First November each year is celebrated globally as World Radiography Day and in 2017 The Ghana Society of Radiographers took active steps to ensure that the Ghanaian Radiography professionals were part of the world celebration.
The theme was Professionalism and Safety of the Patient.
The commemoration of the WRD celebration was in collaboration with the Nuclear Regulatory Authority of Ghana and the Allied Health Professions Council of Ghana to highlight the important role Radiographers play in ensuring safety of the patient at all times.
The program gave Radiographers the opportunity to share knowledge on recent scientific research with other members.
The 122nd anniversary of the discovery of x-rays was hosted at the Golden Bean Hotel in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, the second largest city in Ghana with a total of 150 participants present.
The Chairman of the LOC Nana Sarfo, a Traditional Chief and The Chief Radiographer of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital introduced the Chairman of the occasion as The Paramount Chief of Bompata Traditional Area under the Ashanti Kingdom and also the Board Chairman of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Nana Effah Apenteng, the Chairman is also a retired carrier Diplomat.
The President of the society Mr. Prince Rockson delivered the welcome address, followed by the guest speakers’ speech by Prof. Emi Reynolds, The Director General, Nuclear Regulatory Authority of Ghana.
Dr. Samuel Opoku, Registrar of the Allied Health Profession Council of Ghana and also the President of PACORI (Pan African Congress of Radiography and Imaging).
Dr. Mark Okeji, President, African Radiography Forum and a Senior Lecturer from the University of Nigeria was the International invited guest.
The last speech was delivered by Prof. Eric Ofori, Dean of University of Health and Allied Sciences of Ghana.
All speakers highlighted on the theme for the year’s celebration.
Other dignitaries present at the occasion were Dr. William Antwi, Lecturer,University of Ghana School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, Dr. Yaw Wiafe, Lecturer, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Dr. Abdul Nashirudeen Mumuni, Lecturer University for Development Studies of Ghana, Mr. Lawrence Arthur a retired Radiographer and Lecturer.
Nana Effah Apenteng, gave his closing remarks with a touch on all the speeches for the various speakers. He graced the occasion with his rich royal experience of wise sayings blended with his academic exposures.
The core information disseminated on all media platforms was the need for the Regulatory Authorities to apply the laws to get rid of unauthorized persons exposing the innocent patient to ionizing radiation
Secondly the building of capacity for Radiographers by the Universities and the need to be united to champion a common goal in Africa in the interest of the patient.
The 122nd World Radiography Day celebration and National Scientific Conference also goes down in history as our greatest effort at establishing the needed publicity and awareness creation for our profession.
Congratulations to the Local Organizing Committee led by Nana Sarfo and the Regional Chairman Mr. Daniel Olai Mensah. The program was sponsored by the Ghana Society of Radiographers, GE Healthcare and Star Life Company.
In conclusion, 2017 WRD was a success for the society.
Thank you
PRINCE ROCKSON
PRESIDENT
Wow, seems like it was a really wonderful celebration. The laws, to get rid of unauthorized people exposing patients to ionizing radiation, are really needed. Especially in developing countries, where we have lots of people doing things they aren’t qualified to do.