In his acceptance speech for an Honorary Doctor of Science Degree from the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo highlighted the resurgence of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
He noted that active membership has grown from 10.6 million in 2016 to 17.9 million by the end of 2023, underscoring the significant achievements of his administration in the healthcare sector.
In addition to infrastructure development, President Akufo-Addo announced that the government has recruited 202,527 medical personnel since 2017, including doctors, nurses, support staff, pharmacists, medical herbalists, and allied health professionals.
With a total expenditure exceeding GH¢33 billion, his administration has made significant progress in enhancing healthcare infrastructure across Ghana.
The President highlighted numerous healthcare projects completed under his leadership, including the construction and equipping of polyclinics, hospitals, and specialized treatment centers.
These initiatives have been vital in addressing regional healthcare needs and improving the overall quality of healthcare services in the country.
“We have successfully constructed and equipped ten polyclinics in the Central Region, located in Ajumaku Bisease, Gomoa Dawurampong, Biriwa, Etsii Sunkwa, Binpong Egya, Gyamera, Mankrong, Akonfude, Ekumfi Naakwa, and Gomoa Potsin,” President Akufo-Addo announced.
He added that these facilities were completed and commissioned in August 2018, marking a significant step forward in regional healthcare.
In the Greater Accra Region, five new polyclinics have been constructed and completed in Ogbojo (Adentan), Ashaiman, Bortianor, Oduman, and Sege, all commissioned in May 2019, significantly improving healthcare access in the area.
President Akufo-Addo also noted the completion of a nationwide TB case detection program in August 2018, which equipped 48 facilities with essential tools. Furthermore, the major rehabilitation and upgrade of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Phase II, was completed and handed over in February 2019, greatly enhancing healthcare delivery in the Northern Region.
“We have established ten treatment and holding centers, including two in Aflao and Keta in the Volta Region,” President Akufo-Addo said, underscoring the comprehensive approach of his administration to address healthcare needs nationwide.
Additionally, the President highlighted the construction of regional and district hospitals by the Egyptian company Euroget. Noteworthy projects include the Wa Regional Hospital, commissioned in August 2019; the Ga East Municipal Hospital (Kwabenya) in November 2019; and the Nsawkaw, Tepa, Twifo-Praso, and Konongo District Hospitals, which were commissioned between 2021 and 2022. These facilities have significantly improved healthcare services in their respective regions.
The Bekwai District Hospital, operational since November 2020, serves the Bekwai community, while the University of Ghana Medical Centre (Phase II), commissioned on December 24, 2021, has advanced medical research and treatment. District hospitals and polyclinics in Sawla, Tolon, Somanya, Buipe, Wheta, and Bamboi were completed and handed over in February 2021, strengthening primary healthcare in various communities.
The expansion of radiotherapy and nuclear medicine services at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital has enhanced cancer treatment capabilities. Additionally, district hospitals and integrated IT systems in Dodowa, Fomena, and Kumawu were completed and commissioned as of July 2024, modernizing healthcare infrastructure further.
Several projects are completed and await commissioning, including public health facilities in the Western Region, the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital Phase III, and twelve district hospitals in the Eastern, Ashanti, Ahafo, and Greater Accra Regions.
The Urology and Nephrology Centre of Excellence at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and various treatment and holding centers are also nearing completion.
Ongoing projects expected to finish by December 2024 include additional treatment and holding centers, staff accommodation at Dodowa, refurbishment of the Effia Nkwanta research laboratory, and a pediatric clinic in Weija-Gbawe municipality.
The government is also constructing a training facility for the National Ambulance Service in Nkenkasu, Ashanti Region, and equipping the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Maternity and Children’s Block.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted the Agenda 111 initiative, which plans to build 101 district hospitals with 100 beds each, six new regional hospitals, and two psychiatric hospitals, costing about $1.765 billion. Currently, the average progress on these projects is 65%, with some nearing 80% completion.
He noted that local Ghanaian contractors are handling these projects, creating many jobs for Ghanaians. When finished, the Agenda 111 hospitals are expected to provide around 67,635 jobs, boosting employment in healthcare.
“Our work isn’t finished yet. We are committed to improving healthcare across the country, with the goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030,” President Akufo-Addo said.
The President’s speech highlighted the significant progress made in building healthcare facilities, showing a strong commitment to providing quality healthcare for all Ghanaians and preparing for the future.
