In an end-of-year message, the Minister expressed gratitude to doctors, nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, administrators and other frontline staff for their selfless service, often carried out under challenging conditions.

“As we draw the curtains on the year, I extend warm greetings to all citizens, especially our dedicated health professionals across the length and breadth of our country,” he said.

Mr Akandoh noted that despite persistent challenges, the year had been characterised by commitment and a renewed focus on strengthening the country’s health system.

According to him, government had implemented deliberate measures to improve access to quality healthcare, strengthen health financing and place the welfare of health workers at the centre of policy decisions.

He assured health professionals that government remains committed to addressing concerns related to conditions of service, logistics and outstanding obligations, stressing that engagements with relevant institutions would continue to ensure fair and sustainable outcomes.

“Despite the challenges encountered, our collective resolve has remained strong,” the Minister stated, acknowledging the sacrifices health workers continue to make in saving lives and restoring hope to families.

Looking ahead to the new year, Mr Akandoh said the Ministry of Health would intensify efforts to expand health infrastructure, improve service delivery, strengthen preventive healthcare and advance the goal of equitable and affordable healthcare for all Ghanaians.

He also urged citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles and support national health programmes focused on disease prevention and health promotion.

The Health Minister concluded by wishing Ghanaians a peaceful end to the year and a prosperous, healthy New Year, invoking blessings of unity, progress and good health for the nation.

Addressing the Accountability Series in Accra on Monday, December 1, the Minister disclosed that the centres will be situated at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, and the Tamale Teaching Hospital. He noted that these facilities will play a critical role in expanding access to specialist cardiac care for Ghanaians.

Transitioning to broader reforms, Akandoh said the Ministry is embarking on a major retooling of primary health facilities to equip them with essential tools needed to deliver effective primary healthcare. He stressed that without the right equipment at the basic level, Ghana cannot achieve the quality of care citizens deserve.

The Minister also revealed that government is acquiring new DNA testing machines, with one expected to be installed at the Noguchi Memorial Hospital, to strengthen diagnostic capacity nationwide.

“We are going to retool our primary health facilities with the basic equipment required to deliver quality healthcare and give real meaning to primary healthcare. We are seeking to establish three catheterisation centres—at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, and the Tamale Teaching Hospital. We are also procuring a DNA testing machine for the Noguchi Memorial Hospital.”

He added that under the Mahama Cares initiative, both teaching and non-teaching hospitals will benefit from improved equipment to enhance the management of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions.

To ensure sustainability, Akandoh said the government is strengthening partnerships with the private sector, acknowledging that public resources alone cannot address the country’s health infrastructure needs. The new model, he explained, will allow private partners to provide equipment to public hospitals and receive reimbursement through claims-processing arrangements.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, December 1, 2025, Mr. Akandoh explained that the decision follows years of complaints from health facilities that the current tariffs do not reflect the true cost of care.

“Beginning next year, we’re going to increase the tariff in the NHIS to service providers. They have long complained that the tariffs are unrealistic, and so the government has decided to raise them by 120% on average. I believe this will be a game-changer,” he said.

The Minister added that the adjustment aims to boost the quality of healthcare delivery, restore confidence among providers, and ultimately improve services for NHIS subscribers.

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr Akandoh admitted that although the task has been challenging, his ministry remains committed to resolving the issues it inherited.

“Things have been tough for me since I assumed office, but I’m enjoying it. I’m determined to deliver, and God always comes through for me,” he said.

He revealed that the government met over 13,500 nurses and midwives who had been recruited without financial clearance under the previous administration, leaving them unpaid.

“We had two options: either send them home or let them work while we secure financial clearance. We chose the latter,” he explained.

According to the Minister, about 10,000 of these health professionals have now been placed on the government payroll, with 7,000 receiving their salaries regularly.

The remaining 6,500 are expected to be paid once their clearance is finalized.

He added that financial clearance has also been secured for 17,000 rotational and allied health interns, demonstrating the ministry’s commitment to clearing the backlog within just eight months of assuming office.

