Ghana’s health sector is now at the center of sweeping reforms, with Health Minister Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh revealing decisive strategies aimed at solving some of the most persistent problems facing the country’s hospitals and clinics.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series, the Minister openly acknowledged existing challenges in the sector.
He cited issues such as unemployed qualified health professionals waiting for recruitment, industrial actions that threaten continuous service delivery, infrastructure gaps, particularly in regional hospitals, and what he described as “poor maintenance culture in our facilities and institutions.”
He pointedly remarked that “we actually have a problem” regarding maintenance and highlighted the need for a long-term solution.
In response, the government has launched a practical solution aimed at curbing this pattern of neglect.
“We have instructed all health facilities to ring fence money, and that money will be dedicated towards fixing faulty equipment and the maintenance of the facility in general.
“The government cannot continue to buy equipment and then, when it’s faulty, we go back to the government to look for money to repair or replace them.”
Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh
This new accountability measure is part of broader plans to overhaul how the country’s healthcare system is managed.
Akandoh emphasized that this shift in strategy is not just an administrative formality but a serious effort to correct systemic flaws: “As you can see, we are tackling this head-on on planning and investing prudently.”
While discussing the future of Ghana’s health sector, the Minister emphasized that the country is positioned for major improvements. Central to this transformation is the planned introduction of free primary health care across the nation.
This initiative, once fully in place, is expected to serve as vital support for thousands of Ghanaians managing chronic illnesses, enabling them to access essential treatment more easily.
Workforce development remains central to the transformation agenda.
Akandoh noted that “our health workforce will be empowered through expanded specialist training and meaningful incentives,” ensuring health professionals are motivated and equipped to serve the nation’s healthcare needs.
To address staffing shortages, he explained that efforts are being made to clear the employment backlog: “We are clearing the backlog of qualified health workers to fill critical gaps in our system.”
Health Sector Facilities Modernization Plans Underway
As part of the broader plan, equipping health facilities with modern technology will be prioritized.
Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh revealed that scaling up hospital and clinic upgrades will help meet global service standards.
This investment in infrastructure ties directly into the government’s aim to establish Ghana as a medical tourism destination. In his words, “this will catalyze our promise to promote medical tourism.”
Plans are already underway to bring international specialists to Ghana. Akandoh disclosed that discussions have started with professionals from the US, UK, and India who will soon begin performing various medical procedures in Ghana.
He added that “the countries around us will also be aware of this particular arrangement so that they can also travel to Ghana to receive such treatment.”
Another area of focus is the strengthening of pharmaceutical and vaccine production capacities.
“We will continue to build partnerships and mobilize resources to strengthen the research and development, as well as the regulatory capacities needed for pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing, as earlier indicated.”
Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh
Akandoh made it clear that these initiatives represent more than theoretical strategies.
He stressed that the measures being introduced form the groundwork for building a healthier and more resilient Ghana, both now and in the years ahead.
He credited the success so far to the “dedication of our health teams, partners, communities, and ultimately, government vision.”
As he closed his address, Akandoh expressed confidence that Ghana’s health system is set to move beyond its structural weaknesses.
He concluded by affirming that “together, we’ll continue to deliver quality health care to every Ghanaian. I thank you for the opportunity.”
Through policies that prioritize maintenance, technology, workforce development, and pharmaceutical production, the country’s health sector is preparing for a long-awaited transformation aimed at providing reliable, accessible, and world-class healthcare to all its citizens.
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