Randy Nii Ofori Tawiah
Environmental Health & Public Health Specialist
Accra
Summary
Accomplished Military Officer, Environmental Health Officer and Public Health Specialist with over 17 years of experience (14 years in Military Medical Services) in WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Food Safety, Occupational Health and Safety, COVID-19 and infectious disease management, Protection of Civilians and Civil-Military Operations. Proven track record of leading high-impact public health initiatives in domestic and international settings, including UN peacekeeping missions in Lebanon, South Sudan, and Mali. Adept at managing complex projects, training teams, and implementing sustainable public health solutions. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, committed to improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Certifications
Work History
Special Advisor on Environment to the Force Commander
United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA)
11.2022 - 12.2023
- Advised the Force Commander on environmental compliance and sustainability across the mission, ensuring alignment with UN mandates and policies
- Coordinated environmental inspections and audits for military contingents, identifying and resolving issues to minimize the mission’s environmental footprint
- Delivered training on environmental best practices to military and police units, improving compliance with UN environmental standards
- Collaborated with Mission Environmental Unit to develop and implement sustainable waste management and pollution control strategies
Head of Public Health
6th Medical Reception Station, 6th Infantry Battalion
09.2021 - 11.2022
- Led public health initiatives, including sanitation, pest control, and occupational health compliance for 6th Infantry Battalion troops and families
- Conducted quarterly barracks inspections, ensuring hygiene and safety standards adherence, and reported findings to higher command
- Partnered with the U.S
- Army Civil Affairs team to organize medical outreaches, providing free health screenings and medications to over 2,000 patients in underserved communities
- Supervised health education programs for schools within the barracks, improving health awareness among students and teachers
Hygiene Officer
United Nations Missions in Lebanon, South Sudan, and Mali
01.2012 - 01.2021
- Managed WASH activities for battalions of 700–850 troops, ensuring compliance with WHO/UN standards
- Conducted monthly hygiene inspections, water quality tests, and food safety audits, maintaining high health and safety standards
- Implemented waste management systems and pest control measures, reducing health risks in mission areas
- Delivered public health training to troops, improving hygiene and disease prevention
Environmental Health & IPC Coordinator
Ghana Armed Forces Level II COVID-19 Treatment and Isolation Hospital
03.2020 - 07.2020
- Directed infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, ensuring compliance with COVID-19 protocols and safeguarding staff and patients
- Supervised the disinfection of personnel and facilities, reducing the risk of cross-contamination
- Led the cremation of Ghana’s first COVID-19 fatality and managed 6 CASEVAC missions for high-profile patients
- Trained medical staff on IPC practices, contributing to the hospital’s effective COVID-19 response
Senior Environmental Health Technologist
6th Medical Reception Station, Kamina Barracks
04.2017 - 02.2020
- Oversaw public health operations, including sanitation, health education, and occupational safety for troops and families
- Conducted quarterly inspections of Forward Operating Bases, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations
- Acted as Administrative Officer for Northern Command Brigade, streamlining administrative processes and improving operational efficiency
Environmental Health Technologist
37 Military Hospital
08.2011 - 09.2015
- Supervised medical examinations for troops deploying on peacekeeping missions and military courses abroad
- Conducted quarterly barracks inspections, ensuring compliance with sanitation and hygiene standards
- Served as Adjutant to the Commanding Officer, managing administrative operations and correspondence
Consultant – Water and Sanitation (WASH)
FOBET GROUP (NGO)
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Conducted field data collection and water quality testing for rural water projects, ensuring compliance with government standards
- Trained community members on WATSAN committee roles, improving the sustainability of water projects
- Monitored post-project water usage and prepared comprehensive reports on project outcomes
Environmental Health Officer (Technical Officer)
Ministry of Local Government – Ga East Municipal Assembly
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Investigated food safety complaints and enforced health regulations for restaurants and food processors
- Designed and implemented health education campaigns, improving public awareness of environmental health issues
- Conducted building inspections to ensure compliance with health and safety standards
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology and Information Studies
University of Ghana
01.2019 - 01.2024
Diploma - Environmental Health
School of Hygiene
01.2003 - 01.2006
Skills
Public Health Program Management
Certification
Certificate in Junior Staff Course, Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College - Accra, 01/2024
Accomplishments
- Spearheaded Ghana’s first COVID-19 cremation and led six (6) CASEVAC missions during the pandemic.
- Delivered health education to over 2,000 patients during medical outreaches in underserved communities.
- Improved environmental compliance in UN peacekeeping missions, reducing the environmental footprint of military operations.
- Trained over 500 troops on hygiene and public health best practices during UN missions.
