The Executive Director of Savannah Signatures, Dr. Stephen Agbenyo, has expressed concern over persistent challenges in healthcare delivery in Northern Ghana, despite ongoing government interventions.

Speaking with Addy Kennedy Edem on WakeUp Tamale on Radio Tamale following discussions on development during President John Mahama’s "Accounting to the people" series which took place at the University for Development Studies (UDS) Tamale, Dr. Agbenyo acknowledged recent efforts by government to strengthen the health sector.

He described the government’s primary healthcare initiative as a bold and commendable step.

The primary health care initiative by the government is a bold step and it deserves to be applauded for, he stated.

Dr. Agbenyo also welcomed the importation of over 24,000 medical equipments including baby incubators, radiant warmers, and oxygen concentrators to support newborn care, as well as X-ray machines, ultrasound devices, and laboratory analysers to enhance diagnostics, noting that the move is expected to significantly improve service delivery across health facilities.

However, he cautioned that critical gaps remain, particularly in healthcare infrastructure, which he said must be urgently addressed to ensure effective and equitable service delivery in the region.

Beyond healthcare delivery, Dr. Agbenyo highlighted the growing problem of substance abuse in the Northern Region, describing it as a serious public health concern. He revealed that about 52 percent of senior high school students and as many as 50 percent of commercial riders are involved in drug use.

He called for urgent and sustained interventions to both strengthen the healthcare system and tackle substance abuse, stressing the need for a coordinated approach to safeguard the wellbeing of residents in Northern Ghana.

By: Amadu Latifa