Mr Akandoh assured Ghanaians that the government is working diligently to rebuild the healthcare system and improve the welfare of health professionals nationwide.

Source: Farida Seidu| Adomonline

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Speaking on The Pulse on JoyNews, the Minister described the minority’s demand for an arrest as “fair,” reiterating that the law “must take its course.”

This comment follows a public statement by the minority that the suspect, identified as Ralph St. Williams, should face legal consequences for his actions.

The incident, which unfolded in the hospital’s emergency unit, was captured on video and went viral, sparking widespread outrage.

Minister Akandoh noted that he, too, supports full accountability: if it comes to arresting the individual, “it is fair.”

“I made that call, after my visit, to the media. It’s fair. I have insisted that the law must take its own course. So if there’s an assault, it’s a crime, alright, unless you tell me otherwise,” he added.

The assault occurred when Ralph and others breached the triage area of Ridge Hospital amid frustration over perceived delays in receiving care.

In response to the incident, the Ministry of Health condemned the attack and announced measures to bolster security at the hospital.

The Health Minister also constituted a committee to investigate the matter within a week and visited the facility to reassure staff of institutional support.

Source: Kenneth Awotwe Darko

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Speaking at the funeral service, Mintah Akandoh recounted how Dr. Boamah saw potential in him long before he recognised it himself, challenging him to aim higher, serve selflessly, and reject mediocrity.

He recalled the late minister’s encouragement to further his education, constant readiness to refine his speeches and policy ideas, and wise counsel during difficult political moments.

“In moments of doubt, you reminded me of my purpose. In moments of triumph, you reminded me to stay humble,” he said.

Mr. Akandoh also shared that 12 years ago, he and his family named their youngest son after the late minister, a testament to the profound bond they shared.

“Your death has left a void no title, no tribute, no time can fill. But your life has left a legacy that will guide mine forever,” he said.

Dr. Omane Boamah was among the eight victims of the August 6 military helicopter crash. He was laid to rest on August 15 in a state funeral that drew dignitaries, military officials, and hundreds of mourners.

Source: Adomonline.com

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His remarks follow a nationwide strike by members of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), who are demanding urgent improvements to their service conditions.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, Mr. Akandoh reiterated the government’s commitment to dialogue but highlighted the economic implications of the union’s proposals.

“The government remains open to further engagement, with the aim of implementing conditions of service in a way that does not disrupt the national budget,” he stated.

He noted that the proposed benefits were not included in the 2025 national budget and, if adopted in their current form, could place unsustainable pressure on the economy.

“We want to draw attention to the fact that the conditions being referenced are not captured in the 2025 budget and their immediate implementation would severely derail the country’s economic stability,” the Minister explained.

Mr. Akandoh emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility, pointing to the dangers of unplanned expenditure.

“We are fully aware of the serious economic consequences of unbudgeted spending. It is critical that we avoid a repeat of the economic challenges we’ve experienced in the past,” he said.

The Minister further appealed to the leadership of the GRNMA to return to the negotiation table in good faith to reach a mutually acceptable resolution.

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The Minister, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Juaboso, made the announcement in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, where he expressed gratitude to various individuals and groups for their contributions.

This follows President John Mahama’s earlier pledge to donate his six-month salary during the launch of the healthcare delivery initiative.

Mr. Akandoh further revealed that the Trade Minister, Elizabeth Ofosu Adjare, and the Gender Minister, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, have also pledged to contribute one month’s salary each in support of the fund.

He commended the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), the Pharmaceutical Association of Ghana, and the Nurses Association, among others, for their support.

“I was surprised that some people offered to voluntarily donate to the initiative. GMA gave us GH₵100,000, Nurses GH₵150,000, the Pharmaceutical Association and many individuals have pledged as well.

“A pensioner, Prof. Ayittey, has also donated $1,000. The support has been overwhelming. Very soon, we will launch a shortcode through which more people can voluntarily contribute,” he stated.

