Profile
Dr Anabah, agent of change in the health sector
Dr Thomas Winsum Anabah is a professional medical doctor whose specialties include critical care, emergency medicine and anaesthesiology. He is among the few medical doctors with such specialties.
He is experienced in Health Management with practical approach to problem solving and has a knack for “see things through” to a successful completion.
Challenges in his early years could not kill his vision of becoming a health practitioner and he has over the years continued to contribute effectively to providing quality service in the health sector.
The Spectator caught up with him recently to delve into his professional and personal life.
Background
Dr Anabah hails from a town called Garu, in the Worikambo Electoral Area in the Upper East Region.
The talented medical doctor has six siblings, from the late Joseph Anabah and Mrs Veronica Anabah.
Dr Anabah speaks English, Spanish, Italian, Kusaal, Hausa and Twi and is married with two children.
Education
Having an indefatigable father who occupied portfolios of a teacher and politician, Dr Anabah had his primary school education in a haphazard manner.
He went to Nalerigu Primary School and later attended Worikambo Primary School and later moved to Bawku Primary School which is also known as Wenamzua Primary School from where he later moved again to Worikambo to attend middle school.
Dr Anabah’s middle school education was not a “straight” one as he moved back and forth from Worikambo and Winanzua middle schools and later proceeded to Bawku Secondary School until he got a scholarship in 1988 to study in Cuba.
From 1988 to 1992, Dr Anabah obtained a Junior High School Diploma from the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial School at Isle of Youth in Cuba, where he was the Senior Prefect and continued his High School education at the Andrei Grechko Senior High School, also at the Isle of Youth, Cuba from 1992 to 1993.
While in the High School, everybody thought Dr Anabah would read Cybernetics because he was a genius at Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry but he rather pursued his dream of becoming a medical doctor.
Attaining a higher feat and making his dream come true, Dr Anabah further attended Higher Institute of Medical Sciences at Santa Clara, Cuba where he studied Medicine from 1995 to 2001.
He was one of the best graduates in the entire university and was also the Best Foreign Student, who took awards in sports, culture among others.
Adding to his educational laurels, the never-say-never doctor enrolled at the Higher Institute of Medical Sciences in Havana, Cuba where he did his Specialist Anaesthesiology and Resuscitation from 2003 to 2007.
He again obtained a Masters in Critical Care and Emergencies from La Sapienza, University of Rome in Italy, from 2008 to 2009.
Professional Experiences
Dr Thomas Winsum Anabah rose through the ranks to become a force to reckon with in the medical field.
He began his clinical attachment at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in October 2001 to January 2002 and then became a House Officer there from March 2002 to February 2003.
This hardworking and ambitious health professional later became a Medical Officer from March to October 2003 at the same Hospital.
He served as a Specialist Anaesthesiologist and Resuscitation at the Ridge Hospital, Accra between 2007 and 2008, after which he became a Consultant Anaesthesiologist cum Head of Department Anaesthesia and Critical Care at the same hospital, from 2009 to 2012.
Dr Anabah has been a United Nations Examining Physician since 2013 to date for the world body.
He was the Medical Director of Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge), Accra from February 2016 to May 2017 where he gave the hospital a tremendous facelift.
Dr Anabah has been the C.E.O of Habana Medical Service, Tamale since June 2017 to date and is also the Executive Director of African Centre for Health Policy Research and Analysis (ACH-PRA) from January 2018 to date.
Achievements
Having a keen interest in the development of health systems in Ghana, Dr Anabah has put up a sterling performance in contributing his quota towards quality health delivery in the nation.
He successfully developed and established a Critical Care Unit at the Tamale Teaching Hospital and also secured a grant from Rotary International to establish an Obstetric High Depended Unit at the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
He again developed the first ever BSc Nurse Anaesthesia Programme in Africa and the programme is being rolled out at the University for Development Studies, Tamale, since 2001.
According to him, the programme has come to resolve a huge national problem by creating a clear career pathway for nurse anaesthetists in Ghana who hitherto had no opportunity for career progression in the specialty.
Dr Anabah told The Spectator that he had established and managed a private hospital called “Habana Medical Service” at Tamale which has received several awards both locally and internationally for the quality of care and management style.
