Accra: The Ghana Environmental Health Officers Association (GEHOA) has successfully conducted a three-day retreat for its newly elected regional executives and the National Executive Council (NEC). The event aimed to align with the association’s constitutional requirements and strategize future activities, including an upcoming inaugural ceremony for the regional leaders.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Harrison Yengbe, Vice President of GEHOA, emphasized that the retreat served as a crucial step in reviving the association’s operations. The goal is to ensure members contribute effectively to improving environmental and sanitation standards nationwide. Mr. Yengbe highlighted that many environmental officers perceived the association as inactive, a notion the new leadership aims to change by reinvigorating its mission.
The new executives have set a vision to enhance environmental health through education, promotions, and legal actions during their four-year tenure. Mr. Yengbe also mentioned plans to coll
aborate with employers to secure job placements for qualified members within civil and local government sectors, thereby enabling them to fulfill their professional roles efficiently.
He appealed to employers of environmental health officers to provide necessary resources, empowering them to bring effective sanitation solutions to communities across the country.
Mr. Daniel Kweku Darku, Financial Secretary of GEHOA, echoed the sentiment that the retreat was essential for equipping regional executives to increase grassroots engagement. This initiative is vital to overcome the prevalent apathy among members, which has led to financial challenges.
As part of the retreat, participants were tasked with drafting the annual budget, planning activities, and forming committees to manage various responsibilities.
Mr. Smile Kobina Ametsi, Principal of the School of Hygiene in Korle Bu, called on the government and stakeholders to support the institution with essential resources for both administrative and clinical
needs. He pointed out that addressing issues such as student backlog and financial clearances for graduates is crucial for their integration into the workforce and ensuring they receive a comprehensive education.
