The reassignment of the Western Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Marion Okoh Owusu, to the Service’s headquarters in Accra has sparked speculation that the move may have been influenced by perceived political considerations rather than routine administrative decisions.
Dr Okoh Owusu, who has served as Western Regional Director for about a year, is reported to have attracted attention in political circles amid suggestions that she could emerge as a potential contender for the Essikado-Ketan parliamentary seat currently occupied by the Deputy Minister of Health and Member of Parliament, Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah.
Although Dr Okoh Owusu has never publicly declared any intention to contest the seat, sources familiar with developments within the health sector told The Chronicle that her growing profile in the region, coupled with her perceived political connections, generated concerns among some political actors.
Dr Okoh Owusu and her family reside in the Essikado-Ketan Constituency. Her husband is also believed to have strong ties to the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), a factor some sources claim contributed to the perception that she harboured political ambitions.
Prior to her appointment to the Western Region, Dr Okoh Owusu served as the Western North Regional Director of Health Services, where she reportedly worked closely with the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, who was then the Member of Parliament for the Juaboso Constituency.
Sources further indicated that her name had at one point featured prominently in discussions surrounding a possible appointment as Deputy Minister of Health due to her extensive experience and track record within the Ghana Health Service.
According to information gathered by The Chronicle, concerns over her perceived political influence allegedly triggered efforts by some individuals to have her removed from the region.
Several petitions were reportedly submitted to the Ghana Health Service headquarters against her administration. Some staff members who allegedly endorsed the petitions are said to have subsequently withdrawn their support after becoming aware of circumstances surrounding the complaints. By then, however, the process was already underway.
Dr Okoh Owusu has remained publicly silent on the controversy. However, in a message posted on a Ghana Health Service WhatsApp platform involving journalists in the region, she confirmed her reassignment and announced that she would hand over her duties on June 1 before assuming a new role at the GHS headquarters in Accra.
“I’m handing over my role as Regional Director of Health Services effective June 1 and moving on to the GHS headquarters in Accra. I appreciate your support during my stay and wish you all the very best,” she wrote.
She subsequently made remarks that have fuelled further speculation over the circumstances surrounding her transfer.
“Working hard as always; however, I have been labelled a threat in this region and the smear campaign has led to this reassignment. Peace is better than fighting. It’s not goodbye; it’s see you later,” she stated.
The Ghana Health Service is yet to publicly comment on the circumstances surrounding the reassignment.
Dr Okoh Owusu is expected to hand over to Dr David Owusu, who will serve as Acting Western Regional Director of Health Services.
Her transfer, which takes effect on June 1, means she will not supervise the official launch of the Free Primary Healthcare Programme scheduled to take place at Akroma Plaza in Takoradi on the same day.
