In an address delivered on behalf of the Bishop of the Damongo Diocese, Most Rev. Peter Paul Yelezuome Angkyier, the Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Martin Muosayir, on 16th February 2025, emphasized the importance of holistic healthcare, collaboration, and adherence to ethical standards in the delivery of health services to overcome challenges in the sector. The speech was delivered at the Senior Managers’ Retreat, organized by the Damongo Diocesan Health Directorate, under the theme: “Leveraging the Ghana Health Service Network of Practice Policy to Enhance Our Comparative Advantage for Improved Service Delivery, The Role of Facility Management Teams’’.
The retreat brought together Senior Managers of all Catholic health facilities within the Diocese to reflect on strategies for improving healthcare delivery in the Diocese and the Savannah Region. Fr. Muosayir, speaking on behalf of the Bishop, expressed gratitude to the facility Managers for their dedicated service to humanity, which he described as a continuation of the mission of Jesus Christ. He reminded attendees that healthcare is not just a privilege but a fundamental human right and urged them to address the physical, psychological, and spiritual needs of patients.
The theme of the retreat, “Network of Practice,” was highlighted as a critical strategy for improving healthcare delivery. Fr. Muosayir likened the diocesan health system to a wheel, with the Diocesan Health Directorate serving as the hub and individual health facilities as the spokes. He urged managers to overcome the temptation of focusing solely on their individual facilities and instead work collaboratively to strengthen the entire network.
The Vicar General emphasized the need for standardization across all diocesan health facilities to ensure uniform practices and high-quality care. He also called for timely submission of data, noting that accurate data is essential for decision-making and resource allocation. Fr. Muosayir reminded attendees of the ongoing rebranding efforts within the Catholic Health Service Trust, urging facility Managers to comply with the national directive. He also highlighted rising medical-legal issues, urging health workers to adhere to professional standards, respect patients’ rights, and act with compassion in service delivery.
The speech highlighted several challenges facing the diocesan health system, including staffing gaps, inadequate infrastructure, transport, equipment, financial and other logistical constraints.
He also made a special appeal for support as the Damongo Diocese prepares to host the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference in November 2025, noting that hosting the conference is a significant responsibility and called on health facility managers to contribute financially to ensure its success.
The Vicar General concluded by expressing deep gratitude to the facility Managers for their dedication and hard work. He praised their efforts in upholding the Church’s mission and encouraged them to continue working together to overcome the region’s healthcare challenges. He also called for stronger collaboration with the Ghana Health Service, emphasizing the diocese’s role in healthcare delivery in the region.
The call for unity, standardization, and support for diocesan structures resonated strongly with attendees, who left inspired to leverage their collective strengths for the benefit of the communities they serve. The retreat concluded with a renewed sense of purpose among the Senior Managers, who pledged to work together to enhance the diocese’s comparative advantage in healthcare delivery and uphold the legacy of the Catholic Church’s healing ministry.
