DDHS and district profiles

Profile

Background

Gifty Ankrah (Mrs. Lawson) is a dedicated and experienced healthcare professional with an extensive background in nursing and public health. She began her educational journey at Osu Presbyterian Secondary in Accra and continued her studies at Cape Coast Nursing and Midwifery Training College, graduating in 1991. With a strong commitment to advancing her knowledge and skills, she pursued further education and training in various fields, including midwifery, public health nursing, and international health. Mrs. Lawson’s career spans over three decades, during which she has made significant contributions to the Ghana Health Service (GHS).

Professional Profile

Mrs. Gifty Ankrah Lawson is a seasoned healthcare practitioner with a wealth of experience in both clinical and public health settings. She holds multiple qualifications in general nursing, midwifery, and public health nursing, with a specialization in international health. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated her versatility by serving in various capacities, including general nursing, midwifery, and public health. Since 2010, she has been appointed as a substantive District Director of Health Services (DDHS) and has served in six different districts, currently leading the Mfantseman Municipal Health Directorate.

Career Objective

Mrs. Gifty Ankrah Lawson aims to continue her impactful work in public health administration, focusing on improving healthcare delivery and outcomes within her community. Her goal is to leverage her extensive experience and expertise to drive health initiatives that promote wellness, prevent diseases, and enhance the quality of life for the populations she serves. She is dedicated to fostering a health system that is responsive, efficient, and equitable, ensuring that all individuals have access to essential health services.

Mrs Gifty Ankrah Lawson

District Director,Mfantseman Municipal.

Professional Experience

  • General Nurse, various departments including medical, surgical, pediatrics, isolation, theatre, and OPD

  • Midwife, maternity unit, various locations (qualified in 1994)

  • Public Health Nurse, public health practitioner (since 1999)

  • Acting District Director of Health Services (DDHS) (2007-2010)

  • Substantive District Director of Health Services (DDHS) (2010-present)

EDUCATION

  • Osu Presbyterian Secondary, Accra

  • Cape Coast Nursing and Midwifery Training College, C10 year group (1988-1991)

  • Midwifery Training School, Korle Bu

  • Public Health Nursing School, Korle Bu

  • Management and Public Administration, GIMPA

  • Public Health Administration, University of Ghana Legon

  • Masters in Public Health, International Health (MPH) (IH), University of Copenhagen, Denmark and Medical Village in Vellore, India

Other Training

  • Various short courses in Reproductive and Child Health

  • Training on Differential Service
    Delivery (DSD) on HIV.

  • Anti-Retro viral Therapy (ART)
    Training.

  • TOT in Family Planning.

  • Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive
    Health.

  • Capacity Development Workshop on Corporate Governance for Advisory Board Members.

  • Life Saving Skills workshop on Safe
    Motherhood.

  • PMTCT /HIV workshop.

  • Capacity building on Mental Health
    by WHO QualityRight.

Career History

  • General Nurse, various departments

  • Midwife, maternity unit

  • Public Health Nurse, public health practitioner

  • Acting District Director of Health Services (DDHS)

  • Substantive District Director of Health Services (DDHS) in KEEA, Cape Coast, Ajumako Enyan-Essiam, Gomoa West, Abura Asebu Kwamankese, and Mfantseman

Duties

  • Overseeing district health administration and service delivery

  • Coordinating public health programs and initiatives

  • Managing healthcare staff and resources

  • Implementing health policies and protocols