Ghana’s increased investment in healthcare is beginning to improve access to services across the country, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has said.
Speaking at a Health Sector Update Engagement in Accra, Mr Akandoh said measures had been introduced to track expenditure and ensure additional funding delivered measurable improvements.
The government has allocated GH¢32 billion for health sector expenditure in 2026. The minister said healthcare spending should be regarded as an investment rather than a cost.
He also outlined progress in expanding the government’s Free Primary Healthcare programme, which is currently operating in 135 districts and around 4,500 health facilities.
The initiative is due to be extended to 150 districts by the end of 2026. Mr Akandoh urged Ghanaians to use the service for early screening, disease prevention and treatment.
The government is also seeking to improve healthcare provision in underserved communities. It has distributed 7,000 motorbikes and tricycles to frontline health workers serving hard-to-reach areas.
A further 8,000 health professionals have been posted and cleared, with the deployment focused on strengthening primary and rural healthcare delivery.
“Government has so far paid GH¢2.1 billion in NHIS claims to public, private and mission healthcare providers. The uncapping of the NHIL will allow more funds to go directly into patient care,” Mr Akandoh said.
The minister said the government was continuing to expand healthcare infrastructure through its sector development plans.
President has committed to the construction of six 160-bed regional hospitals, with work already in progress in the Oti, Western North and Savannah Regions.
Technology is also being introduced to address operational problems within the health system. A digital bed management system is being rolled out to improve the allocation and oversight of hospital beds, particularly in emergency centres.
“The rollout of the system is to combat the persistent ‘no bed syndrome’ in emergency units,” Mr Akandoh said.
The government additionally plans to build a 400-bed Mother and Child facility at Korle Bu next year. Two new cardiology centres are also planned, including one in the Western Region.
The engagement brought together development partners, principals and nursing trainees, health sector unions and traditional leaders.
