The Acting Chief Director of the Northern Regional Coordinating Council (NRCC), Mr. Sumaila Ewuntomah Abudu, on behalf of the Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Ali Adolf John, officially launched the Centenary Anniversary Celebrations of Tamale West Hospital, describing the institution as a beacon of quality healthcare that has served the people of Northern Ghana with dedication, compassion and excellence for the past 100 years.
The colourful ceremony, held at the hospital’s premises on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 attracted traditional authorities, health professionals, development partners, religious leaders, retired health workers, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), Members of Parliament, heads of departments and agencies, and members of the public. Among the dignitaries present were the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, the Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, the Medical Superintendent of Tamale West Hospital and members of the Hospital Management Committee.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Regional Minister, Mr. Sumaila Ewuntomah Abudu described the centenary as an extraordinary milestone that reflects a century of dedicated service, remarkable sacrifice and unwavering commitment to improving healthcare delivery. He noted that Tamale West Hospital has become an integral part of the social and economic development of the Northern Region while serving as a symbol of hope for generations of Ghanaians.
He said the anniversary offered an opportunity to reflect on the hospital’s remarkable transformation from its humble beginnings into one of Northern Ghana’s most respected healthcare institutions, noting that it has consistently responded to population growth, disease outbreaks and changing healthcare demands with resilience, professionalism and innovation.
Mr. Abudu paid glowing tribute to the pioneers who established the hospital and acknowledged the immense contributions of former Medical Superintendents, administrators, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, laboratory professionals, support staff and all healthcare workers whose dedication and sacrifices have shaped the institution’s enduring legacy. He also commended the current management and staff for sustaining the hospital’s proud tradition of excellence and compassionate patient care.
On behalf of the Government of Ghana and the people of the Northern Region, he expressed profound appreciation to all past and present staff members, stating that every ward constructed, every child safely delivered, every life saved and every patient comforted represents the collective legacy of generations of committed healthcare professionals.
Reaffirming government’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system, Mr. Abudu emphasized that healthcare remains a top priority under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, stressing that quality healthcare is a fundamental right and not a privilege. He said government is determined to build a health system that is equitable, accessible, resilient and responsive to the needs of every Ghanaian.
He highlighted major government interventions including the Free Primary Healthcare Initiative, aimed at removing financial barriers to essential healthcare services, and the Mahama Care Programme, which seeks to improve healthcare for persons living with chronic and life-threatening illnesses while providing greater financial protection for vulnerable households.
According to him, government is also expanding the Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) programme and strengthening the Network of Practice strategy to improve referrals, teamwork among healthcare professionals and continuity of patient care. He added that investments in modern medical infrastructure, digital health systems, emergency services, medical equipment and improved conditions of service for health workers remain central to government’s healthcare agenda.
The Acting Chief Director stressed that sustainable improvements in healthcare cannot be achieved by government alone and called for stronger collaboration among the Ghana Health Service, development partners, traditional authorities, religious organisations, civil society organisations, academia, the private sector and local communities to advance quality healthcare delivery.
He appealed to development partners to continue investing in health infrastructure, specialist training, research, innovation and modern medical equipment, while encouraging corporate institutions to support healthcare delivery through their corporate social responsibility initiatives. He also urged traditional and religious leaders to continue promoting healthy lifestyles, preventive healthcare and community education.
Mr. Abudu observed that the Northern Region’s rapid population growth and urban expansion require continuous investment in specialist healthcare services, advanced diagnostic facilities, digital technologies, infrastructure and staff development. He urged stakeholders to use the centenary celebration as an opportunity to renew their commitment to innovation, partnership and excellence in healthcare delivery.
He noted that institutions do not remain relevant for a century by accident but through the unwavering dedication of generations of men and women who choose service above comfort, compassion above convenience and excellence above mediocrity. He therefore congratulated the Board, Management, staff, alumni, retirees and development partners of Tamale West Hospital for their invaluable contributions to the hospital’s remarkable journey.
Mr. Sumaila Ewuntomah Abudu concluded by officially declaring the Tamale West Hospital Centenary Anniversary Celebrations launched on behalf of the Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Ali Adolf John, expressing confidence that the institution would continue to flourish, inspire future generations and provide life-saving healthcare services for another century.