President John Mahama has raised concerns about Ghana’s readiness to tackle non-communicable diseases, revealing that major health facilities outside Accra and Kumasi lack the necessary equipment to diagnose and treat these conditions.
During the president’s speech at the World Health Expo (WHX) Leaders’ Summit on Tuesday, December 9, he mentioned that non-communicable diseases account for 45 per cent of Ghana’s mobility.
President Mahama stated that major health facilities outside Accra and Kumasi lack adequate equipment to diagnose and treat non-communicable diseases.
According to him, the private sector is making significant progress, hinting that the government will channel more funds through the Mahama Cares policy to extend the Ghana Medical Trust Fund initiative to private hospitals.
“We are going to put money into diagnostics and treatment facilities. But, we will only do it if we do it in conjunction with the private sector,” he said.
He declared that public-private partnerships are not optional anymore but rather a must.
The Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, who was also present at the event, emphasized the need for partnership with the private sector.
“Even the strongest nation’s vision cannot succeed without partnerships. Health sovereignty is not about walking alone, it is about leading a collective effort,“ he said.
Mr. Akandoh also stated that the government is developing a centralised national health intelligence database to enhance transparency and support evidence-based decision-making across all levels of the health system to improve healthcare delivery.