Donatus Akamugri Atanga urges multi-sector collaboration on health threats

The Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, has emphasized the need for a multi-sectoral approach to strengthen the region’s preparedness for public health emergencies. Speaking during a committee meeting focused on reviewing readiness for potential threats such as yellow fever and Ebola, the Minister stressed that managing such crises requires the collective effort of various state and non-state actors beyond just the health sector.

Mr. Atanga highlighted that the Ghana Health Service (GHS) cannot operate in isolation when responding to disease outbreaks. He specifically called for deeper involvement from security agencies, local government authorities, and traditional community leaders. This unified front is intended to bolster disease surveillance across the region, particularly in border areas and rural communities where early detection is critical to containing the spread of infectious diseases before they become widespread.

A key component of the Minister’s strategy involves the management of information during health crises. Mr. Atanga noted that effective communication between all stakeholders is essential to preventing the spread of misinformation, which often causes unnecessary panic and hinders emergency responses. He urged the committee to develop practical solutions that ensure accurate information is disseminated promptly through verified channels to keep the public properly informed.

The call for enhanced collaboration comes as part of broader efforts to ensure the Upper East Region remains resilient in the face of evolving public health challenges. By integrating the technical resources of health authorities with the logistical reach of security forces and the local influence of traditional leaders, the regional administration aims to create a more robust response capability. The Minister concluded by tasking all stakeholders to contribute actively to the development of a comprehensive and actionable preparedness plan.