Health Minister Updates Asantehene On Sweeping Reforms: “No Ghanaian Should Be Denied Care”
Minister of Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has outlined major government-backed reforms to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system during a courtesy call on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace.
The briefing formed part of the Minister’s working visit to the Ashanti Region.
Akandoh highlighted key interventions including the Free Primary Healthcare Programme, integration of the NHIS with the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares), expansion of health infrastructure, recruitment of thousands of health professionals, and improvements in specialist and emergency care.
He stressed that the reforms were designed to work together toward universal health coverage.
“These programmes do not replace one another; they complement each other to ensure every Ghanaian has access to quality healthcare irrespective of social status or geographical location.”
New Regional Hospitals, Cardiology Centres, Agenda 111 Progress
The Minister briefed Otumfuo on ongoing infrastructure projects, noting that the 2026 Budget provides for new regional hospitals in Western North, Oti and Savannah, with remaining Agenda 111 projects to be covered in the 2027 Budget.
Over 21,000 Health Workers Recruited
Akandoh disclosed that government has recruited 13,500 unemployed health professionals inherited upon assuming office, placed them on payroll, and added another 8,000, with plans to recruit 8,000 more.
He also revealed that Ghana has signed MoUs with several countries to deploy Ghanaian health professionals abroad — a move expected to boost employment and increase foreign remittances.
Ending the No-Bed Syndrome
The Minister said government is expanding emergency healthcare services, including plans for new emergency centres in Accra and Kumasi, to tackle the persistent no-bed syndrome.
Sewua Regional Hospital Nears Commissioning
Akandoh updated the Asantehene on the Sewua Regional Hospital, noting that access roads are complete and water and electricity connections are being finalised ahead of commissioning.
“We took the opportunity to brief His Majesty on developments in the health sector, and we also received his blessings. He encouraged us and offered useful counsel.”
— GNA