By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Director Ibrahim Foday-Musa Honoured for Exemplary Coordination of Emergency Response
Freetown, July 21, 2026 – The Ministry of Health has honoured its Director of Hospital and Ambulance Services, Mr. Ibrahim Foday-Musa, as “Hero of the Week” for his outstanding leadership in coordinating medical preparedness and emergency response during the successful ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit hosted in Freetown and Lungi.
The recognition was announced during the Ministry’s Executive Management Committee meeting and presented by Permanent Secretary Dr. Philip Kargbo, who praised Foday-Musa’s professionalism and commitment. He also commended Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Dr. Patricia Bah and the nursing teams for their exemplary service throughout the regional gathering.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Director, Dr. Bah highlighted the seamless teamwork that ensured uninterrupted medical services. She explained that doctors, nurses, laboratory staff, ambulances, and the Hospital on Wheels were strategically deployed across summit venues, while a Presidential Clinic was established at the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre.
Dr. Bah paid tribute to Foday-Musa’s leadership, noting his efforts to support staff with meals, accommodation, and logistics. “The successful medical coverage demonstrated the Ministry’s growing capacity to manage healthcare operations during major international events,” she said.
She revealed that President Julius Maada Bio personally thanked the medical teams, describing their service as a source of national pride. The Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, also lauded the healthcare workers’ discipline and professionalism, noting that visiting dignitaries commended Sierra Leone’s medical preparedness.
Dr. Demby further highlighted the newly refurbished Accident and Emergency and High Dependency Unit at Lungi Government Hospital, which strengthened the country’s emergency response capacity during the summit and remains a lasting investment in healthcare services.
Community representatives and ministry officials agreed that the recognition reflected the dedication of Sierra Leone’s healthcare professionals, whose efforts ensured the highest standards of patient care and infection prevention during the landmark regional event.