GOV’T ACCOUNTABILITY SERIES: Health Minister outlines major progress in Ghana’s health sector

The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has outlined significant progress made within the health sector under the #MahamaCares initiative, highlighting major policy gains, expanded healthcare coverage, and renewed infrastructural commitments for 2026.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series, the Health Minister announced that the #MahamaCares programme is now fully operational, with a GHS 2.259 billion allocation in the 2026 budget dedicated to the treatment of non-communicable diseases.

The intervention will support care for cancers, renal illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and other chronic conditions that have long imposed heavy financial burdens on Ghanaian families.

Hon. Akandoh also revealed that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has seen a remarkable increase in membership, rising from 18 million to 20 million within one year, now covering 60% of Ghana’s population.

To further strengthen the scheme, government will implement a 120% increase in NHIS tariffs, a move expected to restore confidence among healthcare providers and reduce out-of-pocket payments by patients.

Touching on the broader fiscal plan for the sector, the Minister disclosed that the 2026 health budget stands at GHS 34.22 billion, the highest allocation in recent years.

This budget includes provisions for the roll-out of Free Primary Healthcare, scheduled to begin next year as part of government’s drive to ensure equitable access for all.

In terms of infrastructure, Hon. Akandoh announced that government will commence the construction of new regional hospitals in the Savannah, Oti, and Western North regions, further expanding access to specialized healthcare services.

He added that President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Health Ministry to ensure an equitable distribution of medical doctors nationwide, with particular focus on underserved districts where the need is greatest.

Hon. Akandoh reaffirmed government’s commitment to transforming healthcare delivery, emphasizing that the ongoing reforms are designed to guarantee that every Ghanaian, regardless of location or income, can access quality and affordable healthcare.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith