healthcare Archives - Ghana Media

Government to Spend GH₵1.2 Billion Annually on Free Primary Healthcare Rollout

April 14, 2026Africa-Ghana Relations, Ghana News, Ghana Newspaper Today, Google News, Headlines, Health, Policy WatchGovernment, health, healthcare, initiative, primaryLeave a Comment

The government has announced that its ambitious free primary healthcare initiative will require approximately GH₵1.2 billion annually, as part of efforts to improve access to essential health services across Ghana.

Ghana free primary healthcare — Ghana rolls out free primary healthcare initiative

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh confirmed that nationwide screenings for conditions such as hypertension and diabetes are set to begin this week.

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The initiative is designed to reduce the burden of preventable diseases and ensure early detection through community-level healthcare delivery.

Officials say the program will focus on accessibility, affordability, and preventive care as key pillars of Ghana’s healthcare strategy.

Focus on Preventive Healthcare

The rollout will prioritize early diagnosis and treatment, particularly for non-communicable diseases that continue to affect a large portion of the population.

Health experts believe this approach could significantly reduce long-term healthcare costs and improve national health outcomes.

Funding and Sustainability Questions

While the initiative has been widely welcomed, questions remain about long-term funding and sustainability, given the significant annual cost.

Economists and policy analysts are calling for clear financing strategies to ensure the program’s success.

Why This Story Matters

This initiative represents a major shift toward preventive healthcare in Ghana, with the potential to improve lives while reducing pressure on hospitals and the broader health system.

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Korle Bu Teaching Hospital to Introduce 24-Hour OPD Services — Health Minister Announces

March 23, 2026Africa-Ghana Relations, Economy, Ghana News, Ghana Newspaper Today, Headlines, Health24-hour economy, Ghana Health, Government Policy, healthcare, Korle-BuLeave a Comment

Ghana’s Minister for Health has announced that the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital will soon implement a 24-hour economy model at its Outpatient Department (OPD), a move aimed at improving healthcare accessibility and reducing patient waiting times.

Korle Bu 24 hour OPD services — Korle Bu moves to 24-hour OPD services

24-Hour OPD to Ease Pressure on Healthcare System

The initiative will allow patients to access OPD services at any time of the day, marking a major shift from the traditional daytime-only system. According to the Minister, this forms part of broader efforts to align Ghana’s healthcare sector with the government’s proposed 24-hour economy policy.

Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, the country’s premier referral facility, has long faced challenges including congestion and long queues. The introduction of round-the-clock OPD services is expected to significantly ease pressure on the hospital and improve service delivery.

Boosting Access and Efficiency

The Health Minister explained that the policy will ensure more flexible healthcare access for working Ghanaians, particularly those unable to visit hospitals during regular hours. It is also expected to enhance efficiency by distributing patient traffic more evenly throughout the day.

Healthcare professionals will operate in shifts to maintain service quality while ensuring staff welfare is not compromised.

Why This Matters

The move is seen as a critical step toward modernizing Ghana’s healthcare system. By extending OPD services to 24 hours, authorities aim to reduce overcrowding, shorten waiting times, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

It also aligns with national development strategies focused on productivity, job creation, and improved public services under a 24-hour economy framework.

Challenges and Expectations

While the initiative has been widely welcomed, experts caution that its success will depend on adequate staffing, logistics, and infrastructure support. Sustaining a 24-hour system requires significant investment in personnel, security, and medical supplies.

Nevertheless, many believe the policy could serve as a model for other hospitals across the country if successfully implemented.

What Comes Next?

The Ministry of Health is expected to roll out the policy in phases, starting with Korle Bu Teaching Hospital before expanding to other major healthcare facilities nationwide.

If successful, the 24-hour OPD system could mark a transformative moment in Ghana’s healthcare delivery, bringing services closer to the people when they need them most.

Ibrahim Mahama Dedicates Private Jet as Free Emergency Air Ambulance for Ghanaians

March 4, 2026Ghana News, Ghana Newspaper Today, Headlines, Health, Humanityair ambulance, aviation support, breaking news, corporate social responsibility, emergency services, Ghana business, Ghana news, health policy, healthcare, Ibrahim Mahama, medical evacuation, national development, philanthropy, private sector Ghana, UMaTLeave a Comment

Ghanaian businessman Ibrahim Mahama has announced that his personal jet will henceforth be used as an emergency air ambulance to support Ghanaians in urgent medical situations, offering complimentary transport for patients requiring specialised treatment both locally and abroad.

Announcement Following Honorary Doctorate

The pledge was made shortly after the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Tarkwa conferred an honorary doctorate on him in recognition of his contributions to Ghana’s industrial and economic development. The honour highlighted his longstanding impact in mining, construction and logistics through his business ventures.

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Aircraft Placed at the Nation’s Disposal

According to Mahama, the aircraft will be at the disposal of any Ghanaian facing a medical emergency. The initiative will support both domestic and international emergency evacuations, particularly in cases where time-sensitive intervention is critical for survival.

Ibrahim Mahama announces dedication of his private jet as emergency air ambulance for Ghanaians.

“My personal jet will henceforth be utilized as an emergency air ambulance for the benefit of all Ghanaians,” he stated, adding that the service would be provided without cost to patients in need of urgent medical care abroad.

Bridging Critical Healthcare Gaps

Emergency medical evacuations remain a challenge in parts of West Africa, especially when highly specialised treatment is required outside the country. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), timely access to advanced care significantly improves survival rates in critical health emergencies.

By dedicating a private aircraft to this purpose, Mahama’s commitment could offer a crucial lifeline for patients who would otherwise face delays due to logistical or financial barriers.

Public Reaction

The announcement has generated widespread public discussion, with many praising the gesture as a significant private-sector contribution to national healthcare support. While operational details are yet to be formally outlined, the pledge represents a notable example of corporate social responsibility aimed at directly impacting lives.

Mahama’s declaration adds a humanitarian dimension to his recent national recognition, reinforcing calls for stronger collaboration between private enterprise and public service in addressing urgent healthcare needs.