice-Chairman of PAYOM, Frederick Wugaa, said the gesture was to express the community's gratitude to the doctor for accepting a posting to the Paga Hospital at a time when many medical officers had declined postings to the area.
He said news of Dr Appiah's arrival was received with joy by members of the movement and the wider community because access to medical doctors had remained a challenge over the years.
"We know it is not easy for medical officers to accept postings to communities like Paga, and many have declined such postings in the past and even recently. Her decision to come and serve our people is greatly appreciated," Mr Wugaa said.
"We appreciate her decision to serve our people, but we also believe health workers deserve a conducive work environment.
We are, therefore, asking management to identify the priority needs so we can support the rehabilitation of the consulting room," he added.
Commendation
The Head of Finance at the Paga Hospital, John Bosco Asobayire, described the gesture as commendable and urged the youth to sustain their support for the facility.
He said the donation demonstrated the community's commitment to improving healthcare delivery and motivating health professionals serving in the area.
"We are grateful for this show of love and concern.
I have worked in other facilities before coming here, and I must say we rarely see a youth group as supportive as the Paga Youth Movement. Community support is important in addressing some of the challenges confronting the hospital, and we encourage you to continue partnering with us," he said.
Gratitude
Dr Appiah expressed gratitude to the youth for the honour and the warm reception accorded her since her arrival at the hospital.
She, however, dedicated the recognition to the entire staff of the hospital, indicating that their support, commitment and teamwork had made her stay in Paga worthwhile despite the challenges.
"The nurses, physician assistants, laboratory staff, orderlies and all members of staff have been the reason I have stayed here.
They have supported, encouraged and worked with me every day," she said.
Dr Appiah appealed to the community to appreciate the efforts of all health workers, stressing that quality healthcare delivery was a collective responsibility involving doctors, nurses, other hospital staff and patients.
Dr Appiah said she would share the cash with the staff of the hospital as a gesture of appreciation for their dedication and sacrifice.
"I do not see this honour as mine alone. I see it as recognition of the entire Paga Hospital team, and I will gladly share this gift with my colleagues as a source of motivation," she said.
