In a significant move towards strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system, the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has inaugurated the governing boards for five critical institutions: the National Vaccine Institute (NVI), the Health Facilities Regulatory Authority (HeFRA), the Nurses and Midwifery Council (NMC), the Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR), and the Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency (MoFFA). These bodies have been tasked to elevate standards, foster trust, and ensure comprehensive care across the nation.
“Today, we inaugurate the leadership of institutions that are more than just regulators,” stated the Minister. “They are guardians of quality, enablers of trust, and the quiet force protecting Ghanaians across the full span of life and death.”
He highlighted the rapidly evolving health landscape in Ghana, noting a rise in non-communicable diseases such as cancers, strokes, and kidney ailments. With a population that is living longer but with increasingly complex health needs, the demand for proactive and reliable healthcare systems is paramount.
“These realities demand bold leadership,” Akandoh emphasized. “We cannot wait for illness to occur. We are investing in prevention through the soon-to-be-launched free primary healthcare, HPV vaccines to be introduced this September, and the MahamaCare initiative, among other strategies, along with systems that anticipate, protect, and serve. Prevention is not an afterthought it is the strategy.”
The Minister underscored that strong regulation is the bedrock of this preventative strategy. “When we regulate effectively, when we uphold standards we safeguard lives, foster confidence, and earn the trust of our people,” the Minister affirmed.
He then elaborated on the specific responsibilities of each newly appointed board. The Health Facilities Regulatory Authority (HeFRA) is expected to oversee more than 35,000 health facilities. From remote clinics to large hospitals, HeFRA’s mandate is to ensure every facility provides safe, ethical, and competent care without exception.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), as guardians of Ghana’s largest health workforce of over 130,000 professionals, is tasked with ensuring nurses and midwives are well-trained, respected, and continuously developed, thereby strengthening the entire system.
The National Vaccine Institute (NVI) embodies Ghana’s promise of self-reliance. Its mission is to transition Ghana from being a purchaser to a producer of vaccines, promoting local research, development, and manufacturing.
The Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR) blends heritage with scientific rigor, aiming to ensure that traditional medicine, relied upon by up to 70% of Ghanaians, is safe, evidence-backed, and globally competitive.
Lastly, Ghana’s newest regulator, the Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency (MoFFA), holds the sacred role of ensuring dignity extends beyond life, bringing order, honor, and humanity to funeral services as they become increasingly commercialized.
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh challenged the newly appointed boards, stating, “Your appointments today are not just an honor, they are a charge to lead. Ghana needs you at your best.” The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage, stressing that it can only be achieved through the effective functioning of these regulatory agencies.
Specific charges were given to each board: HeFRA was urged to “Set the standard. Enforce it. And make sure every Ghanaian, everywhere, receives care they can trust when they visit our facilities.” To the NVI, the Minister commanded, “Be the engine that moves us from vaccine dependency to vaccine sovereignty. Collaborate boldly. Think globally. Deliver locally.” The NMC was charged to “Raise the bar. Protect the badge. Champion a workforce that is respected and empowered.” The Centre for Plant Medicine Research was encouraged to “Let Ghana lead in blending tradition with innovation. Turn knowledge into safe, modern therapeutics.” Finally, to MoFFA, the Minister stated, “Dignity must define the end of life. Bring order, honor, and humanity to this often-neglected space.”
“You haven’t been called to manage. You’ve been called to transform,” the Minister asserted. “We don’t need caretakers, we need champions. Strategic minds. Steady hands. Bold hearts.”
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh concluded by assuring the boards of the Ministry of Health’s unwavering support, challenging them to lead with courage. Govern with integrity. And never forget who they serve: the ordinary Ghanaian who deserves nothing less than a health system that works.
Story By: Eugenia Ewoenam Osei
