Effective leadership is essential for heath delivery - MOH director

The Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, Alhaji Hafiz has emphasized the importance of effective leadership within the healthcare sector.

Delivering a speech at the opening ceremony of the inaugural Certificate Programme in Clinical and Public Health Leadership, on October 7, 2024, in Accra, Alhaji Adam acknowledged the longstanding debate over whether leaders are born or made, noting a consensus that leadership skills can indeed be cultivated.

“Leadership is now accepted as a science, and with the appropriate scientific methods, key competencies and skills can be acquired for effective leadership in our healthcare space,” he stated.

He highlighted that leadership in clinical care and public health is crucial for achieving the sector's goal of improving health outcomes at all levels—from community initiatives to national programs.

He pointed out that teamwork is essential in the health sector, with effective leadership needed across various settings, including Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) zones, health centers, small clinics, and hospital departments.

The Chief Director expressed the Ministry's support for the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons (GCPS) in recognizing the need for education that bolsters clinical and public health leadership capacity in Ghana.

He praised the partnership between the GCPS, Ashesi University, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, which has led to the design and implementation of this foundational certificate course.

Adam informed attendees that applications for the course would be open to all health professionals across the country, focusing on foundational team leadership skills.

Furthermore, he noted that the GCPS is collaborating with partners to develop a follow-on diploma course for those who successfully complete the certificate programme and seek to enhance their leadership skills at operational and strategic levels.



AM/EK

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