Dr Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey honoured with Doctor of Science Degree by UHAS for contributions to health and leadership – Nsemkeka
The acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Vaccine Institute (NVI), Dr Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, has been conferred with a Doctor of Science degree (honoris causa) by the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in recognition of his distinguished service to the institution and his leadership in global health.
The honour was bestowed during the 9th edition of the annual President John Evans Atta Mills Leadership Lecture, which Dr Sodzi-Tettey delivered on the theme: “Achieving Quality Health Systems in Ghana Amidst Global Disruptions.” His lecture drew widespread commendation, with many describing it as insightful and timely.
Reflecting on the journey that brought him full circle with UHAS, Dr Sodzi-Tettey expressed profound gratitude to the University’s Council, Management, Faculty, Staff, Students, and Alumni Association for what he described as a “great honour.”
“This is indeed all the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes,” he wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post following the ceremony.
Dr Sodzi-Tettey’s association with UHAS dates back to its inception. He was the youngest member of the Interim Council appointed by the late President John Evans Atta Mills to oversee the establishment of the university.
He was later appointed by President John Mahama to serve on the first fully constituted Council of the institution. “From the very beginning… it was a period of uncommon sacrifice, rare courage, deep commitment, good laughter, and great learning from experienced hands on what it takes to start a totally new endeavour from scratch,” he recalled.
He also paid tribute to the members of the pioneering Interim Council — including Prof. Kofi Anyidoho, Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, Togbi Tepre Hodo IV, Justice Agnes Dordzie, and Dr. Yaw Adu Gyamfi — for their commitment to building what has become Ghana’s foremost health training institution. Since its establishment, UHAS has graduated nearly 11,000 students.
Dr Sodzi-Tettey, a former Vice President of the Ghana Medical Association, noted how the leadership lessons and experiences gained during his time at UHAS have proven invaluable in his current role at the National Vaccine Institute — another critical institution in its formative years, focused on building Ghana’s capacity in vaccine research, development, and manufacturing.
In a moment of personal reflection, he revealed that he initially declined the offer to serve on the UHAS Council when approached by then-Presidential Advisor Dr Christina Amoako-Nuama, whom he now regards as a mother figure. “Ei Sodzi! In the words of my children, ‘You see yourself!’” he wrote humorously.
Dr Sodzi-Tettey expressed his appreciation to the late President Mills and incumbent Mahama for the opportunities they gave him to serve the nation and build legacy institutions.
“This is a blessing, an uncommon favour,” he wrote, affirming his faith in the divine hand guiding his journey.
This is a double celebration for Dr Sodzi-Tettey who was only appointed in March this year by President John Mahama as the acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Vaccine Institute.
Inaugurated in May 2023, the NVI is mandated to establish institutional arrangements for the research, development, and manufacture of vaccines in Ghana. As acting CEO, Dr Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey will be responsible for mobilising resources and securing sustainable financing to achieve the Institute’s objectives, developing local and international partnerships, collaborating with regulatory bodies to ensure adherence to manufacturing standards, and facilitating technology transfer arrangements with vaccine developers and the pharmaceutical industry.
More about Dr Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey
Dr Sodzi-Tettey is a Public Health Physician with 21 years of experience in district medical practice, national healthcare leadership, and global health initiatives. He has led quality improvement projects across over 200 public hospitals in Ghana, significantly reducing preventable deaths among children under five.
Before this appointment, he served as Vice President of Global Delivery at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) in Boston, USA, where he provided strategic, technical, and operational leadership for IHI’s work across Africa and the Middle East.
“This is a truly exciting opportunity to contribute to building the resilience of our health system through local vaccine manufacturing. I am humbled and truly grateful to President Mahama and the Health Minister, Hon. Akandoh. I look forward to forging the necessary local, regional, and global partnerships needed to make this national assignment succeed,” said Dr Sodzi-Tettey.
Education and Affiliations
Dr Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey attended Achimota School before qualifying as a medical doctor from the University of Ghana Medical School.
He later earned a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the University of Ghana School of Public Health, graduating as the best student and receiving the Prof. & Mrs. Ofosu-Amaah prizes.
He is an alumnus of Harvard Business School, where he completed the Program for Leadership Development (Harvard’s equivalent of an Executive MBA).
Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey is also:
A Rockefeller Global Fellow for Social Innovation.
A Fellow & Board Director of the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (Ireland).
A former Vice President of the Ghana Medical Association.
His wealth of experience in healthcare leadership and innovation positions him well to lead the National Vaccine Institute in achieving its critical mission.