The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has inaugurated the governing boards of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH), reaffirming the Mahama administration’s drive to strengthen institutional governance and deliver quality health services across the country.
The ceremony, held under the auspices of the Ministry of Health, brought together key stakeholders from the health sector. Beyond its ceremonial symbolism, the event was aimed at empowering the boards to function as strategic arms in the execution of Ghana’s health reforms.
“Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister emphasized that the inauguration was not merely a formal event, but a reassertion of the Ministry’s commitment to strong leadership and improved healthcare delivery across the country”
Ministry of Health
Addressing the newly appointed board members, the Minister emphasized that the Ghana Health Service remains the nation’s frontline engine of care, from community-based health planning and services (CHPS) compounds to district and regional hospitals.
He urged the GHS board to lead with purpose and ensure that the Service continues to respond effectively to evolving public health needs. “Let today mark a turning point. Let’s get to work because the health and well-being of our people depend on it,” said Hon. Akandoh.
He pointed out challenges confronting the health sector such as funding shortfalls, the migration of healthcare workers, and an increasing burden of chronic and infectious diseases. Nonetheless, he called on the board to remain focused on innovation, accountability, and unwavering service to the Ghanaian people.
The Chairman of the GHS Board, Prof. Fred Newton Binka, pledged on behalf of the board to uphold professionalism and transparency in the discharge of their duties. “We are grateful for the confidence reposed in us and ready to serve with integrity and purpose,” Prof. Binka stated.
He reaffirmed the board’s dedication to improving service delivery standards and contributing to national health outcomes that align with the Ministry’s broader strategic objectives.
Ho Teaching Hospital Board
In his address to the Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH) Board, the Minister underscored their dual mandate of providing life-saving care and training future health professionals. He urged them to adopt an inclusive and forward-thinking approach that bridges patient care and academic excellence.
He acknowledged that the institution faces numerous systemic challenges, including limited infrastructure, rising operational costs, and high staff turnover. However, he encouraged the board to rise to the occasion, insisting that institutional transformation would be possible with the right mix of leadership, policy direction, and partnerships.
“The Ho Teaching Hospital must not only save lives but also prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals,” Hon. Akandoh affirmed.
Responding to the Minister’s charge, Dr. Delanyo Yao Tsidi Dovlo, Chairman of the HTH Board, conveyed appreciation on behalf of his colleagues.
“He pledged that the board would work collaboratively with the Ministry and other stakeholders to improve healthcare outcomes and support the broader health goals of the country”
Ministry Of Health
He stressed that the board would adopt a proactive posture in addressing the hospital’s challenges and reaffirmed its commitment to creating a responsive, patient-centered healthcare environment.
“The Minister pledged to support the leadership of these institutions with the necessary policy frameworks, infrastructure, and resources as Ghana works toward a healthier and more equitable future”
Ministry Of Health
He reiterated that the government’s backing for the newly inaugurated boards would extend beyond rhetorical endorsement. He promised to provide targeted logistical backing to strengthen the foundations of both institutions.
“We will work to ensure that your mandate is not hindered by the absence of the tools you need to function,” the Minister assured.
He called on all stakeholders in the health sector to align their efforts with Ghana’s national agenda of achieving universal health coverage and building a resilient healthcare system.
The inauguration aligned with the current administration’s broader commitment to reshaping public service delivery, upholding professional standards, and contributing meaningfully to the nation’s health objectives, through decentralization, accountability, and stakeholder participation.
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