The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has called on newly inaugurated boards of Ghana’s leading Teaching Hospitals, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), and the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons to rise to their national mandate with integrity, discipline, and measurable outcomes.
At a solemn ceremony attended by senior officials and stakeholders in the health sector, Hon. Akandoh underscored the critical role these boards will play in Ghana’s ongoing health transformation agenda, led by President John Dramani Mahama. “Your appointment is not an accolade; it is a solemn call to service,” he said, stressing that the boards are now custodians of institutions central to the country’s health system.
In a clear departure from business as usual, the Minister announced that all board members will sign performance contracts tied to key performance indicators (KPIs), with regular reviews submitted to his office. The aim, he said, is to foster a culture of results-driven governance, transparency, and efficiency.
A strong emphasis was placed on fiscal discipline. The Minister warned against wasteful administrative spending and mandated the creation of two dedicated hospital accounts—one for infrastructure upkeep and another for equipment maintenance—to ensure sustainability in service delivery. “Maintenance is not optional. It is a foundational obligation,” he declared.
Turning to the rising abuse of opioids, Hon. Akandoh issued a stern directive to the FDA to intensify regulatory enforcement and surveillance in coordination with national security. He called the opioid crisis a serious indictment of medicine regulation and committed to leading a national effort to contain it.
He also addressed the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, urging them to train more specialists in line with the expected demand surge under the newly launched Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also referred to as the Mahama Cares Initiative. The fund aims to remove financial barriers to treating non-communicable diseases, bringing hope to thousands of Ghanaians in need of specialized care.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh reminded all board members that their roles are not privileges but heavy responsibilities. “The trust placed in you is immense. Carry it with integrity and purpose,” he said.
In his remarks, Prof. Yao Enyonam Kwawukume, the Board Chairman of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons stated, “It is evident that many hospitals across Ghana face significant challenges. As a Board, we are committed to playing our part in addressing these issues. I have had the privilege of working with several of these institutions already, and I can confidently assure you of a strong and collaborative working relationship going forward.
What I find most encouraging is seeing familiar faces—people I have worked with over the years. It gives me a sense of optimism. I believe we can foster closer collaboration and maintain open dialogue among ourselves. This will help reduce the burden on the Ministry and, by extension, the Honourable Minister.
Ladies and gentlemen, there are times when what we need is not more talk—but action. And now is one of those times.”
