Minister for Health, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has inaugurated new boards for four pivotal institutions in Ghana’s health sector, reaffirming the government’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage and implementing critical reforms across the system.

The newly sworn-in boards are for the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives, the Medical and Dental Council, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), and the Pharmacy Council.

These agencies are expected to play significant roles in tackling pressing health issues such as the rise in non-communicable diseases, health workforce migration, and the growing demand for accessible, quality healthcare.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, Mr Akandoh highlighted the central role these institutions will play in advancing the Ghana Medical Trust Fund initiative, also known as MahamaCares.

He stressed the importance of aligning their mandates with the nation’s evolving healthcare needs.

The Health Minister charged the Medical and Dental Council with upholding high ethical and professional standards in healthcare delivery nationwide.

He also urged the NHIA to review its benefit packages to prioritise financing for chronic disease management and preventative care.

Turning to the Pharmacy Council, Mr. Akandoh emphasised the need for stronger pharmaceutical regulation, improved drug distribution systems, and targeted efforts to combat the misuse of opioids, urging close collaboration with the private sector.

For the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives, the Minister tasked the new board with spearheading workforce reforms, enhancing training programmes, and curbing the brain drain of health professionals through robust professional development strategies.

He encouraged the new board members to work collaboratively and remain focused on the needs of Ghanaians.

“Whatever decisions we take, whatever reforms we make, the end goal must be to serve the common Ghanaian,” he stated.