The Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA) Association, in its continuous efforts to promote healthcare excellence and innovation, has honored three distinguished medical professionals with honorary director positions.
This recognition was announced during HCOWA’s AI Seminar on Diagnosis and Treatment Deployment Framework and Application Standards, held at its headquarters in Accra on February 21, 2025.
The seminar brought together medical professionals, industry experts, and stakeholders across Ghana and other West African countries to discuss the transformative role of artificial intelligence and technology in modern healthcare.
The honorees, carefully selected for their outstanding contributions to the medical field, include Dr. George Henry Acquah, a Public Health Physician at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, who was appointed as the Director of Digital Innovations and Artificial Intelligence.
His role will involve spearheading digital health initiatives, promoting AI integration in medical diagnosis, and advancing technological solutions to improve healthcare delivery across the region. With a strong background in public health and digital transformation, Dr. Acquah has been a vocal advocate for harnessing artificial intelligence to revolutionize healthcare systems, making them more efficient, accessible, and patient-centered.
Dr. Paulina Mefia Denteh, an exceptional medical professional, was honored as the Director of Women’s Health and Wellness.
She has made history as the first Ghanaian, African, and female foreigner to receive the prestigious red diploma from Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University in Russia, a testament to her academic excellence and determination.
Dr. Denteh has dedicated her career to improving healthcare for women, with a particular focus on maternal health, reproductive care, and women’s wellness. She is also pioneering an AI-backed platform to address the challenge of long patient queues and limited access to medical professionals in Ghana, ensuring that women, especially those in underserved areas, receive timely and quality healthcare.
Dr. Selina Leeward, a dedicated palliative medicine specialist at Oda Hospital, was conferred with the position of Director of HPV Awareness and Preventive Care.
As a strong advocate for public health education, she has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about HPV and the importance of vaccination and early detection in preventing cervical cancer.
Her appointment will enable her to expand her outreach, implement nationwide awareness campaigns, and collaborate with health institutions to enhance preventive care strategies. Dr. Leeward’s passion for patient-centered care has made her a respected figure in palliative medicine, where she provides compassionate support to patients battling life-threatening illnesses.
The honorary appointments mark a significant step in HCOWA’s mission to build a stronger healthcare system in West Africa by recognizing and empowering professionals who are driving change in their respective fields. These newly appointed directors will play a crucial role in shaping policies, promoting medical advancements, and fostering collaborations that will elevate healthcare standards in the region.
