DR. RANSFORD ABBEY LEADS BY EXAMPLE, UNDERTAKES ANNUAL MEDICAL EXAMINATION AT COCOA CLINIC

Date: 23rd January 2026

The Chief Executive of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr. Ransford Abbey, has demonstrated exemplary leadership by personally undertaking his annual medical examination at the Cocoa Clinic in Accra, highlighting the importance of routine health check-ups for staff and the public.

Dr. Abbey’s medical examination formed part of his visit to the Cocoa Clinic to engage with medical staff and formally welcome them back to work at the start of the new year. Beyond the ceremonial engagement, the visit served to emphasise the critical role of preventive healthcare and to encourage staff to make regular health assessments a personal priority.

In strict adherence to all medical protocols, the Chief Executive willingly underwent the required procedures, including blood sampling, to enable medical officers to conduct a comprehensive assessment of his overall health and identify any underlying conditions at an early stage.

By this action, Dr. Abbey sent a strong message about the need for early detection of health conditions, emphasising that proactive health management not only safeguards individual well-being but also helps to reduce avoidable medical complications and escalating healthcare costs—both for staff and for the institution.

Supervising the examination, the Director of Health at COCOBOD, Dr. Kafui Tamakloe, reiterated the importance of routine medical check-ups, cautioning against the tendency of many individuals to neglect preventive care.

“Skipping routine medical check-ups often delays the early detection of health problems, which significantly increases the risk of complications,” Dr. Tamakloe explained.

He noted that lifestyle-related barriers, such as fear, busy schedules, and the assumption of being healthy, often discourage people from seeking regular medical attention.

“These assumptions can be misleading. Avoiding medical examinations increases the likelihood of developing serious health conditions, particularly chronic diseases such as heart disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes and certain mental health disorders,” he stressed.

Dr. Tamakloe further emphasised that early diagnosis provides an opportunity for timely treatment and necessary lifestyle adjustments, which are often less costly and more effective in managing health conditions.

“We need to take our health seriously. Early detection allows for prompt intervention and better health outcomes,” he added.

The Director also assured staff and the public that the Cocoa Clinic operates 24 hours a day, providing uninterrupted healthcare services to COCOBOD staff and the public. He indicated that the facility remains committed to improving service delivery through upgraded systems and enhanced professional care to better safeguard the health of all stakeholders.

Dr. Abbey’s decision to publicly undertake his annual medical examination reflects COCOBOD’s broader commitment to staff welfare and preventive healthcare, while serving as a timely reminder that a healthy workforce is fundamental to institutional productivity, cost efficiency, and national development.