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Since its inception in June 2010 and with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the ICC-HP has aimed at harnessing and coordinating the advisory resources of key stakeholders to enhance the health and well-being of the Ghanaian populace. As advocates for health promotion, the committee strategically collaborates with government agencies to promote and implement policies that advance public health initiatives. Through sustained efforts in health promotion services, the ICC-HP aspires to cultivate a healthier nation for all Ghanaians.

The national ICC-HP, currently composed of fourteen (14) members, boasts a diverse representation across various sectors such as health, media, education, government agencies, and NGOs. Under the esteemed leadership of Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann, the Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences at the University of Ghana and a well-known host of the National Science and Maths Quiz, the committee is poised to drive impactful initiatives. Furthermore, the ICC-HP receives steadfast support from a dedicated secretariat situated at the Health Promotion Division in Korle-bu, ensuring efficient coordination and implementation of its objectives.

In his address on behalf of Dr. Dacosta Aboagye, the Director of the Health Promotion Division- Ghana Health Service, Mr. Mahama Seidu, the Deputy Director-Research & Healthy Policy, emphasized the crucial role of the newly inaugurated seven-member committee in advancing the collective mission of the ICC-HP. He charged them with the responsibility of actively contributing to the improvement of health and well-being within communities across Ghana.

At the regional level, ICC-HP members are selected from various entities including the Ghana Health Service, Information Services Department, Environmental Health and Sanitation Department, media outlets, and Non-Governmental Organizations. These members will lead and drive activities aimed at promoting health within their respective regions.

Mr. Mahama Seidu, the Deputy Director-Research & Healthy Policy-Ghana Health Service who inaugurated the committee for the North East region in Bolgatanga, the Upper East regional capital, entreated the members to prioritize critical health concerns such as the welfare of Kayayei (head porters) and the prevalence of teenage pregnancies within the region.

“North East is one of the food baskets of Ghana, so anything that affects North East region, affects Ghana. If you look at kayayei and teenage pregnancies, they are key health issues. Because, when you go and look at where they stay, they come back with money but with mental health issues. They come back with teenage pregnancies and all sorts of skin diseases. So, I think these are some of the key areas that we think North East, we can prioritize apart from other aspects”, he remarked.

On behalf of the committee, Moses Tampure expressed optimism about the committee’s potential to drive positive change and improve health outcomes in the North East region. The ICC-HP members were made up of the Regional Deputy Director of Public Health, the Regional Health Promotion Officer, the Information Services Department, Environmental Health and Sanitation Department, media outlets, and Non-Governmental Organizations.