The fund aims to support individuals suffering from chronic conditions such as kidney failure, diabetes, and other serious health issues.

It fulfills a campaign promise President Mahama made to Ghanaians during the NDC manifesto launch on August 24, 2024, in Winneba.

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According to him, some issues need to be prioritised over building a cathedral.

He also emphasised that, the commitment to build the cathedral stemmed from a personal promise made by President Akufo-Addo to God and not Mahama.

Mr Akandoh said this in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, stating that, God would not even choose a cathedral over a hospital for instance.

“Ghanaians are not unreasonable people and the expectation will be along those lines. I don’t think any reasonable bystander expects President Mahama to build a cathedral within one week and I don’t think he will even do that.  John Mahama hasn’t promised God he will build a cathedral.

“People are dying from cholera and we don’t even to prevent it so why would we focus on building a cathedral. I will disagree with anybody. We are all Christians and nobody can be blackmailed. I believe God will be happy in heaven if we have proper hospitals and people are healthy,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Mr Mahama in July 2024, promised that his next administration will conduct a comprehensive investigation and forensic audit of the National Cathedral project.

He pledged to scrutinise every aspect of the project described as “the most expensive” to ensure value for money and adherence to good governance principles.

The former President explained that, the forensic audit would involve a detailed examination of financial transactions, procurement processes, and resource utilisation to identify any irregularities or instances of corruption and to hold those responsible accountable.

According to him, these buildings cannot be considered as hospitals if they lack essential medical resources to ensure healthcare delivery.

President Akufo-Addo on December 5, 2024, commissioned the Atwima Kwanwoma Municipal Hospital at Trede and the Oforikrom Municipal Hospital in the Ashanti Region under the Agenda 111 project.

Ahead of the commissioning, the Presidential Advisor on Health, Dr Anthony Nsiah-Asare announced there was a complete 100-bed hospital with an accident and emergency centre, with a neonatal unit and paediatric unit.

Additionally, he mentioned a maternity home, kitchen, mortuary, OPD, pharmacy, X-ray, and a laboratory, touting it as a complete hospital.

However, the Ranking Member Parliament Health Committee on Asempa FM Ekosii Sen programme indicated that, the hospitals are incomplete and not operational.

“The three they commissioned is even empty. There is nothing inside. Can anybody seek medical treatment there? A hospital is not a shrine to be worshipped but for people to seek treatment.

“If we have veronica buckets and thermometers in a hospital, it doesn’t mean all that is what is required for a hospital to be operational,” he stated.

Mr Akandoh noted that, the Mahama Transition Team in the coming days will update Ghanaians on the state of the health facilities.

He further claimed that, there is no dedicated funding to ensure continuity of the projects by the next government.

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At a press conference on Monday, Mr Akandoh alleged that, the transfer is part of an agenda to rig the 2024 election in his constituency.

Questioning the timing of the transfer, the MP lamented that, there is little time for his successor to familiarise himself with the District before the general election.

He, however, did not state when exactly this transfer took place.

“It is unreasonable that a District Commander will be transferred to a different role knowing the “difficult terrain we have in Juaboso constituency. You obviously need more than eight days as a security capo [captain] to survey the system to be able to lead your security personnel into such a crucial election,” he stated.

Mr Akanodh emphasised that the elections must be free, fair, unified without intimidation so whoever wins or loses accepts the outcome.

Mr. Akandoh added that the changes casts doubts on the IGP’s integrity despite his pledge to ensure a free, peaceful and transparent election.

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As Ranking Member of Parliament’s Health Committee, the MP pointed out that this policy will allow kidney patients under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to receive free dialysis treatment starting December 1, 2024.

Vice President and NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia announced the policy at a stakeholder meeting in the Old Tafo Pankrono Constituency in the Ashanti Region, following a successful six-month pilot program that provided free dialysis for patients under 18 and over 60 years old.

