The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has outlined major investments being undertaken by government to expand healthcare infrastructure, improve access to medical services and strengthen Ghana’s health financing systems.
Addressing a Health Sector Stakeholder Engagement in Accra, the Minister announced that construction works have commenced on three of the six regional hospitals planned to bridge healthcare infrastructure gaps following the creation of six new regions.
He said contractors have already been mobilised to site, while preparatory work for the remaining projects is expected to begin next year.
The Minister further disclosed that construction has started on a 400-bed Mother and Child Centre at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, while government is prioritising 35 facilities under the Agenda 111 programme for completion through a phased implementation strategy.
According to him, more than 300 Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds have also been completed to bring healthcare closer to communities.
Mr. Akandoh revealed that government is investing nearly GH¢1 billion in medical equipment, including MRI scanners, X-ray machines and other critical diagnostic equipment for regional and teaching hospitals across the country.
He said efforts are also underway to expand specialised cardiology services, with ongoing catheterisation laboratory projects at the Tamale Teaching Hospital and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital progressing steadily. Similar facilities are expected to be extended to the Western and Volta Regions by 2027.
On emergency healthcare delivery, the Minister announced that all National Ambulance Service vehicles have now been insured, with more than 220 ambulances currently operational nationwide. Government, he added, plans to procure an additional 100 ambulances by 2027.
The Minister also highlighted progress under the Free Primary Healthcare Programme, which is currently being implemented in 135 districts and over 4,500 health facilities nationwide.
He said the programme is expected to expand to 150 underserved districts by the end of 2026, with nationwide coverage targeted by 2027. The initiative provides free treatment for selected conditions and supports preventive healthcare interventions, including community screening programmes.
Mr. Akandoh further reported significant growth in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), indicating that coverage has risen from about 57 per cent to approximately 70 per cent within the last two years.
He noted that NHIS expenditure increased substantially between 2024 and 2025, enabling government to improve service delivery and increase provider tariffs by an average of 50 per cent.
The Minister also highlighted the Mahama Cares Fund, which has been established to support patients suffering from non-communicable diseases not covered under the NHIS. He disclosed that hundreds of patients have already been registered under the programme.
According to him, government remains committed to ensuring that healthcare becomes more accessible, affordable and equitable for all Ghanaians through sustained investments in infrastructure, equipment, health financing and human resources.
The engagement brought together Members of Parliament, chiefs and queen mothers, heads of health institutions, principals of nursing and midwifery training colleges, students, private healthcare providers and other stakeholders to discuss the future direction of Ghana’s health sector.
Story by Osman Issah Abadoo
