Health Minister launches Pandemic Fund National Steering Committee

The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has officially inaugurated the Pandemic Fund National Steering Committee in Accra, charging the new body to drive Ghana’s preparedness and response to public health emergencies with urgency and accountability.

Speaking at the ceremony held at the Ministry of Health Auditorium, Hon. Akandoh underscored the importance of readiness in the face of growing health threats.

Recalling his first weeks in office, he noted that he was immediately confronted with a meningitis outbreak in the Upper West Region and a resurgence of cholera in parts of Greater Accra and the Central Region. Currently, the country is battling an outbreak of Mpox, with over 79 confirmed cases.

"Health emergencies do not wait. Preparedness must be our default posture, not a reaction," the Minister said.

The Pandemic Fund, coordinated globally by the World Bank and supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to strengthen countries' capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats.

In Ghana, the fund will support improvements in health workforce readiness, laboratory systems, and early warning surveillance.

Citing statistics from the WHO, Hon. Akandoh said Sub-Saharan Africa has experienced more than 1,800 public health emergencies between 2001 and 2022, many of them driven by zoonotic and climate-sensitive diseases.

In Ghana alone, over 3,500 cholera cases have been recorded in the past three years, while meningitis has affected more than 800 individuals in the northern regions.

“The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t just challenge our systems — it exposed them,” the Minister added.

“But it also gave us an opportunity to rebuild smarter and stronger. The Pandemic Fund is more than a pool of resources — it is an instrument for transformation.”

The 13-member National Steering Committee includes representatives from key sectors such as health, agriculture, finance, gender, environment, civil society, and international development partners.

As co-chair of the committee, the Health Minister pledged his commitment to ensuring that Ghana’s systems are proactive, its health workforce adequately resourced, and its most vulnerable populations protected.

The committee members include:

1. Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh – Ministry of Health

2. Dr. Fiona Braka – WHO

3. Mr. Frank Raji – Ministry of Health

4. Dr. Belinda Afriyie Nimako – Ministry of Health

5. Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea – Ghana Health Service

6. Dr. Ahmed Garba – FAO

7. Dr. Emmanuel Kyeremteng-Amoah – UNICEF

8. Elisha Kipkemoi Ngetich – World Bank

9. Mr. Bright Amissah Nyarko – Civil Society

10. Mr. Louis Kwame Amo – Ministry of Finance

11. Dr. Emmanuel Allegye-Cudjoe – Ministry of Food and Agriculture

12. Prof. Mike Yaw Osei-Atweneboana – Ministry of Environment

13. Francisca Atuluk – Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection

“These are not ceremonial roles,” Hon. Akandoh emphasized.

“We are the engine that will drive policy into action—transparently, accountably, and with urgency.”

He concluded his remarks with a rallying call to the committee: "Let us be guided by a bold and simple vision: A Ghana that is prepared, proactive, and protected."

Delivering remarks on behalf of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Sofonias Asrat, Cluster Lead for Universal Health Coverage (UHC), reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s health security efforts.

“This committee is not just a formality—it is a vital structure for leadership, coordination, and accountability,” Dr. Asrat said.

"Its work will ensure that Pandemic Fund investments are evidence-based, strategic, and inclusive.”

The Pandemic Fund Project, backed by the World Bank and coordinated by the Pandemic Fund Secretariat, targets three priority areas in Ghana: health workforce development, laboratory system strengthening, and surveillance and early warning mechanisms.

Dr. Asrat highlighted the urgency of pandemic readiness, noting, “The next pandemic is not a matter of if, but when. This project gives Ghana the tools to act decisively.”

He also praised Ghana’s recent Joint External Evaluation (JEE) and expressed optimism that the project will help improve future scores.

WHO, alongside the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), is one of the implementing partners working with the Government of Ghana to execute the initiative.

Dr. Asrat concluded by urging Steering Committee members to uphold transparency and inclusivity in their oversight role. “Your leadership will determine how well Ghana responds to the next public health threat,” he emphasized.

The event drew participation from the Ministry of Health, development partners, academia, civil society, and media.

Dr. Garba Ahmed who delivered remarks on behalf of the FAO Representative to Ghana, Ms. Priya Gujadhur said the project, titled “Strengthening Systems for Pandemic Preparedness and Response in Ghana”, has allocated a total of $4.28 million for activities to be implemented over the next three years.

FAO has already received the first tranche of $979,000, which will be used to support critical interventions over the next six months.

Addressing dignitaries and stakeholders at the event, Dr. Ahmed highlighted the significant milestone marked by the inauguration of the steering committee, describing it as a demonstration of the country’s commitment to collaborative leadership, shared responsibility, and impactful health outcomes.

“The FAO is proud to be a part of this vital initiative, working in concert with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other dedicated partners to boost Ghana’s core capacities in early warning, disease surveillance, laboratory systems, and human resource development,” he stated.

He emphasized the importance of synergy and coordinated action in addressing future public health emergencies, noting that while challenges may arise, the combined expertise, experience, and commitment of the committee members would serve as a strong foundation for progress.

Dr. Ahmed also conveyed FAO’s unwavering support to the newly inaugurated steering committee and pledged close collaboration with all partners involved in the project.

“We are confident that together, we can drive meaningful impact and create a more resilient future for Ghana,” he said.

The Pandemic Fund initiative aims to help countries like Ghana build stronger and more integrated systems to prevent, detect, and respond to future outbreaks, ensuring timely and efficient public health action.

The event was attended by high-level representatives from the Ministry of Health, WHO, FAO, UNICEF, World Bank, and other key partners, civil society, academia, and the media.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith