Lead, Account, Innovate – Akandoh Challenges New Health Boards

By Philip Antoh

Health Minister, Kwabena Minta Akandoh has laid down a gauntlet to the newly appointed governing boards of four pivotal health institutions, demanding strong leadership, unwavering accountability, and groundbreaking creativity as the nation embarks on an ambitious journey to overhaul its health sector and deliver universal health coverage.

The high-stakes swearing-in ceremony, held in Accra, saw board members from the Medical and Dental Council, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), the Pharmacy Council, and the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives take their oaths.

These critical bodies are the bedrock of regulation and funding within Ghana’s complex health system.

In a powerful address, the Minister framed these appointments not merely as roles, but as a direct call to national service.

He underscored the escalating health challenges confronting Ghana: a surge in non-communicable diseases, a rapidly aging population, persistent healthcare workforce shortages, and ever-increasing patient expectations.

“Our vision is ambitious,” the Minister declared, eyes fixed on the future. “We must achieve universal health coverage, rebuild public trust, and implement initiatives like the Ghana Medical Trust Fund—MahamaCares.” This bold statement signals a clear intent to reshape the nation’s health landscape.

The Minister then dissected the specific, urgent tasks facing each institution:

* Medical and Dental Council: Charged with upholding the highest standards in training and ethical practices. This is crucial, particularly as clinicians prepare to deliver chronic care under the new Trust Fund.

* National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA): Tasked with reforming the national health insurance scheme.

This includes aligning benefits with government priorities, drastically expediting claims processing, and ensuring iron-clad accountability from providers.

The Minister highlighted the government’s strategic move to remove the cap on the health insurance levy as a monumental opportunity to bolster the NHIA’s operational capacity.

* Pharmacy Council: Reminded of its solemn duty to safeguard medicine distribution, aggressively combat opioid misuse, and forge stronger alliances with the private sector and the FDA to guarantee a robust pharmaceutical supply chain.

* Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives: Assigned the vital mission of upskilling frontline healthcare workers through advanced training and championing initiatives aimed at stemming the tide of health worker migration.

“Beyond your mandates, this moment calls for unity and bold governance,” the Minister concluded, driving home his message. “Let us build a health sector that is equitable, resilient, and future-ready.”

What do you think of the Minister’s ambitious plan for Ghana’s health sector? Can these new boards deliver on the promise of universal health coverage?