In an interview on Ekosii Sen on Asempa FM, Mr. Akandoh criticized the timing of the announcement, suggesting it is an attempt to gain votes in the December 7 election.

He argued that the government should have introduced the policy earlier, particularly when the dialysis crisis intensified.

“Before renal issues became topical in this country, what was the government doing all this while? This has been captured in the NDC’s manifesto since 2020—when did the NPP realize it was possible to implement?” he remarked. “At a point, I was a lone voice on dialysis issues in this country. The Vice President was in Ghana but remained silent, and now, barely three weeks before elections, he has finally decided to act? It is too late,” he stated.

Mr. Akandoh further noted that the policy may fail to have the intended impact or be fully implemented, as he believes the NPP will lose the upcoming election.

Mr. Akandoh expressed confidence that former President John Mahama will win the election, paving the way for the implementation of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares), which will cater to all individuals with chronic diseases.

“This is clear and unambiguous,” he stated.

Listen to Mintah Akandoh in the audio above:

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Contrary to these claims, the Joaboso Member of Parliament explained that the house had instead advocated for the exemption of taxes on the regents for dialysis.

This clarification comes in response to the recent implementation of revised fees for dialysis treatment by the hospital. Previously priced at GH¢380, the cost has now surged to GH¢491.

The Renal Patients Association of Ghana has expressed concern over this hike, citing the additional financial burden it places on patients who were already struggling to manage the previous bills.

According to the association, even the previous cost was challenging for patients to afford, often requiring assistance from friends and family to cover the expenses.

In an interview with Accra-based Citi FM on Tuesday, May 14, Mr. Akandoh emphasised that Parliament did not sanction the increased fees imposed by the hospital.

He reiterated that the House had advocated for removing taxes on dialysis regents, not for implementing higher charges for patients.

Assuring swift action, Mr Akandoh stated that Parliament would take the necessary steps to ensure a reversal of the hike without delay.

He underscored the importance of affordable healthcare access for all citizens, particularly those in need of critical treatments such as dialysis.

“We never agreed at the committee level that the cost of dialysis must be increased. What happened was that the Ministry of Finance must waive all taxes on the [regent] of dialysis. So, it came to me as a shock when all the media houses were calling to tell me that fees had been increased. I don’t get it.

“Then, when you talk about that they make it sound as though parliament that has done some proposal and has gone ahead to approve it,” he said.

According to statistics, nearly 1,300 Ghanaians are on dialysis, and a renal patient requires about 12 sessions of dialysis a month. With the cost of GH₵380 per dialysis increased to GHS491, a patient will need nearly GHS6,000 a month for the full session.

NHIA to implement 6-month dialysis support on June 1 – CEO reveals

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Aboagye Da-Costa, has revealed that his outfit will commence its intended support for dialysis treatment on June 1. Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Wednesday, May 15, Dr Da-Costa noted that the support would be implemented for the next six months.

This initiative follows the approval of GH₵2 million by Parliament to assist patients requiring dialysis in various parts of the country.

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According to him, the hospital cannot change the fees or charges without first consulting Parliament, as the law states.

His comment follows the recent hike in the cost of kidney dialysis treatment at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital from ₵380 to ₵765.

KBTH’s Public Relations Officer, Mustapha Salifu, explained that this increment is as a result of the high taxes and import duties on consumables.

Government, Mr. Salifu disclosed, has removed the tax exemption on these consumables, hence the need to inflate the price to cover the cost of the service.

According to him, should the hospital revert to its old price, it may have to shut down the dialysis centre in a matter of days.

The increase in cost may soon be replicated in other regional hospitals across the country.

But speaking on the JoyFM Midday News, Mintah Akandoh said the hospital’s fees and charges are regulated by the Fees and Charges Act, thus any price change must be approved by parliament.

“To start with it is illegal because every public health facility, their fees and charges must be regulated by what we call fees and charges act. So your fees and charges must be approved by parliament. You just can’t sit at the hospital and fix fees or charges anyhow,” he said.