“I was celebrated as a Humanitarian Hero by LifeBox Foundation, 2015 in the United Kingdom for my contribution in the development of anaesthesia in the world,” he boldly and happily stated.
He has established and funded a health facility policy think-tank; Africa Centre for Health Policy Research and Analysis (ACH-PRA), headquartered at Tamale.
Hobbies and Interests
The banku and okro soup lover likes reading, gardening, public speaking and sports and is a Rotarian, currently the Rotary Foundation Chair of the Tamale Rotary Club.
By Alfred Nii Arday Ankrah
In a world where stories shape perceptions and influence change, Michelle Eyram Yorgbe, stands out as a compelling voice dedicated to using media as a tool for transformation.
An accomplished journalist and filmmaker, her journey is one marked by excellence, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to social impact.
Eyram’s story begins at Mawuli Secondary School, where her passion for the arts and communication first took root.
Even at a young age, she exhibited a deep curiosity about the world around her and a desire to tell stories that matter. This early interest would later blossom into a purposeful career in media and storytelling.
Her academic path led her to the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI), where she pursued a Diploma in Film Directing and Script Writing.
At NAFTI, Eyram honed her creative instincts, learning to craft narratives that not only entertain but also educate and inspire.
Her training laid a strong foundation, equipping her with the technical and artistic skills needed to excel in the dynamic world of film and media.
Driven by a desire to engage more deeply with public discourse, Eyram continued her education at the University of Media, Arts and Communication – Institute of Film and Television (UniMAC-IFT), where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism.
Her dedication and discipline quickly set her apart. She graduated with First Class Honours and was named the Overall Best Student of UniMAC-IFT in 2024, a remarkable achievement that underscored her commitment to excellence.
But she’s not one to rest on her laurels. After that feat, Eyram advanced to the University of Media, Arts and Communication – Institute of Journalism (UniMAC-IJ) for her Master’s degree in Journalism. Once again, she distinguished herself academically, graduating as the Valedictorian of her cohort with an outstanding Final Grade Point Average of 3.94.
“It’s a big honour to graduate as the Overall Best Graduating student with an outstanding Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.94 in the MA in Journalism,” she shared her joy with The Spectator.
“What makes it even more beautiful was coming out as the Valedictorian on two occasions. I am so proud. This would, however mean nothing without a direct impact of this on society,” she said.
Her academic journey reflects not only intellectual brilliance but also a relentless pursuit of growth and impact.
In 2025, Eyram’s excellence gained international recognition when she was selected for further studies in Norway through a partnership between UniMAC-IJ and NLA University College under the Erasmus Mundus Mobility Programme.
This opportunity marked a significant milestone, allowing her to expand her horizons, engage with global perspectives, and refine her craft on an international stage.
Yet, beyond her impressive academic achievements, what truly defines Eyram is her heart for service.
She is deeply committed to advocacy and social development, particularly in championing gender equity and supporting marginalised communities.
Her passion for making a difference has seen her actively involved in community initiatives that bring tangible change to people’s lives.
As a volunteer with the Ghanaian Heritage Organisation, an NGO founded by members of the Ghanaian diaspora, Eyram played a pivotal role in community development projects across the Volta Region. Notably, she contributed to efforts that provided boreholes to underserved villages, bringing clean and accessible water to communities in need.
As the organisation’s only member based in Ghana, her role was both unique and impactful, bridging the gap between local needs and diaspora support.
Her commitment to social change is further reflected in her role as a co-founder of the Dreams Impact Foundation, an initiative she established alongside her sisters.
Through this foundation, Eyram has offered support to vulnerable groups by distributing sanitary products to schoolgirls and prison inmates, while also providing essential items to widows in disadvantaged communities.
These acts of compassion demonstrate her belief that storytelling must go hand in hand with action.
Outside her professional and humanitarian work, Eyram is an avid reader and a lover of films. These passions continue to enrich her perspective, shaping her understanding of narratives and reinforcing her dedication to telling stories that resonate and inspire.
As she steps into the next phase of her journey, she remains steadfast in her mission—to use journalism and storytelling as powerful tools for advocacy, social transformation, and amplifying the voices of the unheard.
Her story is not just one of personal success, but of purpose, a reminder that when talent meets passion and service, the result is truly transformative.
