Ghana’s expanding footprint in global health cooperation has been spotlighted on the international stage as Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Acting Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), received the prestigious Diplomatic Service Medal from the Republic of Korea. The honour, conferred during the 2025 Development Cooperation Day in Seoul, underscores Ghana’s growing relevance in international health partnerships.
South Korean Prime Minister Lee Jae-Myung presented the award, praising Dr. Akoriyea not only for his personal contributions but for the strength of Ghana’s collaboration with Korea in strategic health reforms. The recognition, observers say, signals the increasing respect Ghana commands in shaping cross-border health development agendas.
A statement from the GHS said the award reflects Ghana’s long-standing commitment to global cooperation, which Dr. Akoriyea has helped advance through policy reforms, institutional strengthening and diplomatic engagement over the past two decades.
Beyond his administrative achievements, Dr. Akoriyea is known for spearheading partnerships that have transformed Ghana’s emergency care, biomedical capacity, hospital management and patient safety systems. His diplomatic role in establishing the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) Country Office is regarded as a major milestone in Ghana–Korea relations.
Since the establishment of the office, KOFIH has become a key development partner in Ghana, delivering maternal and neonatal health programmes, emergency medical services support, disability-friendly hospital projects, and vital public health and laboratory strengthening initiatives.
The GHS noted that Dr. Akoriyea’s advocacy for the work of KOICA has also deepened collaboration in the areas of digital health, WASH in health facilities, community health systems and broad public health capacity building.
His recognition in Seoul, the Service said, serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of sustained partnerships, and showcases Ghana’s role as a proactive contributor to global health development.
The GHS congratulated Dr. Akoriyea, describing the honour as not only a personal achievement but a national one—symbolizing Ghana’s dedication to building a resilient, globally engaged health system.
