Ghana’s long-standing partnership with China in the health sector took a significant step forward as the Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, received the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Tong Defa, during a courtesy call in Accra.
The visit, which included a high-level delegation from the Chinese Embassy, underscored efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation in healthcare delivery, infrastructure, and the advancement of traditional medicine.
“During the meeting, both parties explored opportunities for collaboration in healthcare delivery, infrastructure development, and traditional medicine”
Ministry Of Health
At the meeting, Hon. Akandoh extended heartfelt appreciation to the Chinese government for its continued investment in Ghana’s health sector.
He highlighted two pivotal contributions: the consistent deployment of Chinese medical teams to the LEKMA Hospital since 2009 and the funding and recent completion of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS).
These interventions, he said, had directly impacted medical education and helped address persistent health challenges across the country.
The Minister noted that Ghana’s current health policy direction includes a renewed focus on traditional and herbal medicine. He explained that traditional medicine is not only a cultural asset but also a vehicle for job creation and improved health service delivery.
In line with this, he appealed for China’s support in training healthcare professionals, supplying cutting-edge medical equipment, and forming research partnerships to develop the traditional medicine sector to meet international benchmarks.
Hon. Akandoh also used the opportunity to request China’s assistance in upgrading key teaching hospitals and constructing two new regional hospitals in underserved areas.
These projects, he said, are vital to the success of the President’s Free Primary Healthcare Policy and the 24-hour economy policy, both central pillars of President Mahama’s second-term agenda.
“Support in building teaching and regional hospitals will not only expand access but also reinforce Ghana’s capacity to meet the demands of a round-the-clock healthcare system”
Hon. Mintah Akandoh, Minister Of Health
Donation to LEKMA Hospital
In a related development, the 14th Chinese Medical Team to Ghana donated a range of medical equipment, consumables, and pharmaceuticals to the LEKMA Hospital in Accra. The donation was designed to support the hospital’s minimally invasive surgery initiative and the ongoing Beautiful World Charity project.
During the ceremony, Hon. Akandoh emphasized the tangible impact of the donation, stating, “This equipment and these supplies will significantly boost healthcare delivery and deepen our cooperation with China.”
He urged the management of LEKMA Hospital, led by Dr. Akua Gyimah Asante, to ensure the items are properly maintained and used for their intended purpose to improve patient outcomes.
H.E. Tong Defa, the Chinese Ambassador, affirmed China’s dedication to supporting Ghana’s health sector. He noted that over 100 professionals have served in the country through 14 medical teams since 2009, offering clinical care, training, and knowledge exchange.
“Though the supplies may be limited in quantity, their impact on Ghana’s diagnostic and treatment capacity is significant”
H.E. Tong Defa, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana
Certificates for the donated medical supplies were officially signed during the event, symbolizing another concrete step in the expanding cooperation between the two nations.
Dr. Akua Gyimah Asante, Superintendent of LEKMA Hospital, welcomed the donation as a reinforcement of international goodwill. She stated, “The items will improve the ability to provide quality care, reduce patient recovery times, and ensure continuity in essential drug supply.”
Additionally, she expressed that the pharmaceuticals would help alleviate the burdens on essential drug suppliers and enhance treatment continuity for clients.
The Ministry of Health’s Public Relations Unit emphasized that the meetings and donation highlight the strengthening of ties between Ghana and China, particularly in health education, infrastructure, and traditional medicine. According to the Ministry, such partnerships demonstrate a shared vision of health equity and sustainable development.
Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to working together to create a healthier future for their citizens. Hon. Akandoh concluded the engagement with optimism, expressing confidence that the bilateral relationship will continue to deliver long-term health benefits for Ghanaians.
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