The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has disclosed that the Mahama-led administration inherited a staggering GH¢12.68 billion debt at the Ministry of Health from the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government.
Speaking during the Government Accountability Series on Friday, July 18, 2025, Mr. Akandoh revealed that the inherited liabilities comprised unpaid bills to service providers, arrears to donor partners, and outstanding payments to contractors.
“When we took office, we inherited a Ministry of Health burdened with a staggering debt of nearly 12.68 billion Ghana cedis; this included unpaid bills to service providers, arrears to donor partners, and outstanding payments to contractors,” Mr. Akandoh said. “Despite this, we have not wavered in our commitment to deliver quality healthcare services to all Ghanaians.”
The Health Minister emphasized that, although the debt has placed immense strain on the healthcare sector, the Mahama administration has rolled out measures to stabilize operations and rebuild confidence among providers and development partners.
“The health sector remains a cornerstone of our national development — essential for building healthy communities, improving productivity, and achieving our long-term growth goals,” he said.
“That is why we are clearing arrears, boosting NHIS claims payments, and partnering with the private sector to modernize healthcare facilities.”
Mr. Akandoh stressed that the government’s strategy, including domestic resource mobilization and targeted Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), is aimed at ensuring a resilient, accessible, and equitable healthcare system for all Ghanaians.
