The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has issued a stern clarion call to the people of the Western North Region, asserting that the area’s accelerated progress is strictly contingent upon a unified front among its leadership and citizenry.
According to the Ministry of Health, Hon. Akandoh, who also serves as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Juaboso, speaking during an intensive working tour of the region as part of his 2025 Christmas activities, made it clear that the time for fragmented efforts has passed.
“He called on stakeholders in the Western North Region to unite and work together for the accelerated development of the region.
“According to him, development thrives on unity, stressing that the creation of the Western North Region was intended to bring the people together to collectively harness their resources and potential for progress”
Ministry of Health
The Minister’s visit, which spanned several days and touched numerous districts, was designed to bridge the gap between policy at the Ministry of Health and the grassroots reality of the Western North residents. He maintained that for the region to witness the kind of transformation envisioned by the current administration, every stakeholder must be pulling in the same direction.
On the second leg of his working tour, Hon. Akandoh navigated the terrains of Bia West, Bia East, Aowin, Suaman, and Akontombra. These visits were not merely ceremonial but functioned as a strategic platform for interaction with local authorities and the youth.
Hon. Akandoh’s message remained consistent: development is a byproduct of harmony. He challenged the local leadership to look beyond immediate personal gains and focus on the broader socioeconomic landscape of the region.
He specifically pointed to the synergy required between traditional authorities and political actors, arguing that when opinion leaders and the youth align their goals, sustainable development becomes an achievable reality rather than a distant hope. This collaborative spirit, Hon. Akandoh suggested, is the engine that will drive the region toward prosperity.
Healthcare Infrastructure and Presidential Commitment
The Ministry noted that a pivotal highlight of the engagement was the official announcement regarding the healthcare landscape. Hon. Akandoh revealed that the government has greenlit the commencement of a new Regional Hospital for the Western North.
“This facility is expected to be a game-changer for healthcare delivery, providing residents with access to specialized services that previously required long-distance travel”
Ministry of Health
The Minister was quick to link these local advancements to the broader national agenda led by His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, emphasizing that the President has placed the health sector at the summit of the national priority list.
According to Hon. Akandoh, the provision of modern infrastructure and the enhancement of service delivery across the country are direct results of the President’s steadfast commitment to the wellbeing of all Ghanaians.
Surprise Inspections and Partisan Truce
The ministry further revealed that In a move that caught many off guard, the Health Minister conducted an unannounced visit to the Enchi Government Hospital.
This “surprise” element of his tour was intended to assess the operational efficiency of the facility and the morale of the frontline health workers during the festive season. It signaled a shift toward more rigorous oversight within the sector.
Beyond the clinical assessments, Hon. Akandoh leaned heavily into the political atmosphere of the region.
“He urged residents to put aside partisan and personal differences and focus on a shared vision of growth and prosperity for the Western North Region – having identified partisan bickering as a major stumbling block to regional advancement”
Ministry of Health
The tour has already set a high bar, with the Minister meeting with the Commanders of the Security Services and various Heads of Government Agencies in Bibiani, Sefwi Wiawso, Asawinso, and Bodi. These high-level briefings ensured that the developmental drive is backed by a stable and secure environment.
Stakeholders across the districts visited expressed significant appreciation for the Minister’s presence during the Christmas break. Many commended his dedication to the region, noting that the announcement of the Regional Hospital project serves as a tangible victory for the Western North.
As the tour concluded, the consensus remained that while the government provides the infrastructure, the people must provide the unity necessary to sustain it.
