Health Minister embarks on surprise visits to Achimota and Ga North Hospitals, promises overhaul of public health facilities

Ghana’s Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has reiterated the government’s commitment to retooling the country’s healthcare system through strategic partnerships with the private sector.

Speaking during an unannounced working visit to the Ga North Municipal Hospital and Achimota Hospital on Friday, the Minister acknowledged the many challenges plaguing public health facilities, including inadequate medical equipment, long patient wait times, co-payment complaints, and staff attitude.

"This is a unique situation. The Ga North facility, for instance, was constructed by the Ministry of Roads and Highways—not the Health Ministry—and unfortunately, the provision of equipment was not part of that contract," Akandoh disclosed.

"They've had to struggle to operate on their own. We’ll now conduct a proper assessment and begin support gradually."

The Minister revealed that a new Public-Private Partnership (PPP) strategy will form the backbone of the government’s efforts to sustainably re-equip public hospitals across the country.

Under this model, private partners will supply critical medical equipment—including MRI and dialysis machines—while fee structures will be regulated and approved by Parliament under the Fees and Charges Act.

"We are not privatizing our public health institutions," Akandoh clarified.

"Rather, we are creating structured partnerships where private entities can operate within government facilities under regulated terms, to ensure affordability and sustainability."

Akandoh also used the visit to directly engage with patients and hospital staff.

Patients at both facilities voiced their frustrations with excessive waiting times, with some saying they had been at the hospital as early as 3 a.m. and had yet to see a doctor by midday.

"I find it highly unacceptable that people are waiting four to five hours just to see a doctor. We've discussed this with management and emphasized the need for an effective appointment system to ease congestion," he said.

Other concerns raised by patients included co-payment issues despite possessing valid National Health Insurance cards, and being charged without receipts.

The Minister instructed management to investigate these claims thoroughly and ensure 24-hour complaint desks are in place for patients to report mistreatment or irregularities.

Staff attitude, especially among nurses, also came under scrutiny during the visit. Akandoh stressed that while healthcare workers must be supported, unprofessional conduct will no longer be tolerated.

"Today we are having discussions. But tomorrow, non-compliance could lead to sanctions."

He assured the media that while not all discussions could be made public, measures were already underway to address the systemic issues identified.

"Next time I come here, I may not announce it—but rest assured, we will act on the information we gather."

The Health Minister’s surprise visit is part of a broader monitoring initiative aimed at resetting and improving healthcare delivery nationwide.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith