By Hannah Dadzie
Health Minister Dr Bernard Okoe Boye has been appointed to the Gavi Alliance Board as the Alternate Board Member representing the Anglophone Africa constituency. This appointment will see Dr. Okoe Boye serving until 31 December 2026.
The confirmation of his appointment follows a letter dated September 11, 2024, in which the nomination was put forward. The nomination sought to fill the seat currently held by Honourable Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, for the remainder of the term. The Anglophone Africa constituency was given until 18.00 CET on Friday, September 20, 2024, to express any objections to the nomination.
According to the official letter of appointment, there were no objections raised to Dr. Okoe Boye’s nomination, allowing the process to move forward. The next steps include forwarding the nomination to the Gavi Alliance Governance Committee for consideration and subsequent approval by the Gavi Alliance Board. Once approved, the appointment will be effective immediately.
Dr. Okoe Boye brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Gavi Alliance Board. As Ghana’s Minister of Health, he has been instrumental in leading health initiatives and reforms aimed at improving the healthcare system in the country. His appointment is expected to strengthen the representation of Anglophone Africa within the Gavi Alliance, a global health partnership committed to increasing access to immunization in poor countries.
Before his appointment as Minister of Health, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance (NHIA), where he led the expansion of the scheme to cover many critical illness like childhood cancer et al. He was also the Board Chairman of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he implemented significant reforms that improved the hospital’s operational efficiency and patient care standards.
As a Public Health Advocate, Dr. Okoe Boye has been at the forefront of Ghana’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He played a critical role in the nationwide vaccination campaign, which significantly increased the vaccination rate and helped control the spread of the virus. His efforts in promoting public health education and preventive care have also been widely recognized, culminating in the publication of book titled; “Fellow Ghanaians, Telling Ghana’s Covid-19 Story, A journey of fear, facts, faith and fortune”
The Gavi Alliance Board plays a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction and policies of the organization. Dr. Okoe Boye’s participation on the board will provide valuable insights and perspectives from the Anglophone Africa region, ensuring that the unique health challenges and opportunities within this constituency are adequately addressed.
Dr. Okoe Boye’s appointment also reflects Ghana’s continued commitment to playing an active role in global health governance.
The Gavi Alliance Board, through its diverse representation, works towards its mission of saving lives and protecting people’s health by increasing equitable use of vaccines in lower-income countries. The minister’s contribution is anticipated to further this mission, particularly in the context of the ongoing efforts to enhance immunization coverage and health system resilience in Anglophone Africa.
