Dodowa, Ghana – May 17, 2025.
President John Dramani Mahama has announced a major healthcare reform plan for the Greater Accra Region, including the upgrade of the Ridge Hospital into a fully-fledged teaching hospital.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to revolutionize healthcare delivery and improve access to quality medical services across the region.
Speaking at a community engagement at the Old Ghanata Astroturf in Dodowa, Mr. Mahama stressed the urgent need to strengthen the region’s healthcare infrastructure to meet rising demands.
“Under healthcare delivery in this region, we will aim to transform the quality outcomes for our healthcare.
We therefore intend to upgrade the Greater Accra Regional Hospital into a full teaching hospital. That is the Ridge Hospital,” he declared.
Phase Two Expansion and Specialist Training
The upgrade will include the construction of Phase Two of the Ridge Hospital, significantly expanding its capacity and functionality. Once completed, the hospital will serve both as a teaching institution and as the regional referral center.
Mr. Mahama further revealed plans to affiliate the hospital with the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, enabling the training of medical specialists within the region.
This is expected to reduce the number of patient referrals to other regions and abroad, thus retaining expertise and resources locally.
“The Ridge Hospital will also have an affiliation to the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons. This will enhance specialist training and reduce referrals outside the region,” he said.
Expansion of CHPS Compounds in Peri-Urban Areas
In addition to the Ridge Hospital upgrade, Mr. Mahama outlined plans to expand Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds in peri-urban communities such as Bortianor, Kpone, and Shai Osudoku.
“Furthermore, we will expand CHPS compounds in peri-urban communities like Bortianor, Kpone, Shai Osudoku to ensure that primary healthcare is accessible and reliable,” he stated.
Improved Living Conditions for Health Workers
To attract and retain skilled healthcare professionals, Mahama also pledged to provide accommodation for health workers stationed at both existing and new CHPS compounds.
“For existing CHPS compounds and all new CHPS compounds we will build, we are going to include accommodation for health workers who man the CHPS compound,” he added.
A Vision for Equitable Healthcare
The comprehensive healthcare development plan underscores Mr. Mahama’s commitment to building a resilient and inclusive healthcare system.
By addressing both tertiary and primary care gaps, the initiative promises to elevate healthcare standards and outcomes in the Greater Accra Region.
If fully implemented, the plan is expected to not only reduce pressure on national referral hospitals but also ensure that high-quality healthcare is available to all Ghanaians—regardless of geography or income.