He added that as far as he is aware, no such issue has been put before the Health Committee, thus the price hike is illegal.

“And I am not aware from where I sit as a Ranking Member on Parliament’s Health Committee, I am not aware and I don’t know and we have not done such a thing, we have not approved that 765 they want to charge.

“So please, in as much as I agree that there’s high inflation, in as much as I agree there’s economic hardship going on, I think that citizens must not pay for the recklessness of government,” he said.

He had earlier called on the government to restore the tax exemption on the consumables to reduce the cost of treatment at the hospitals.

 “We are calling on government to, as a matter of urgency, restore the tax exemptions on these items that have necessitated the astronomical increase in the cost of dialysis.

“It is quite unconscionable, highly unacceptable, we are talking about health care, we are talking about dialysis, something that you need not less than two or three times within a week, and you’re moving the price from 380 ghana cedis to 765.

“The government is so insensitive to the extent that now we’re pushing people into the grave. How can we do this? How?”

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Joseph Amo, 32, who was driving the MP in a car with registration number GN 441-14 was with General Corporal Joseph Ntimbe, the bodyguard travelling from Sefwi Juaboso to Kumasi.

Police say, Mr Amo, in a bid to overtake a vehicle ahead, collided head-on with the Mercedes Benz Sprinter Bus with registration Number AS 7363-18, a Kumasi-Sefwi Wiawso bound bus at Twere Nyame.

All passengers on board the Sprinter Bus also sustained a varied degree of injuries in the accident which occurred at about 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2023.

All the occupants of the MP’s vehicle were rushed to Nyinahin Government Hospital for treatment.

 They were later referred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for further treatment.

Police and hospital sources say the MP is responding well to treatment.

The incident occurred while the MP was returning home from a funeral in his constituency on Saturday evening.

A constituency executive member, Moses Danso, who confirmed the development to Adom News, said Mr Akandoh’s car collided head-on with a sprinter travelling from Kumasi.

The impact of the crash left Mr Akandoh and his entourage with various degrees of injuries, prompting immediate medical attention.

Emergency services rushed the injured MP and his team to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi for treatment.

Fortunately, it has been reported that Mr Akandoh and his entourage are responding well to treatment.

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Per his calculations, a generous 70% of economic crisis could be resolved if the government pays close attention to the agric sector.

Mr Akandoh revealed that limiting the importation of food products into the country and focusing on our Agric produce will help boost the economy of the country and reduce the pressure the dollar has weighed on the cedis.

“There is a lot of demand of the dollar in the country, hence reducing and shaking our cedis in the economic world and the country. We are importing rice, sugar, oil, poultry products, maize, and these aforementioned goods are what the dollar depends on,” he said.

Mr Akandoh said that the country can concentrate on producing and feeding on at least two of such imported produce in the country.

He again opined that over 80-85% of goods that make the economy favourable are only presentable in books, but do not reflect in the actual finances.

“If we produce our own food, won’t the country have food to eat? Won’t the money stay in the country and help boost our economy?”

He went on to make reference to his engagement in farming in his locality and employing people on the farm as a means of helping solve the economic and unemployment menace in the country.

Mr Akandoh made the submission following the recent celebration of farmers for their hard work in producing food for the country.

His advice comes after the MP for Ablekuma West sat on the laps of Mr Akandoh on Thursday, January 7, 2021 without his consent.

According to Mr Bentil, sitting on someone’s lap without their consent is an assault hence his advice.

He gave the advice on his Facebook page while commenting on the incident, saying Mr Akandoh will win the case if he should sue.

The incident took place amid confusion in Parliament’s Chamber during the early hours of the dissolution of the 7th Parliament of the Republic of Ghana.

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There was chaos in the House after MPs from the National Democratic Congress side occupied the seats meant for their majority colleagues.

Explaining what transpired to Joy News’ Winston Amoah and Evans Mensah, Mr Akandoh said Mrs Owusu-Ekuful refused to sit with her party only to take a seat he was already occupying.

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