Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has revealed that the ministry inherited a staggering GH₵12.68 billion debt upon taking office earlier this year, a burden that included unpaid bills to service providers, donor arrears, and outstanding contractor payments.
Despite these financial constraints, the Ministry has made significant progress in revitalising the health sector.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series in Accra, Mintah Akandoh said the inherited challenges also included the incomplete Agenda 111 hospital project, which had consumed over $344 million without a single operational facility and left behind more than GH₵1 billion in arrears.
“We are not here to dwell on excuses. We are here to deliver,” the Minister declared.
“The health sector remains a cornerstone of our national development. It drives economic productivity, builds healthy communities, and reflects our vision for a prosperous Ghana.”
Strategic Reform and Policy Delivery Underway
Kwabena M. Akandoh outlined several initiatives underway to improve access, equity, and quality of care, in line with campaign promises made by the NDC government under President John Dramani Mahama. Key focus areas include:
- Free, quality primary healthcare with a strong emphasis on disease prevention
- Tackling non-communicable diseases through the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares)
- Reforming health financing for long-term sustainability
- Boosting local pharmaceutical production
- Enhancing governance and accountability in health management
Support for Health Workers and Infrastructure Boost
In addressing workforce concerns, the Minister stressed the government’s commitment to building a skilled and motivated healthcare workforce. Policies are being implemented to support professional development and improve working conditions for doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals.
Government investments in infrastructure development, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and traditional medicine research are also advancing steadily.
“By fulfilling these promises,” Minister Akandoh said, “we are building a healthier Ghana—not in the future, but right now.”
Coordinated Health Leadership for a Common Goal
The Ministry of Health currently oversees 26 agencies responsible for service delivery, regulation, training, and financing. These efforts are being aligned with the national development framework and global goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“President Mahama’s government is firmly committed to making quality and equitable healthcare a reality for every Ghanaian. This is not just policy, it is purpose,” he concluded.
By: Shadrack Odame Agyare | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
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