Ghana’s Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah-Akandoh, has praised the remarkable gains made in the country’s health sector during the first half of 2025, affirming the government’s commitment to building a robust and inclusive healthcare system.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series, the Minister outlined the milestones achieved, despite what he described as a difficult financial inheritance and stalled infrastructure projects.
“Ghana’s health sector remains a critical pillar of national development. It underpins healthy communities, drives economic productivity, and helps realise our national vision for a prosperous Ghana.”
Ghana’s Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah-Akandoh
Hon. Akandoh revealed that when the current administration took office, it was confronted with an overwhelming fiscal burden. “We inherited a Ministry of Health burdened with a staggering debt of nearly GHS 12.6 billion,” he disclosed.
These debts, he explained, included arrears owed to service providers, development partners, and contractors—hindrances that could have crippled the government’s ability to invest in healthcare delivery.
He cited the inherited Agenda 111 program, a major hospital construction initiative launched by the previous government, as a key example of mismanagement.
According to him, despite an investment of $344 million by the erstwhile administration not a single one of the Agenda 111 projects was completed and operationalised. More troubling, he added, was the GHS 1 billion in arrears left behind under the program.
Yet, he emphasised, the administration refused to be deterred. “We have not wavered on our commitment to deliver,” he said confidently. Rather than dwell on blame, he said, the government’s focus has been squarely on performance.
Keeping Promises
“We are not here to dwell on excuses. We are here to deliver,” the Minister stated firmly. Hon. Akandoh reminded the audience of the promises made by the current administration, led by President John Dramani Mahama, to transform Ghana’s healthcare landscape.
These commitments, he said, are being honoured through tangible programs and reforms. “Our party promised bold and clear commitments to improve the health and well-being of all Ghanaians, and we are delivering them,” he asserted.
Central to these efforts is the expansion of access to free, quality primary healthcare, with an emphasis on disease prevention.
The Minister highlighted the launch of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as Mahama Cares, as a key intervention targeting non-communicable diseases—a growing concern in the country. “We promised to tackle non-communicable diseases through initiatives like the Ghana Medical Trust Fund… and we are delivering,” he added.
Reforms in healthcare leadership and governance are also underway. The Minister explained that the government is actively restructuring health financing systems and promoting local pharmaceutical production to reduce dependency on imports.
“We are enhancing leadership and governance by reforming health financing, developing local pharmaceutical production, and improving the management of our health institutions.”
Ghana’s Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah-Akandoh
He also stressed the government’s strong belief in the need for a motivated and professionally equipped health workforce.
“Compromising on the need for motivated and skilled health workers is not an option,” he said, adding that policies aimed at professional development and worker welfare are already being rolled out.
Investment in Infrastructure
Investment in infrastructure and medical research, including support for traditional medicine, remains another key area of focus.
According to the Minister, the government is ensuring that development in healthcare is not only about facilities and equipment, but also about building systems that reflect the culture and needs of the people. “By fulfilling these promises, we are building a healthier Ghana, one we are creating together right now,” he remarked.
He reiterated that the current administration, under President Mahama’s leadership, is resolute in its pursuit of quality and equitable healthcare for all citizens. “Our government… remains firmly dedicated to providing quality, equitable health care for all in Ghana,” he affirmed.
As the Minister responsible for executing the government’s health agenda, Hon. Akandoh underscored the Ministry’s oversight of 26 agencies involved in service delivery, regulation, training, and financing.
He said these agencies are instrumental in aligning the sector’s achievements with broader development goals.
“Today, I am pleased to share with you the highlights of our key achievements aligned with our government health priorities, the challenges we face, and our plans that reflect the manifesto promises and national development priorities for achieving the SDG and universal health coverage goals.”
Ghana’s Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah-Akandoh
While acknowledging the ongoing challenges facing the sector, the Minister expressed confidence that the trajectory of Ghana’s healthcare system is moving in the right direction.
He called on all stakeholders—public servants, private actors, healthcare professionals, and the Ghanaian public—to join in building a system that not only cures illness but also empowers the nation.
With a clear-eyed focus on delivery and results, the Ministry of Health under Hon. Kwabena Mintah-Akandoh appears determined to overcome the burdens of the past and lay a strong foundation for a healthier and more equitable Ghana.
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