According to ghana news agency:riven decision-making, he lamented that health information professionals continued to be marginalized in critical policy and operational decisions. The meeting, themed 'The Strategic Role of Health Information Managers in Ensuring Quality Data in the Implementation of the Network of Practice (NoP) in the Volta Region,' brought together practitioners from across the 18 districts of the region.
Mr Ahedor urged health sector employers to invest in continuous professional development, provide modern working tools, and recognize the strategic role of health information management in Ghana's health system. He pointed out the deplorable conditions under which members were working, lacking even the most basic tools necessary to meet today's standards in technologically advanced health systems.
He also called on the Ministry of Health to utilize GHIMA's internal expertise, rather than relying excessively on foreign consultants to develop the country's Health Information Management Systems (HIMS). Mr Ahedor emphasized that GHIMA possesses the professional and academic capacity to contribute significantly to improving HIMS and called for recognition, proper upgrading, and fair remuneration for its members.
Another concern highlighted was the lack of support from regulatory bodies, particularly the Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC), in protecting the integrity of the health information management profession. Mr Ahedor noted that members face frustrating delays in licensing renewals and struggle for recognition, while unqualified individuals infiltrate the profession, undermining credibility and risking patient safety.
He appealed to the AHPC to engage GHIMA more meaningfully in regulatory discussions and emphasized that professional identity and licensing are essential for accountability and quality service delivery. He called for decisive action from employers and regulatory authorities, asserting that licensing ensures only qualified professionals manage sensitive health information.
Mr Ahedor advocated for the establishment of proper governance structures for health information management in Ghana and encouraged GHIMA members to recommit to the association's values of participation, excellence, advocacy, and professionalism.
Mr Mawunyo Mensah, the Volta Regional Industrial Relations Officer of the Health Services Workers' Union (HSWU) of the TUC, supported GHIMA's strategic role in shaping professional standards and praised their advocacy efforts. He highlighted the importance of data in shaping health policy and commended government efforts to digitalize health systems through tools like the Lightwave Health Information Management System (LHIMS).
He announced that the long-awaited Tier 3 HSWU Provident Fund would become operational in September 2025, providing members with access to short-term loans, education support, procurement of building materials, terminal health needs, and more.
Mr Senam Agbosu, the Volta Regional Governor of GHIMA, described the meeting's theme as timely and relevant, emphasizing the need for health information managers to move beyond routine data processing into strategic and transformational leadership. He reiterated GHIMA's commitment to decentralize leadership, regional empowerment, and participatory governance in advancing the profession.
The AGM was well attended by GHIMA members from all districts in the Volta Region, as well as other health professionals and union leaders nationwide.
