Report By: Ishmael Barfi
Ghana’s Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has tasked the newly appointed boards of key health institutions, including Teaching Hospitals, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), and the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, to deliver results with integrity and discipline.
During a formal ceremony attended by senior health officials and stakeholders held in Accra, Minister Akandoh highlighted the significant role these boards will play in the ongoing health transformation agenda spearheaded by President John Dramani Mahama.
He emphasized that their appointments should be viewed not as accolades but as a serious commitment to public service, as they are now the guardians of institutions vital to the nation’s healthcare system.
In a notable shift from previous practices, the Minister announced that all board members will be required to sign performance contracts linked to specific key performance indicators (KPIs), with regular evaluations to be submitted to his office.
This initiative aims to cultivate a culture of governance focused on results, transparency, and efficiency.
The Minister also stressed the importance of fiscal responsibility, cautioning against excessive administrative expenditures and mandating the establishment of two dedicated hospital accounts—one for infrastructure maintenance and another for equipment upkeep—to ensure sustainable service delivery.
He asserted, “Maintenance is not optional; it is a fundamental duty.”
Addressing the escalating issue of opioid misuse, Minister Akandoh directed the FDA to enhance regulatory enforcement and surveillance in collaboration with national security, labeling the opioid crisis as a significant failure in medicine regulation and pledging to lead a national initiative to address it.
Furthermore, he called upon the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons to increase the training of specialists in anticipation of the expected rise in demand under the newly established Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as the Mahama Cares Initiative, which aims to eliminate financial barriers to the treatment of non-communicable diseases.
The fund seeks to eliminate financial obstacles to the treatment of non-communicable diseases, offering hope to numerous Ghanaians requiring specialized medical care.
In his concluding statements, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh emphasized to all board members that their positions entail significant responsibilities rather than mere privileges.
He remarked, ‘The trust bestowed upon you is substantial. Uphold it with integrity and purpose.’
Furthermore, Prof. Yao Enyonam Kwawukume, the Board Chairman of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, noted, ‘It is clear that many hospitals throughout Ghana encounter considerable challenges. As a Board, we are dedicated to contributing to the resolution of these issues.”
He further noted that, “I have had the honor of collaborating with several of these institutions, and I can assure you of a robust and cooperative working relationship moving forward. What I find most uplifting is the presence of familiar faces—individuals I have partnered with over the years”.
This instills a sense of optimism in me. I am confident that we can enhance our collaboration and maintain open lines of communication among ourselves.
This will alleviate the burden on the Ministry and, consequently, the Honourable Minister. Ladies and gentlemen, there are moments when we require action rather than mere discussion. This is one of those moments.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