Affiliations
I am an active member of several professional organizations, including the Ghana Environmental Health Officers Association and the Allied Health Professional Council. These affiliations have provided me with opportunities to network with public health professionals, stay updated on emerging trends, and participate in capacity-building workshops. Through these platforms, I have gained valuable insights into global health challenges and best practices, which have informed my work and deepened my passion for advancing public health.
Volunteering And Community Engagement
Beyond my professional roles, I have consistently sought opportunities to engage with communities and contribute to public health initiatives. One of my most fulfilling endeavors has been co-founding the Viva Health Medical Foundation, a non-governmental organization in Ghana dedicated to providing free medical care and medications to underserved rural communities in Accra. As the Director of Operations (a voluntary, unpaid position), I oversee the planning and execution of medical outreach programs, ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to essential health services. This role has deepened my understanding of the barriers to healthcare access and reinforced my commitment to addressing health disparities at the grassroots level. Additionally, I participated in a nationwide immunization campaign, collaborating with local health workers to ensure vaccine coverage in hard-to-reach areas. These experiences have not only strengthened my belief in the power of community-driven health interventions but also highlighted the importance of grassroots engagement in achieving health equity. Through these efforts, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of public health initiatives on underserved populations, further motivating me to pursue advanced training in global health.
Research
Throughout my career, I have actively engaged in research to inform evidence-based public health practices and policies, leveraging my findings to drive meaningful change. As an Environmental Health Officer at the 37 Military Hospital, I conducted a comprehensive study on the impact of poor sanitation on community health outcomes in Labadi, a coastal town in Ghana. This research involved meticulous data collection, rigorous analysis, and the development of actionable recommendations, which were subsequently adopted by local health authorities to improve sanitation infrastructure and reduce disease burden in the community. This experience not only honed my research and analytical skills but also demonstrated my ability to translate findings into practical, scalable solutions that address real-world public health challenges. During my deployments to Mali and South Sudan as part of United Nations peacekeeping missions, I collaborated with UN health experts from the Force Medical Unit to assess environmental health risks associated with waste management practices in remote mission areas. This work required innovative problem-solving and adaptability, as we navigated resource constraints and logistical challenges to ensure the health and safety of both mission personnel and local populations. These experiences have equipped me with a unique perspective on the intersection of environmental health, global security, and sustainable development. Through these endeavors, I have developed a strong foundation in identifying health risks, analyzing data, and implementing evidence-based interventions—skills I am eager to refine and expand through the MPH program.
Leadership Committee Membership
Throughout my career, I have taken on diverse leadership roles that have strengthened my ability to manage teams, drive public health initiatives, and navigate complex challenges. As the Environmental Advisor to the Force Commander in Mali, I led a multidisciplinary team responsible for ensuring compliance with WHO/UN environmental health standards, a role that required strategic planning and effective coordination in high-pressure environments. Additionally, I served on the Ghana Armed Forces COVID-19 Committee, where I contributed to the development and implementation of policies aimed at safeguarding the health and well-being of military personnel and their families during the pandemic. This experience deepened my understanding of crisis management and the importance of adaptive leadership in public health emergencies. Further demonstrating my leadership capabilities, I served on the Camp Closure Committee of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), where I played a key role in the systematic shutdown of mission operations, ensuring environmental and public health standards were maintained throughout the process. On the grassroots level, I have been the Operations Lead at Viva Health Medical Foundation since 2021, managing over 100 volunteers and overseeing the planning and execution of medical outreach programs that provide free healthcare to underserved communities in Ghana. Additionally, as the Head of Public Health at the 6th Infantry Battalion Medical Facility, I have been responsible for overseeing public health initiatives, ensuring the health and safety of personnel, and implementing preventive health measures. These roles have equipped me with the skills to lead effectively in diverse and dynamic settings, a quality I aim to further develop through the MPH program.
Timeline
Special Advisor on Environment to the Force Commander
United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA)
11.2022 - 12.2023
Head of Public Health
6th Medical Reception Station, 6th Infantry Battalion
09.2021 - 11.2022
Environmental Health & IPC Coordinator
Ghana Armed Forces Level II COVID-19 Treatment and Isolation Hospital
03.2020 - 07.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology and Information Studies
University of Ghana
01.2019 - 01.2024
Senior Environmental Health Technologist
6th Medical Reception Station, Kamina Barracks
04.2017 - 02.2020
Hygiene Officer
United Nations Missions in Lebanon, South Sudan, and Mali
01.2012 - 01.2021
Environmental Health Technologist
37 Military Hospital
08.2011 - 09.2015
Consultant – Water and Sanitation (WASH)
FOBET GROUP (NGO)
01.2008 - 01.2010
Environmental Health Officer (Technical Officer)
Ministry of Local Government – Ga East Municipal Assembly
01.2007 - 01.2010
Diploma - Environmental Health
School of Hygiene
01.2003 - 01.2006
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