Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has commissioned an expanded dialysis unit at the Upper West Regional Hospital in Wa, estimated to have cost GH¢4 million.
The project, undertaken in partnership with Sustainable Health Education and Interventions Limited (SHEILD), the Upper West Parliamentary Caucus, the Ministry of Health, and the Ghana Health Service, is aimed at improving access to life-saving kidney care for patients in northern Ghana.
The facility, inaugurated on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, adds six new dialysis machines, ancillary equipment, and staff training support to the hospital’s renal care capacity.
The expansion is expected to benefit residents of the Upper West Region and neighbouring parts of the Upper East, Savannah, North East, and Bono regions, as well as communities along Ghana’s northern corridor.
The initiative forms part of Speaker Bagbin’s efforts to improve access to healthcare in the Upper West Region and reduce the geographical barriers faced by patients requiring specialised renal treatment.
Growing kidney disease burden
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is increasingly becoming a major public health concern in Ghana amid rising cases of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and late presentation for treatment.
According to the statement, kidney disease claims more than 4,000 lives annually in Ghana, while fewer than 500 dialysis machines are available across the country.
Dialysis treatment also places a significant financial burden on patients, with individuals requiring three sessions a week potentially spending between GH¢1,200 and GH¢3,000.
Many patients in northern Ghana have historically travelled long distances to access dialysis services, resulting in high transportation costs, prolonged waiting times, and additional financial and emotional pressure on families.
Speaking at the commissioning, Speaker Bagbin described the project as an important investment in healthcare equity and social justice.
“For the mother praying beside the hospital bed of her child; for the father whose greatest wish is simply to remain healthy enough to provide for his family; for the young person with dreams still waiting to be fulfilled; and for every patient battling kidney disease in this region—this investment is for you.
“The people of the Upper West deserve to live with dignity. We deserve access to quality healthcare. We deserve opportunities to thrive without being disadvantaged by geography. Today’s commissioning is one important step towards that vision, but it must also inspire us to do even more,” he said.
He commended SHEILD and other partners for their contribution towards the project and called for continued collaboration to strengthen specialist healthcare services nationwide.
Board Director of SHEILD, Dr Sylvie Anie, said the expanded unit goes beyond the provision of equipment and infrastructure.
“This expanded Dialysis Unit represents far more than additional equipment or infrastructure. It represents hope for patients and families who have struggled for years to access specialised kidney care. Our vision is to ensure that quality healthcare becomes more accessible, more equitable, and more sustainable for every Ghanaian,” she said.
Another Board Director of SHEILD and specialist surgeon, Dr John Nkrumah Mills, said the project demonstrates the impact strategic partnerships can have on healthcare delivery.
“Sustainable healthcare requires investment in people, systems, partnerships and continuous capacity building. This facility demonstrates what is possible when partners unite around a shared vision of improving patient outcomes and strengthening our national health system,” he said.
The Medical Director of the Upper West Regional Hospital, Dr Philip K. K. Baabiineh, said the expanded unit would significantly improve the hospital’s ability to provide renal care.
“For many years, patients requiring dialysis had limited options and often travelled long distances under very difficult circumstances. This expansion strengthens our capacity to provide timely, high-quality renal care while reducing the burden on patients and their families. It is a major step forward in specialist healthcare delivery for northern Ghana,” he said.
He added that the hospital would continue to invest in staff training, equipment maintenance, and quality improvement to ensure sustainable service delivery.
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh described the initiative as consistent with government’s efforts to expand specialist healthcare services and reduce regional disparities in access to treatment.
“Government remains committed to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to specialised services across all regions of Ghana. Partnerships such as this complement national efforts to improve healthcare delivery and demonstrate the important role that collaboration plays in building a resilient health system,” he said.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by government officials, traditional leaders, Members of Parliament, development partners, healthcare professionals, private sector representatives, civil society organisations, and community representatives.
