The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) has inaugurated its Northern Regional Committee (RECCOM) in Tamale to intensify efforts toward sustaining progress in the region’s fight against HIV.
The ceremony, held at the Northern Regional Coordinating Council, brought together representatives from state institutions, faith-based bodies, civil society organisations, and persons living with HIV, who form the membership of the newly constituted committee.
The Committee is chaired by the Northern Regional Minister, with members including the Regional Directors of the Ghana Health Service and the Ghana Education Service, the Registrar of the Regional House of Chiefs, representatives of the Christian and Muslim Councils, and the Regional Chairperson of NAP+. The Technical Coordinator of the Technical Support Unit (TSU) will serve as Secretary.
Speaking at the event, Mr Musah Nuhu, Northern Regional Coordinator of the Ghana AIDS Commission, emphasised the crucial role of RECCOM in enhancing coordination and decentralizing HIV-related interventions. He urged members to be proactive and committed to advancing the Commission’s mandate across the region.
Justice Emmanuel Bart Plange Brew, Supervising High Court Judge in Tamale, administered both the oath of office and the oath of secrecy, cautioning members to uphold professionalism and confidentiality as required by law.
Northern Regional Minister Mr Ali Adolf John described the inauguration as a significant step in strengthening the region’s collective response to HIV and AIDS. While acknowledging progress in treatment and care, he expressed concern about recent data showing an increase in the region’s HIV prevalence from 0.38% in 2023 to 0.44% in 2024.
He highlighted persistent stigma and discrimination as major barriers and urged the Committee to intensify public education, introduce innovative programmes, and implement targeted interventions to address the region’s specific challenges. He also appealed to the Commission and development partners for technical and financial support to enable effective functioning.
Dr Al-Hussein Zakaria, Northern Regional Coordinator of the Muslim Council of Ghana and a member of the Committee, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to carrying out its mandate and called for stronger stakeholder support in addressing HIV and AIDS in the region.
Source: GNA
