The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has provided clarity on the status of the Lightwave Health Information System contract, assuring Ghanaians that the nation will not revert to the manual record-keeping method previously used in hospitals across the country.
Addressing journalists during a media briefing at the Presidency, the Minister emphasized that the digitalization of health records is a core national priority aimed at improving efficiency, reducing delays in accessing patient information, and enhancing overall healthcare delivery.
“We are moving forward responsibly, confidently, and decisively,” Hon. Akandoh stated. “Ghanaians should rest assured that our medical records will never go back to the old manual folders. We are committed to building a unified electronic system that strengthens service delivery in all health facilities.”
The Lightwave Health Information System contract, valued at 100 million dollars, was awarded in 2019 to provide a centralized health data management platform and connect 950 health facilities nationwide. The contract was initially expected to be completed in 2022.
However, the Minister disclosed that the project failed to achieve its initial target within the approved timeline.
“By the end of the year 2022, the project had not been fully executed,” he explained. “The 950 health facilities that were supposed to be connected had not been reached.”
To allow time for further implementation, the contract was extended twice, with the final extension scheduled to end on 31st December 2024. Despite the extensions, progress remains partial.
“As of the expiration of the contract extension, only about 450 out of the targeted 950 facilities have been connected,” Hon. Akandoh revealed.
“This is significantly below expectation, and it is the reason we are reviewing the performance of the contractor and the project execution framework.”
The Minister noted that the government is currently analyzing the implementation gaps to determine the way forward, ensuring accountability and responsible use of public funds.
He reiterated government’s unwavering commitment to digital health transformation.
“This government will not compromise on the modernization of our health system. We will continue to work toward full nationwide connectivity so that every Ghanaian, no matter their location, can have their health records securely accessible and well-managed.”
The review process, he said, includes technical assessments, financial audits, and compliance verification to ensure Ghana’s healthcare digitalization agenda remains on course.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
