The Medical Director of Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital has been celebrated as one of Ghana’s most distinguished citizens at the 2024 National Honours and Awards ceremony held at the Accra International Conference Centre on Monday, December 30, 2024.
Former President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo presented an Order of the Volta-Officer award to Dr Joseph Kojo Tambil for his significant contribution to the nation’s progress through his stellar work at the hospital.
Dr Tambil has served in many health facilities around the country and held various managerial and key leadership roles. He has a rich depth of experience particularly in the health sector, including being Medical Superintendent of Kade and New Tafo Government hospitals and now the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital. In terms of academic qualification, he holds a Master of Public Health Degree from School of Public Health, University of Ghana. He is a member of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons and became President of the Medical Superintendents group of Ghana (MSG) for four years. Aside these, he has been a onetime vice president and a two-time president of the MSG of Ghana, which is the umbrella group of all Medical heads of District, Regional public hospitals, CHAG facilities and the Quasi-government hospitals.
At Effia Nkwanta, the hospital under the leadership of Dr Tambil has seen tremendous progress in both human resource development and improvement in the quality and range of services.
These include establishment of a dialysis Unit, an Intensive Care/ High Dependency Unit, creation of a maternity suite, Premium OPD, training and upgrading of staff, spearheading a seamless relocation of services to allow hospital redevelopment, community engagements among others.
In an Interaction with staff and management, Dr Tambil indicated that he owes the recognition done him to the teamwork and dedication he has enjoyed from staff over the years. He says but for the cooperation and support from management and staff, the milestones may not have been achieved. He encouraged all to keep up with the good work for the hospital to realize its vision of becoming a state of the art modern teaching hospital.

The National Honors and Awards is a prestigious ceremony that recognizes individuals who have made distinguished and exceptional contributions to Ghana in various fields.
Established in 1960 by Ghana’s first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the Awards aim to honor outstanding Ghanaians who have made significant impact in national development, celebrating creativity, innovation, excellence and hard work.
The categories of these awards include:
1. The Grand Order of the Star and Eagle of Ghana
2. Order of the Star of Ghana ( Companion, Officer, Member)
3. Order of the Volta Award
-Companion (18 carat gold)
– Officer (In silver)
-Member (In silver)
4. The medal of Gallantry
5. The Grand Medal
6. Presidential Honors of Distinguished Service
The Presidential Honors of Distinguished Service was introduced by Former President Akuffo Addo in 2023. This new category recognizes individuals and institutions that demonstrated exceptional resilience and service during the Covid-19 pandemic.