The Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has said government’s increased investment in the health sector is beginning to translate into improved access to healthcare across the country.
Speaking at a Health Sector Update Engagement in Accra, the Minister said systems have been put in place to monitor spending and ensure that increased funding produces measurable results.
The Minister also highlighted that GH¢32 billion has been allocated to health sector expenditure in 2026, stressing that spending on healthcare should be seen as an investment rather than a cost.
The expansion of the government’s Free Primary Healthcare programme, which is currently being implemented in 135 districts and about 4,500 health facilities, was also highlighted during the engagement.
He said the programme is expected to reach 150 districts by the end of 2026, urging Ghanaians to take advantage of the initiative for early screening, prevention and treatment of diseases.
To improve access to healthcare in underserved communities, government says 7,000 motorbikes and tricycles have been distributed to frontline health workers in hard-to-reach areas, while some 8,000 extra health professionals have also been posted and cleared, with a focus 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,” he said.
Meanwhile, government is expanding infrastructure under its health sector development plans.
The Minister further noted that the President has committed to constructing six 160-bed regional hospitals, with work already underway in the Oti, Western North and Savannah Regions.
Technology is also being deployed to address challenges in the health system.
The Minister said a digital bed management system is being introduced to improve the management of hospital beds, particularly at emergency centres.
“The rollout of the system is to combat the persistent ‘no bed syndrome’ in emergency units,” he said.
Government also plans to construct a 400-bed Mother and Child facility at Korle Bu next year, as well as two new cardiology centres, including one in the Western Region.
The engagement was attended by development partners, principals and nursing trainees, health sector unions as well as traditional leaders.
