The Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Juaboso, Honourable Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has acknowledged existing challenges within Ghana’s health infrastructure, particularly in the area of equipment and facility retooling. He indicated that government efforts are focused on addressing these gaps through sustained interventions and programme implementation.

Honourable Akandoh admitted that difficulties in the health system are widely known and require practical solutions rather than repeated public lamentation. The Health Minister stressed that ongoing reforms are designed to strengthen service delivery across facilities nationwide.

“I am the first person to admit that we have difficulties when it comes to retooling our health facilities. It is not about lamentation as it is about working to fix it. We are procuring equipment and strengthening our assurance centres.”
Honourable Kwabena Mintah Akandoh

The Juaboso MP explained that several initiatives are currently underway to improve medical equipment supply and upgrade health institutions. He added that although progress is being made, the discussion on details would be better suited for another platform.

Honourable Akandoh further stated that government is taking advantage of identified challenges to improve systems and tighten operational weaknesses. The Health Minister noted that corrective measures are continuously applied whenever gaps emerge within the sector.

Additionally, the Minister of Health emphasised that expectations must be balanced with the realities of national development timelines. He explained that solving all sector challenges within a short period remains unrealistic despite sustained commitment.

Honourable Akandoh credited the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama for supporting reforms within the health sector. He said Ghana’s engagement at international health platforms has improved significantly under the current administration.

kkkk — Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister of Health

The Health Minister highlighted the country’s visibility at recent World Health Assembly meetings, noting increased global interest in Ghana’s health policies. He pointed to initiatives such as free primary healthcare and CHPS compounds as areas attracting international attention.

“Everybody wanted to hear Ghana’s story at the World Health Assembly. How are you doing free primary healthcare within a year? How are you strengthening CHPS compounds? Progress is visible, but improvement remains ongoing.”
Honourable Kwabena Mintah Akandoh

The Minister of Health stated that Ghana’s approach to health reform has drawn invitations and engagements from global partners. He added that health sovereignty discussions have positioned the country as a reference point in international health conversations.

Honourable Akandoh emphasised that although progress has been made, further improvements are necessary across all levels of healthcare delivery. He said government remains committed to expanding access, improving infrastructure, and sustaining reforms.

The Health Minister also noted that criticisms play an important role in influencing policy direction. He encouraged constructive engagement while reaffirming that government is focused on continuous improvement.

Infectious Disease Centres Expansion And Health Workforce Reform Drive

The Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Juaboso, Honourable Kwabena Mintah Akandoh assured that ongoing infectious disease centres across the country will be completed and operationalised within the shortest possible time. He indicated that many facilities that have reached advanced stages of construction are already in use.

Honourable Akandoh explained that government has prioritised ensuring that all completed health infrastructure is put to immediate use. The Health Minister added that the Ministry of Health is actively monitoring progress through its infrastructure directorate.

“Any infectious disease centre under construction will be completed and operationalised within the shortest possible time. We are already putting completed facilities to good use.”
Honourable Kwabena Mintah Akandoh

He stated that equipment supply and staffing are key components in the operationalisation of these centres. He added that once facilities are completed, they are fully resourced with medical equipment and trained personnel.

Honourable Akandoh further addressed concerns regarding the Nalerigu Baptist Medical Centre, which was highlighted in discussions about infectious disease management. He explained that government continues to support mission and church based health facilities.

He noted that partnerships with such institutions are not unusual, as government already supports their operations through salary payments and medical staff compensation. The Health Minister said these arrangements are part of the healthcare collaboration systems.

Additionally, he clarified that infectious disease management protocols differ across facility types depending on capacity and classification. Honourable Akandoh explained that referral and treatment systems are structured to ensure continuity of care.

Honourable Akandoh also addressed concerns about health workforce readiness in the context of infectious disease preparedness, including Ebola response capacity. He acknowledged the significant number of unemployed health professionals within the system.

“As we speak, our data shows about 105,000 health professionals are without jobs. It is a major challenge that requires structured planning and careful implementation.”
Honourable Kwabena Mintah Akandoh

The Health Minister disclosed that about 13,500 nurses and midwives previously recruited were initially without financial clearance. He explained that government successfully engaged the Ministry of Finance to resolve the issue and migrate them onto the payroll.

Honourable Akandoh added that all 13,500 health workers are now receiving salaries, with outstanding arrears scheduled for full payment by July. He stated that government has also secured clearance for additional recruitment of health professionals.