SHORT PROFILE OF ANTHONY SOPAAL
(Assistant General Secretary)
Current Workplace: Human Resource Division, Ghana Health Service Headquarters, Accra
Professional Background:
Anthony A. Sopaal is a seasoned Human Resource Practitioner, Nurse Practitioner, and Associate Member of the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives. He is also a Peri-operative Nurse and Master Trainer with extensive experience in training and capacity building across various fields. His professional journey is characterized by a commitment to continuous learning and excellence in leadership, particularly in areas such as disability inclusion, quality of care, and leadership development.
Professional Experience & Training:
Anthony has participated in and led numerous workshops and training programs that have significantly shaped his expertise. Notable contributions include:
– Actively involved in curriculum development, such as the training curricula for nursing and midwifery in ECOWAS member states, held in Cotonou, Benin.
– Contributed to policy formulation in critical areas, including infection prevention and control, and e-Learning.
– Coordinated several key programs and projects, notably the Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS), the “COVID-19 in Ghana: Promoting Physical & Mental Health of Children, Families, and Health Workers” initiative, and more recently, the “Health Workforce Wellbeing Interventions and Initiatives Study” conducted in Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana.
He has also held significant roles, including:
– HIV/STI Coordinator at Yendi Hospital
– Clinical Care Coordinator at Yendi Hospital
– Taha Sub-district Leader and Health Centre In-Charge at Kalpohin Health Center
– Sagnarigu District HIV Coordinator
– Regional Training Coordinator for the Northern Regional Health Directorate
– Regional Coordinator for the Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) Initiative
In addition to these roles, he coordinated school health screening services and other important responsibilities. Anthony is also passionate about utilizing electronic resources and digital tools. Beyond his professional duties, he offers home-based care advisory services and performs diagnostic scanning as a skilled ultrasonographer.
Leadership & Unionism:
Anthony’s leadership journey in trade unionism began during his time at nursing training college, where he served as the College President. Following his graduation, while working at Yendi District Hospital, he played a pivotal role in revitalizing the GRNMA in the district. His leadership transformed the district into a model of unity among nursing and midwifery professionals, fostering a collaborative environment with hospital management. He served two terms as the District Chairman, followed by a brief tenure as the Assistant Regional Secretary. This was succeeded by his roles as the Regional Secretary and then two terms as the Regional Chairman. He currently serves as the Assistant General Secretary, a position in which he continues to excel.
Awards and Recognition:
Anthony has received numerous awards in recognition of his contributions as both a nurse and a union leader, including being named the District Best Nurse and, subsequently, the Northern Regional Best Nurse.
Committee & Board Memberships:
Anthony has contributed his expertise as an employee and a union leader through service on several committees and boards at both regional and national levels. His current positions include:
– Member, Health Care Sector Skills Body – Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET)
– Chairman, Policy Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (PPME) – GRNMA
– Member, Editorial Committee – GRNMA
Hobbies: Soccer, Basketball, Cycling, and Travelling