Government to Implement a National Retooling Programme to Upgrade Healthcare -Health Minister

The Minister for Health, Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has disclosed that the government will implement a national retooling programme that upgrades diagnostic imaging, strengthens laboratory and pathology services.

It would also expand dialysis capacity and integrate digital systems that support rapid clinical decision-making.

“These investments transform our hospitals into modern centres of excellence and position us to confront both current disease burdens and emerging threats with precision and speed,” he added.

He disclosed this at the WHX Leaders Africa 2025 summit on Monday in Accra. Noting that the WHX has become a platform where ambitions are converted into action and where Africa’s vision for health sovereignty gains clarity, strength, and direction.

He said no continent can be sovereign while importing most of its medicines and nearly all its vaccines. Noting that for Africa to lead in 2050, Africa must invest in regional manufacturing hubs, strengthen pharmaceutical and medical-device production, harmonise regulatory systems, and build strong public–private partnerships that accelerate technology transfer.

He said Ghana’s growing vaccine manufacturing capabilities and regulatory reforms reflect its readiness to drive the continental agenda.

“Yet even the strongest national vision cannot succeed without partnerships. Health sovereignty is not about walking alone; it is about leading a collective effort. It requires development partners to align with African priorities, not to create parallel systems. It requires regional integration, shared procurement, coordinated surveillance, pooled supply chains, and harmonised regulation and partners who are willing to move beyond traditional assistance toward long-term, mutually reinforcing collaboration. When partnerships are aligned with the African vision, they amplify our strength,” he emphasised.

He stated that Ghana’s Free Primary Healthcare Programme, distinct from the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, removes financial barriers at the point of care and strengthens community-level delivery, giving every Ghanaian a fair chance at early detection, disease prevention, and timely intervention. Adding that supported by digital tools and AI-enabled diagnostics, it reflects our conviction that health is a right, not a privilege.

According to the Minister, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund secures advanced care such as oncology, dialysis, complex surgeries, and specialised diagnostics.

Mr Mintah Akandoh hinted that the government of Ghana is building a centralised national health intelligence database that will allow for real-time data analytics, greater transparency, and truly evidence-based decision-making at every level of the health system.

“To support this, we are developing a national middleware layer onto which all digital health platforms will be integrated. This ensures interoperability, national ownership of all data generated, and the ability to use that data to improve the lives of our people,” he added.

stated that Africa has the potential to be a global leader in healthcare innovation, manufacturing, and delivery by 2050. With bold investments, technology-driven solutions, and strategic partnerships, the continent can move from dependency to dominance.

Grace Acheampong, ISD