Indeed, Eyram is not only telling stories; she is changing lives, one narrative at a time through storytelling and service.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
In the world of sports, athletes often take center stage while the role of officials remains equally critical, yet less celebrated.
One Ghanaian is steadily changing that narrative. He is Aziz Adimah, a dedicated hockey umpire whose journey from the school field to the international arena reflects passion, resilience, and purpose.
Aziz Adimah’s story with hockey began during his secondary school days. Introduced to the sport in his second year by a peer tutor, what started as a casual interest quickly evolved into a lifelong commitment.
After completing school, he continued playing actively, but by 2008, he made a defining decision to pursue officiating seriously.
That decision marked the beginning of a remarkable turn in his sports journey.
While many athletes aspire to reach the pinnacle as players, Aziz recognised a different path to longevity and impact in the sport. According to him, playing careers especially at the national level can be short-lived, often limited to a few major tournaments.
Officiating, however, offered a broader horizon.
Through umpiring, Aziz found an opportunity not only to stay connected to the sport but also to rise through the global ranks. His dedication has since earned him a place on the international stage, where he proudly represents Ghana.
One of Aziz’s greatest motivations is the honour of representing his country internationally. Having officiated in global competitions, including World Cup qualifiers, he describes the experience as both humbling and inspiring.
Among his most memorable moments was officiating a high-intensity match between Pakistan and England during a World Cup qualifying tournament.
The pace, skill, and tactical depth of the game left a lasting impression on him and reinforced his passion for the profession.
“Being alone on that stage, representing your country is a special kind of pride,” he reflects.
Like every profession, umpiring comes with its own set of challenges. For Aziz, two stand out: logistics and performance expectations.
Unlike players who often benefit from structured team support, umpires must sometimes navigate limited resources, including travel logistics. Additionally, officials are expected to perform at standards higher than the level of play in their home countries which required constant learning, exposure, and adaptation to global trends.
Another major challenge lies in decision-making under pressure. Aziz recounts a particularly difficult moment when, as a video referee, he had to review footage and make a call that resulted in a player receiving a yellow card and a ten-minute suspension.
“In such moments, you know that if you get it wrong, it affects the entire game,” he explains.
Umpiring demands sharp judgment, often within split seconds. Aziz emphasises that fans and players must understand the intensity of this responsibility.
“The umpire processes everything in a split second. Sometimes you get it right, sometimes you don’t but the pressure is always there.”
Fortunately, he highlights the strong support system within the hockey hierarchy; from coaches to technical teams which provides room for reflection, learning, and growth.
Beyond officiating, Aziz is deeply committed to developing hockey in Ghana.
He runs an academy that focuses on nurturing young talent, with programmes for both youth and university students.
Currently, the academy trains players under 20 and is expanding its reach within tertiary institutions.
His goal is to build a strong pipeline of talent while also promoting officiating as a viable pathway in the sport.
However, he notes a significant gap in female participation, particularly in umpiring.
Efforts are underway to intentionally recruit and mentor more women into officiating roles, including collaborations with schools and international professionals.
Outside the hockey field, Aziz maintains a professional career, balancing work responsibilities with his demanding schedule as an umpire.
He credits his workplace –Promasidor Ghana Limited, for being supportive, allowing him to travel for international assignments.
Despite the challenges, he considers hockey not just a profession, but a form of leisure; something he genuinely enjoys.
Currently serving on the international panel just below the elite level, Aziz is determined to climb higher.
His immediate goal is to secure the required assessment scores to qualify for the top-tier panel, which would enable him to officiate at prestigious events such as the World Cup and the Olympic Games.
Driven by ambition, he hopes to become one of the first Ghanaian umpires to reach that level.
To young people considering a career in hockey officiating, Aziz offers both encouragement and realism. While the profession may not yet provide full financial security, it offers exposure, growth, and the chance to make a mark globally.
With structural improvements expected in international hockey, he believes the future holds greater opportunities for umpires worldwide.
A husband and father of two, Aziz Adimah embodies balance, discipline, and vision. His journey is not just about personal achievement but about elevating Ghana’s presence in international hockey.
Through every whistle blown and every decision made, he continues to inspire a new generation proving that sometimes, the most powerful impact in sports comes not from scoring goals, but from ensuring the game is played right.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
