Ghana’s Health Minister has reaffirmed government’s commitment to expanding healthcare infrastructure and improving service delivery, describing the 2026 Budget as “health-centered and transformational.”
Speaking at a Government Accountability Series at the Presidency, the Minister emphasized that six out of Ghana’s 16 regions have been without regional hospitals for the past seven years, a gap President John Dramani Mahama pledged to address.
“His Excellency promised the good people of this country that he was going to construct six regional hospitals in regions where there are none,” he said.
According to the Minister, the 2026 Budget marks the beginning of this commitment, with plans to start constructing three new regional hospitals.
“In the 2026 budget, we are going to begin the construction of three regional hospitals, Savannah, Oti, and Western North. An amount of 600 million Ghana cedis has been allocated for this purpose.”
He stressed that while government is expanding health infrastructure with new district and regional hospitals, no existing uncompleted facility will be abandoned.
“We will continue to pursue the La General Hospital, the Komfo Anokye Maternity Block, Sewua Regional Hospital, Agenda 111 projects, and all other CHPS compounds.”
The Minister also highlighted a renewed focus on primary healthcare, revealing that each district is required to construct not less than two CHPS compounds annually.
Dire State of Medical Equipment
The Minister described the current state of medical equipment nationwide as alarming.
“The status of medical equipment in our health facilities is very dire. The last major retooling this country undertook was during President John Dramani Mahama’s first administration.”
He noted that reports indicate over 50% of CHPS compounds lack basic medical equipment, undermining quality healthcare delivery.
As part of the rollout of Free Primary Healthcare, government plans to fully retool all primary health facilities to ensure they have essential equipment.
Specialized Medical Investments
Government is also investing in advanced medical services. Plans are underway to establish three catheterization centers at:
Korle Bu Teaching Hospital
Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital
Tamale Teaching Hospital
Additionally, the Health Ministry will procure DNA testing machines to expand national capacity.
Addressing recent controversies, the Minister clarified misinformation circulating online:
“The last time I mentioned DNA testing machines, I saw infographics suggesting that I was going to insist on compulsory paternity testing. I am sorry, but that did not come from me.”
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
